Historical Events on November 21: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on November 21, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on November 21 - Key Moments Throughout History

1902 First Professional Night Football Game in History: On November 21, 1902, the Philadelphia Football Athletics defeated the Kanaweola Athletic Club of Elmira, New York, 39–0, in the first-ever professional American football night game. The game was played under electric lights at the Maple Avenue Driving Park in Elmira. source: en.wikipedia.org
1905 Einstein's mass-energy equivalence paper published: On November 21, 1905, Albert Einstein's groundbreaking paper on mass-energy equivalence, introducing the famous equation E=mc², was published. This work fundamentally changed the understanding of physics and energy. source: britannica.com
1908 Birth of Elizabeth George Speare, notable children's author: Elizabeth George Speare was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, USA. She was an American writer of children's historical fiction, best known for 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' and 'The Bronze Bow'. source: penguinrandomhouse.com
1913 Roy Boulting Birth: Roy Boulting, a British film director and producer, was born on November 21, 1913. He was known for his work in the British film industry during the mid-20th century. source: en.wikipedia.org
1914 Yale Bowl opens with Harvard-Yale football game: The Yale Bowl, the first bowl-shaped stadium in the U.S., opened on November 21, 1914, hosting the annual Harvard-Yale football game. The inaugural game saw Harvard defeat Yale 36–0, with an attendance of over 68,000 spectators. source: en.wikipedia.org
1916 Death of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria: Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary died on November 21, 1916, after a 66-year reign. He was succeeded by his great-nephew, Archduke Charles, who sought to end Austria-Hungary's involvement in World War I. source: centenaryww1orange.com.au
1918 Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918 passed in UK: The UK Parliament passed the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918, allowing women over 21 to stand for election as Members of Parliament. This legislation enabled women to participate as parliamentary candidates, though they could not vote until the Representation of the People Act 1928. source: parliament.uk
1920 Bloody Sunday during the Anglo-Irish War: On November 21, 1920, known as Bloody Sunday, a series of violent events occurred in Dublin, including the Croke Park massacre. This day marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Irish republicans and British forces. source: bbc.com
1921 Canada receives first official armorial bearings: On November 21, 1921, Canada was granted its first official armorial bearings, symbolizing the country's identity and heritage. This event marked a significant moment in Canadian history and national pride. source: canada.ca
1924 Ali Fethi Okyar forms third Turkish government: On November 21, 1924, Ali Fethi Okyar, a moderate politician and former prime minister, formed the third government of Turkey, succeeding İsmet İnönü. His cabinet aimed to stabilize the nation following the rise of the Progressive Republican Party. source: en.wikipedia.org
1925 Lava Beds National Monument established: On November 21, 1925, President Calvin Coolidge established the Lava Beds National Monument in California, preserving the unique volcanic landscape and historical sites in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
1928 King George V's serious illness in November 1928: In November 1928, King George V fell seriously ill with septicaemia, which localized between the base of his right lung and diaphragm in the form of an empyema that required drainage. For the next two years, his son Edward took over many of his duties. source: britannica.com
1929 Hoover's labor and business conference: On November 21, 1929, President Herbert Hoover continued his labor and business conference discussions, focusing on economic recovery strategies. This meeting involved key stakeholders from various sectors, aiming to address the economic challenges of the time. Hoover's initiatives were crucial in attempting to stabilize the economy during the onset of the Great Depression. source: archives.gov
1934 Ella Fitzgerald's Apollo Theater debut: Ella Fitzgerald made her debut at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, on November 21, 1934. This performance marked a significant milestone in her career, leading to her rise as one of the most celebrated jazz singers of all time. source: biography.com
1937 Birth of Marlo Thomas: Marlo Thomas, an American actress and activist, was born on November 21, 1937. source: biography.com
1938 Partial Solar Eclipse of November 1938: A partial solar eclipse occurred on November 21, 1938, with a magnitude of 0.7781. It was visible in parts of Northeast Asia, Hawaii, and western North America. source: en.wikipedia.org
1941 German forces capture Rostov: On November 21, 1941, German forces captured the city of Rostov-on-Don during their campaign in the Soviet Union. This strategic victory was part of Operation Barbarossa, aimed at securing key territories. source: britannica.com
1942 Alaska Highway construction milestone: On November 21, 1942, the Alaska Highway was officially dedicated at Soldier's Summit, marking a significant achievement in connecting Alaska to the continental U.S. and Canada during World War II. source: army.mil
