World
On This Day In History - March 21
By CM Chaney · March 21, 2024
On This Day In History - March 21
"On This Day in History" is a captivating journey through time, revisiting the most significant events that have occurred on this very date throughout the years.From monumental political decisions and groundbreaking scientific discoveries to unforgettable moments in sports and cultural milestones, each article in this series will transport you back to a specific day, offering a glimpse into the past and revealing how these events have shaped our world.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating stories that have left an indelible mark on history. Wikimedia
1556: Protestant Archbishop Thomas Cranmer Burned at the Stake
Thomas Cranmer, the first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury, was executed by burning for heresy under the reign of Roman Catholic queen Mary I, known as "Bloody Mary." Wikimedia/Gerlach Flicke
1685: Johann Sebastian Bach, Legendary Composer, Born in Germany
Johann Sebastian Bach, widely regarded as the greatest composer in history, was born on this day in Germany, leaving an unparalleled legacy in classical music. Wikimedia/Johnhuxley
1768: Joseph Fourier, Influential French Mathematician, Born in Auxerre
Joseph Fourier, the French mathematician whose work "The Analytical Theory of Heat" (1822) greatly influenced mathematical physics, was born on this day in Auxerre, France. Wikimedia/Amédée Félix Barthélemy Geille
1806: Benito Juárez, Mexican National Hero, Born in Oaxaca
Benito Juárez, a revered Mexican national hero who served as the country's president, was born on this day in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca. Wikimedia
1880: Abstract Expressionism Pioneer Hans Hofmann Born in Germany
German painter Hans Hofmann, an influential art educator and trailblazer in improvisational techniques, paving the way for American Abstract Expressionism, was born on this day. Wikimedia/David Adam Kess
1918: WWI: Second Battle of the Somme Commences
On this day during World War I, the Second Battle of the Somme began, marking another major offensive on the Western Front. Wikimedia
1925: Tennessee's Butler Act Bans Teaching Evolution, Sparking Scopes Trial
Tennessee Governor signed the Butler Act, prohibiting the teaching of evolution in state schools, leading to the famous Scopes Trial; the law remained until 1967. Wikimedia/Mike Licht
1960: Sharpeville Massacre: South African Police Kill 70 Black Protesters
In Sharpeville, Gauteng, South Africa, police opened fire on approximately 70 Black African demonstrators protesting the country's discriminatory pass laws, killing them in what became known as the Sharpeville Massacre. Wikimedia/Matt Brown
1963: Alcatraz Federal Prison Closes Its Doors
The notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, located on San Francisco Bay and home to infamous inmates like Al Capone and the "Birdman," Robert Stroud, officially closed on this day in 1963. Wikimedia/Chris6d
1965: MLK Jr. Leads Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery
Martin Luther King, Jr. and fellow civil rights activists embarked on a protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to advocate for voting rights and racial equality. Wikimedia
1980: US Boycotts Moscow Olympics Over Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
President Jimmy Carter declared that the United States would boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow as a protest against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Wikimedia/Валентин Ботенков
1980: "Who Shot J.R.?" - Dallas Cliffhanger Captivates America
The season 3 finale of Dallas left viewers stunned as J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) was shot, sparking the iconic phrase "Who shot J.R.?" that became a cultural phenomenon. Wikimedia/slgckgc
1990: Namibia Gains Independence After Century of Foreign Rule
Namibia achieved its independence on this day, ending 106 years of German and South African colonial rule over the Southern African nation. Wikimedia/President's Secretariat
2006: Jack Dorsey Sends First-Ever Public Tweet
Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey posted the platform's first public tweet, simply stating, "just setting up my twttr," marking the beginning of the social media giant. Wikimedia/JD Lasica