1. 164 BC – The rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (Hanukkah)
On November 21, 164 BC, the Jewish Maccabees rededicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire. This event is commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which celebrates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. The Maccabees, led by Judah Maccabee, reclaimed their religious freedom and cleansed the temple from Hellenistic influences. The rededication marked a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing resilience and faith. Hanukkah continues to be observed annually with lighting the menorah, prayers, and traditional foods.
2. 1783 – The first untethered hot air balloon flight
On November 21, 1783, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes made the first untethered manned flight in a hot air balloon over Paris. This historic flight lasted approximately 25 minutes and covered about five miles. It demonstrated the potential for human flight, sparking interest and innovation in aviation. The balloon was constructed by the Montgolfier brothers, pioneers in ballooning technology. This event marked the beginning of the era of human flight and aeronautical exploration.
3. 1789 – North Carolina becomes the 12th U.S. state
On November 21, 1789, North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution, becoming the 12th state to join the Union. This ratification was crucial for the establishment of the new federal government under the Constitution. North Carolina had initially been hesitant to join due to concerns over the lack of a Bill of Rights. Their acceptance helped to solidify the United States as a unified country. The state played important roles in the early development of the nation politically and economically.
4. 1877 – Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph
On November 21, 1877, Thomas Edison publicly demonstrated the phonograph for the first time. This invention was revolutionary in the field of sound recording and playback. Edison’s phonograph could record voices and music onto a tinfoil-covered cylinder, allowing sounds to be played back later. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the modern music industry and audio recording technology. Edison’s demonstration was met with great excitement and marked a milestone in technological innovation.
5. 1920 – The first radio broadcast of a football game
On November 21, 1920, the first live radio broadcast of a football game was transmitted. The game was between the University of Pittsburgh and the University of West Virginia. This broadcast was a landmark in sports media, bringing live sports coverage into homes for the first time. It paved the way for the widespread popularity of radio as a medium for live event broadcasting. The ability to follow games remotely transformed how fans engaged with sports.
6. 1945 – Nuremberg Trials begin
On November 21, 1945, the Nuremberg Trials commenced, prosecuting prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes. Held in Nuremberg, Germany, these trials were a pivotal moment in international law and justice. They established the precedent that individuals, including heads of state, could be held accountable for crimes against humanity. The trials exposed the atrocities committed during World War II and sought to bring justice to victims. They also contributed to the development of human rights legislation and international criminal law.
7. 1969 – The first ARPANET message is sent
On November 21, 1969, the first message was sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet. The message was intended to be the word “LOGIN” but the system crashed after the first two letters, transmitting only “LO.” This event marked the beginning of computer networking and digital communication as we know it today. ARPANET was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to connect research institutions. The success of this project eventually led to the creation of the global internet.
8. 1970 – The Soviet Union launches the Venera 7 to Venus
On November 21, 1970, the Soviet Union launched Venera 7, the first spacecraft designed to land on another planet and transmit data back to Earth. Venera 7’s mission was to study Venus’s atmosphere and surface conditions. In December 1970, it successfully landed on Venus and sent back the first data from the planet’s surface. This achievement was a major milestone in space exploration and planetary science. It provided valuable insights into Venus’s extreme temperatures and pressure.
9. 1980 – The Solidarity movement is recognized in Poland
On November 21, 1980, the Polish government officially recognized Solidarity (Solidarność), the first independent labor union in the Soviet bloc. Led by Lech Wałęsa, Solidarity played a crucial role in advocating for workers’ rights and political reform. This recognition marked a significant victory for the movement and a challenge to communist authority in Poland. Solidarity’s efforts helped inspire democratic change across Eastern Europe. The movement eventually contributed to the collapse of communist regimes in the region.
10. 1995 – The Dayton Agreement is initialed
On November 21, 1995, the leaders of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia initialed the Dayton Agreement, ending the Bosnian War. The agreement was negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. It established a framework for peace and the political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton Agreement helped stop years of ethnic conflict and violence in the Balkans. It remains a key reference point for peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts worldwide.