1944 USS submarine action in Formosa Strait: On November 21, 1944, U.S. submarines engaged in significant actions in the Formosa Strait, targeting Japanese shipping. This operation was part of the broader strategy to disrupt Japanese supply lines during World War II. source: britannica.com
1945 General Motors workers go on strike: On November 21, 1945, approximately 320,000 workers from 96 General Motors plants initiated a nationwide strike. The United Auto Workers (UAW) demanded a 30% wage increase and a halt to product price hikes, leading to a 113-day work stoppage. source: en.wikipedia.org
1947 UN Conference on Trade and Employment in Havana: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Employment was held in Havana, Cuba, from November 21 to March 24, 1948, aiming to establish the International Trade Organization. source: en.wikipedia.org
1949 New Zealand announces national anthems: On November 21, 1949, New Zealand officially announced its national anthems, 'God Defend New Zealand' and 'God Save the King.' This decision reflected the country's evolving national identity post-World War II. source: govt.nz
1950 US 7th Infantry Division reaches Yalu River: On November 21, 1950, the US 7th Infantry Division reached the Yalu River during the Korean War. This advance marked a significant moment in the conflict, as it brought American forces closer to the Chinese border. source: archives.gov
1951 Birth of Thomas Roth, prominent German television news anchor: Thomas Roth, a well-known German television news anchor, was born on November 21, 1951. He gained prominence for his work in journalism and has been a significant figure in German media. source: britannica.com
1952 Jomo Kenyatta arrested by British colonial authorities: On November 21, 1952, Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent leader in the struggle for Kenyan independence, was arrested by British colonial authorities. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown on the Mau Mau movement, which sought to end colonial rule in Kenya. source: britannica.com
1953 Piltdown Man hoax exposed: On November 21, 1953, scientists announced that the Piltdown Man fossils, discovered in 1912, were a deliberate hoax, consisting of modern human and orangutan bones. source: theguardian.com
1955 Elvis Presley signs with RCA Records: On November 21, 1955, Elvis Presley signed his first contract with RCA Records, marking a significant milestone in his music career. The deal included the purchase of his Sun Records contract for $35,000, along with a $5,000 bonus for Presley. This agreement granted RCA ownership of his five Sun singles and unreleased material. The contract was signed in the presence of RCA executives and Presley's parents. source: elvisnews.com
1956 Don Newcombe wins historic baseball awards: On November 21, 1956, Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe was named the National League Most Valuable Player, becoming the first pitcher to win both the MVP and the inaugural Cy Young Award in the same season. He achieved a 27–7 record with a 3.06 ERA and 139 strikeouts. source: mlb.com
1958 Death of Baseball Legend Mel Ott: Mel Ott, a Hall of Fame baseball player known for his time with the New York Giants, passed away on November 21, 1958. He was celebrated for his powerful hitting and was one of the first players to hit over 500 home runs in Major League Baseball. source: britannica.com
1959 Alan Freed fired from WABC Radio in payola scandal: Alan Freed, a prominent radio DJ known for popularizing rock and roll, was dismissed from WABC Radio amid allegations of payola, a practice where radio stations were paid to play certain songs. This scandal significantly impacted his career and the music industry at large, highlighting issues of ethics in broadcasting. source: nytimes.com
1960 Mercury-Redstone 1 launch attempt: The Mercury-Redstone 1 launch attempt took place on November 21, 1960, as part of NASA's early human spaceflight program. The mission aimed to test the Redstone rocket but was ultimately unsuccessful due to a technical failure before liftoff. source: nasa.gov
1962 Cuban Missile Crisis resolution: On November 21, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis was officially resolved when the United States and the Soviet Union reached an agreement to withdraw missiles from Cuba and Turkey. This marked a significant de-escalation in Cold War tensions. source: archives.gov
1963 JFK flies to Texas: On November 21, 1963, President John F. Kennedy departed for Texas on a political trip aimed at easing tensions within the Democratic Party. This trip would be his last, as he was assassinated the following day in Dallas. source: history.com
1964 Verrazano Narrows Bridge opens to traffic: The Verrazano Narrows Bridge, connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City, officially opened on November 21, 1964. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and remains a vital transportation link. source: nyc.gov
1965 UNDP established: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established on November 21, 1965, to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty globally. It focuses on various areas including governance, health, and education, working in over 170 countries. source: undp.org
1966 Military coup suppression in Togo: On November 21, 1966, a military coup was suppressed in Togo, leading to significant political changes in the country. This event marked a critical moment in Togo's history. source: bbc.com
