1. 1431 – Joan of Arc is burned at the stake
On February 21, 1431, Joan of Arc, the French heroine and military leader, was executed by burning at the stake in Rouen, France. She was only 19 years old at the time of her death. Joan had been captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, and handed over to the English forces. She was tried for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing, charges that were politically motivated to undermine her influence. Her death marked a tragic end to her mission of leading French forces during the Hundred Years’ War, but she later became a symbol of French unity and nationalism.
2. 1804 – The Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
On February 21, 1804, the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition set out from Camp Dubois near present-day Illinois. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the expedition’s goal was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a team of around 45 members, including Sacagawea, a Native American guide. This expedition provided valuable information about the geography, biology, and native peoples of the western United States. It paved the way for westward expansion and has become a defining moment in American history.
3. 1848 – The Communist Manifesto is published in London
On February 21, 1848, the first edition of “The Communist Manifesto,” written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in London. This political pamphlet laid out the principles of communism and called for the working class to rise against the bourgeoisie. It became one of the most influential political documents in history, inspiring numerous socialist movements and revolutions worldwide. The manifesto discusses class struggles, historical materialism, and the idea of a classless society. Its impact continues to be felt in political theory and practice to this day.
4. 1916 – The Battle of Verdun begins during World War I
On February 21, 1916, the Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I, began between French and German forces. The German army launched an offensive aimed at capturing the fortress city of Verdun in northeastern France. The battle lasted for about ten months, resulting in massive casualties on both sides, with estimates of over 700,000 killed, wounded, or missing. Verdun became a symbol of French determination and resilience during the war. The battle also highlighted the brutal nature of trench warfare and the high human cost of the conflict.
5. 1965 – Malcolm X is assassinated in New York City
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X, the African American Muslim minister and human rights activist, was assassinated while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. Born Malcolm Little, he became a prominent figure advocating for Black empowerment and the promotion of African American rights. His ideas evolved over time, moving from separatism towards a more inclusive approach after his pilgrimage to Mecca. His assassination was carried out by members of the Nation of Islam, an organization he had previously been part of but later criticized. Malcolm X’s legacy continues to influence civil rights movements and discussions on race and justice.
6. 1972 – President Richard Nixon visits China
On February 21, 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon arrived in Beijing for a historic visit to the People’s Republic of China. This marked the first time a sitting American president had visited the communist nation since its founding in 1949. The visit aimed to normalize diplomatic relations and open dialogue during the Cold War, easing tensions between the two countries. Nixon met with Chinese leader Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, setting the stage for improved bilateral cooperation. The trip is considered a diplomatic breakthrough that reshaped global geopolitics.
7. 1974 – The Terracotta Army is discovered in China
On February 21, 1974, farmers near the city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province uncovered the first fragments of the Terracotta Army. This astonishing archaeological find revealed thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses buried with China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The army was meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife and demonstrate his power. The discovery provided remarkable insights into ancient Chinese art, military organization, and burial practices. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in China.
8. 1988 – The Halabja chemical attack occurs in Iraq
On February 21, 1988, during the closing days of the Iran-Iraq War, the Kurdish town of Halabja in Iraq was attacked with chemical weapons by Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Thousands of civilians were killed or injured in one of the deadliest chemical attacks in history. The attack used a combination of nerve agents and mustard gas, causing horrific casualties. It drew international condemnation and highlighted the brutal tactics used in the conflict. The Halabja massacre remains a tragic symbol of human rights abuses against the Kurdish population.
9. 1995 – Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly solo nonstop across the Pacific Ocean
On February 21, 1995, adventurer Steve Fossett completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Pacific Ocean. Fossett flew from Japan to the United States in his single-engine aircraft, demonstrating remarkable skill and endurance. This achievement added to his reputation as a pioneering aviator and explorer. Fossett’s flight helped advance knowledge in aviation technology and long-distance flight capabilities. His feats inspired many in the fields of adventure and exploration.
10. 2008 – Kosovo declares independence from Serbia
On February 21, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, marking a significant moment in the Balkans’ political landscape. The declaration was met with mixed reactions internationally, with some countries recognizing Kosovo as a sovereign state and others opposing it. Kosovo’s independence followed years of conflict, ethnic tensions, and negotiations after the breakup of Yugoslavia. The move led to ongoing debates about sovereignty, self-determination, and international law. Kosovo’s status remains a complex and sensitive issue in global politics.