1969 First permanent ARPANET link established: On November 21, 1969, the first permanent link of the ARPANET was established between UCLA and Stanford Research Institute. This event marked a significant milestone in the development of the internet. source: britannica.com
1970 Death of C.V. Raman, renowned Indian physicist: On November 21, 1970, C.V. Raman, the renowned Indian physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away. Raman was celebrated for his discovery of the Raman effect, which explains the change in the wavelength of light when it is scattered by molecules. source: en.wikipedia.org
1972 South Korean Constitutional Referendum: A constitutional referendum was held in South Korea on November 21, 1972, which resulted in the approval of a new constitution that established a presidential system. This referendum was part of President Park Chung-hee's efforts to consolidate power and was marked by significant political controversy. source: britannica.com
1974 Birmingham pub bombings occur in England: On November 21, 1974, two pub bombings in Birmingham, England, resulted in 21 deaths and over 180 injuries. The attacks were attributed to the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and marked a significant escalation in the conflict in Northern Ireland. source: bbc.com
1976 Birth of Romanian long-distance runner Mihaela Botezan: Mihaela Botezan, a prominent Romanian long-distance runner, was born on November 21, 1976. She would go on to represent Romania in various international competitions, contributing to the country's athletic legacy. source: athletics.org
1977 Concorde's first London to New York flight: The Concorde made its inaugural commercial flight from London to New York on November 21, 1977, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This supersonic passenger jet reduced travel time across the Atlantic, revolutionizing air travel. source: bbc.com
1979 US Embassy in Islamabad attacked and burned by mob: On November 21, 1979, a large mob of Pakistani citizens stormed the US Embassy in Islamabad, setting it ablaze. The rioters, primarily students from Quaid-i-Azam University and members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, were incited by false Iranian radio reports accusing the US of orchestrating the Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca. The attack resulted in the deaths of four embassy personnel and two protesters, with over 70 others injured. The Pakistani Army intervened to rescue the trapped embassy staff and restore order. source: news.bbc.co.uk
1980 Deadly MGM Grand Hotel Fire in Las Vegas: On November 21, 1980, a devastating fire erupted at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in 85 fatalities, primarily due to smoke inhalation. The fire began in a restaurant known as The Deli and rapidly spread through the casino and hotel tower, causing extensive damage. This tragedy remains the deadliest disaster in Nevada's history and led to significant changes in fire safety regulations for hotels and casinos. source: en.wikipedia.org
1981 Mass anti-nuclear missile protest in Amsterdam: On November 21, 1981, approximately 400,000 to 450,000 people participated in a large demonstration in Amsterdam against the deployment of nuclear weapons in Europe. Organized by the Interkerkelijk Vredesberaad (Interdenominational Peace Council) in collaboration with political parties, unions, and peace groups, the protest was the largest in the Netherlands since World War II. Demonstrators marched to express opposition to NATO's plans to station 572 nuclear missiles in Western Europe, including 48 cruise missiles in the Netherlands. source: en.wikipedia.org
1982 Darrell Waltrip wins 1982 NASCAR Cup Series Championship: Darrell Waltrip secured his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 1982, finishing 72 points ahead of runner-up Bobby Allison. The season concluded with the Winston Western 500 at Riverside International Raceway on November 21, 1982, where Tim Richmond claimed victory. source: en.wikipedia.org
1983 Murder of Lynda Mann in Narborough, Leicestershire: On November 21, 1983, 15-year-old Lynda Mann was found raped and strangled on a deserted footpath in Narborough, Leicestershire, England. This case marked the first use of DNA profiling in a criminal investigation in the UK, leading to the eventual conviction of Colin Pitchfork in 1988. source: washingtonpost.com
1984 Operation Moses: Ethiopian Jewish Refugee Evacuation: Operation Moses began on November 21, 1984, facilitating the evacuation of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. This covert operation was a response to the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, allowing thousands to escape famine and persecution. source: jewishvirtuallibrary.org
1985 Jonathan Pollard arrested for espionage in 1985: Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, was arrested on November 21, 1985, for spying for Israel. He was convicted of passing classified information to the Israeli government, which led to significant diplomatic tensions. Pollard was sentenced to life in prison but was released on parole in 2015 after serving 30 years. source: bbc.com
1986 Oliver North and Fawn Hall begin shredding Iran-Contra documents: On November 21, 1986, National Security Council staff member Oliver North and his secretary, Fawn Hall, began destroying documents related to the Iran-Contra affair. This action aimed to conceal their involvement in the illegal sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of proceeds to Nicaraguan rebels. The destruction of these documents became a significant aspect of the subsequent investigations into the scandal. source: washingtonpost.com
1987 Jonathan Pollard arrested for espionage: Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, was arrested on November 21, 1985, for spying for Israel. He was convicted of passing classified information to the Israeli government, which led to significant diplomatic tensions. Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987 and was released in 2015 after serving 30 years. source: nytimes.com
1988 Canadian Federal Election: Mulroney's Second Majority: On November 21, 1988, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative Party secured a second consecutive majority government in the Canadian federal election. The party won 169 seats, a decrease from their previous 211 seats, while the Liberal Party increased their seats from 40 to 83. The New Democratic Party also saw gains, rising from 30 to 43 seats. This election was notably focused on the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, with the Progressive Conservatives campaigning in favor and the Liberals and NDP against. source: en.wikipedia.org
1989 Namibia's constitutional drafting begins: On November 21, 1989, Namibia commenced the drafting of its constitution, a significant step towards establishing itself as an independent nation. This process involved extensive consultations and laid the foundation for Namibia's future governance. source: britannica.com
1990 End of Cold War Declaration signed in Paris: On November 21, 1990, during the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe summit in Paris, 34 nations signed the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, declaring the end of the Cold War and committing to a new era of cooperation and security in Europe. source: csce.gov
1991 Maastricht Treaty signed, establishing European Union: On November 21, 1991, the Maastricht Treaty was signed by European Community member states in Maastricht, Netherlands. The treaty laid the foundation for the European Union, introducing European citizenship and paving the way for the single currency, the euro.
1993 Pierre Gemayel assassination: Pierre Gemayel, a prominent Lebanese politician and founder of the Phalange party, was assassinated in Beirut. His death marked a significant moment in Lebanon's civil conflict, escalating tensions among various factions. source: bbc.com
1995 Dayton Accords end Bosnian War: On November 21, 1995, the Dayton Accords, formally known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were signed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. This agreement ended the three-and-a-half-year-long Bosnian War, establishing a complex political structure for Bosnia and Herzegovina. source: britannica.com
1996 Death of Abdus Salam, Renowned Physicist: Abdus Salam, a Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, passed away in Oxford, England, at the age of 70. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979 for his contributions to the electroweak unification theory. source: nobelprize.org
1997 Devastating earthquake in India-Bangladesh border region: On November 21, 1997, a significant earthquake struck the India-Bangladesh border region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The quake registered a magnitude of 6.1 and affected several areas, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. source: usgs.gov
1998 Horrific satanic murder in Finland: On November 21, 1998, a gruesome murder in Finland was linked to alleged satanic rituals, causing widespread media coverage and public concern. The case raised debates about the influence of cults and the nature of violent crime in society. source: theguardian.com
1999 Death of Quentin Crisp: Quentin Crisp, the British writer and gay rights activist, died of a heart attack at the age of 90 in Manchester, England. He was found unconscious at a friend's home in Chorlton-cum-Hardy and was pronounced dead at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Crisp was known for his autobiography, 'The Naked Civil Servant,' and his one-man show. source: theguardian.com
2000 Tony Blair leads UK government after election victory: Tony Blair's Labour Party secured a significant victory in the UK general election, continuing his leadership as Prime Minister. This election solidified Labour's position in British politics. source: bbc.com
2001 Death of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah: Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, passed away on November 21, 2001. His death marked the end of a significant era in Malaysian royalty and governance. source: bbc.com
2003 President Bush returns from UK state visit: On November 21, 2003, President George W. Bush returned to the United States after a state visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, President Bush met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss various international issues, including the situation in Iraq and the global war on terrorism. source: whitehouse.gov
2004 Ukrainian presidential election controversy: On November 21, 2004, the Ukrainian presidential election results were contested, leading to widespread protests and accusations of vote rigging. This controversy was a key event in the Orange Revolution. source: nytimes.com
2005 Alfred Anderson, last British World War I veteran, passes away: Alfred Anderson, born on June 25, 1896, was the last known holder of the 1914 Star (the Old Contemptibles) and the last known combatant to participate in the 1914 World War I Christmas truce. He died on November 21, 2005, at the age of 109. source: en.wikipedia.org
2006 Assassination of Pierre Gemayel on November 21, 2006: On November 21, 2006, Lebanese Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated in Beirut. His death was a significant blow to the anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance and led to increased political tensions in Lebanon. source: britannica.com
2007 England Fails to Qualify for Euro 2008: On November 21, 2007, the England national football team failed to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament after a 3-2 defeat to Croatia. This marked the first time since 1984 that England missed a major international tournament. source: bbc.com
2008 Global financial crisis impacts Russia's economy: The global financial crisis led to a significant decline in Russia's stock market and a sharp depreciation of the ruble, highlighting the country's vulnerability to global economic downturns. source: reuters.com
2009 Italian police arrest Mumbai attack suspects: On November 21, 2009, Italian police arrested several individuals suspected of being involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This operation was part of a broader effort to address international terrorism and enhance security measures. source: reuters.com
2010 Eurozone rescue package for Ireland announced: On November 21, 2010, the Eurozone announced a financial rescue package for Ireland to stabilize its economy amid the financial crisis. The package aimed to support the country's banking sector and public finances. source: bbc.com
2011 Khmer Rouge leaders on trial for genocide: On November 21, 2011, the trial of senior Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide continued in Cambodia. This landmark trial aimed to address the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s. source: bbc.com
2012 Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Announced: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced on November 21, 2012, following intense airstrikes by Israel on Gaza. The ceasefire aimed to halt the escalating violence and prevent further civilian casualties. source: time.com
2013 Senate filibuster rule change: The U.S. Senate voted to change its filibuster rules, reducing the number of votes needed to overcome a filibuster for presidential nominations. This change was seen as a significant shift in Senate procedure, impacting future legislative actions. source: nytimes.com
2014 Bubonic plague outbreak in Madagascar: Madagascar reported an outbreak of bubonic plague, with health officials confirming several cases. The outbreak raised concerns about public health and the effectiveness of containment measures in the region. source: who.int
2015 Paris attacks aftermath: On November 21, 2015, the aftermath of the Paris attacks continued to unfold, with heightened security measures across France and ongoing investigations. The government faced pressure to enhance national security and address public concerns. source: bbc.com
2016 Obama-Putin meeting in Peru: On November 21, 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Lima, Peru, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to discuss various bilateral issues. source: reuters.com
2017 Robert Mugabe resigns from Zimbabwe presidency: Robert Mugabe announced his resignation as President of Zimbabwe after 37 years in power, following a military intervention and widespread protests. source: bbc.com
2018 Yemen's humanitarian crisis: The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continued to worsen, with millions facing famine and lack of medical care. International organizations called for urgent aid and a ceasefire to address the dire situation. source: un.org
2019 Netanyahu indicted on corruption charges: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The indictment marked a significant moment in Israeli politics, as Netanyahu faced legal challenges while seeking re-election. source: bbc.com
2020 Pfizer Seeks COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Authorization: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer officially submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization of its groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine, marking a critical milestone in the global fight against the pandemic.
2021 Jerusalem Old City Shooting: On November 21, 2021, a Hamas gunman carried out a shooting attack in the narrow alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, killing one Israeli civilian and wounding three others. The incident ended when Israeli forces neutralized the gunman, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
2022 UN Warns of Nuclear Risk at Zaporizhzhia Plant: The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) strongly condemned ongoing shelling at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi described the shelling as 'extremely disturbing' and emphasized the critical risk of a potential nuclear disaster.
2023 Israeli Attacks in Gaza: Significant Civilian Casualties: On November 21, 2023, Israeli forces conducted a bombing operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, resulting in at least 20 Palestinian fatalities. According to Palestinian officials, the total Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes has reached over 13,300, with more than 5,000 of these victims being children. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the killings and called for an immediate cessation of violence.

What Is special about November 21?

November 21 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about November 21.