Hey there, history buffs! Have you ever wondered what makes January 21st not just another day on the calendar? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating events that happened on this very day through the years. From royal dramas and fierce battles to groundbreaking moments in science and culture, January 21st has been a witness to it all. So, grab your time machine (a.k.a. this article), and let’s take a thrilling ride back in time to explore the milestones that make January 21st a day to remember in history!
Major Historical Events on January 21 – Today in History
1077 – King Henry IV’s Petition:
German King Henry IV sought forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII in Canossa, Italy, ending his excommunication in a pivotal moment of the Investiture Controversy.
1276 – Election of Pope Innocent V:
French Cardinal Pierre de Tarantaise was elected as Pope Innocent V, becoming the first Dominican pope and serving a short term until June 1276.
1287 – Treaty of San Agayz:
This treaty led to the conquest of Minorca by King Alfons III of Aragon, marking the end of Muslim rule on the island.
1324 – Zen Buddhist Debate:
A significant religious debate took place between the Tendai and Shingon sects of Zen Buddhism, highlighting doctrinal differences.
1522 – Adrian Florisz Boeyens as Pope:
Adrian Florisz Boeyens, serving as the head inquisitor, was elected Pope Adrian VI, the only Dutch pope in history.
1525 – Swiss Anabaptist Movement:
This movement, a radical wing of the Protestant Reformation, began in Zurich with key figures like Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz advocating adult baptism.
1542 – Bill Against Queen Katherine Howard:
The English Parliament passed a bill of attainder against Queen Katherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, leading to her execution.
1549 – Act of Uniformity:
This act, passed by the English Parliament, mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in religious services across England.
1664 – Count Miklos of Zrinyi:
He embarked on a military campaign against the advancing Turkish army, playing a crucial role in the Ottoman-Habsburg wars.
1677 – First Medical Publication in America:
The first medical publication in America, a pamphlet on smallpox, was published in Boston, marking a milestone in American medical literature.
1720 – Sweden-Prussia Peace Treaty:
Sweden and Prussia signed a peace treaty, ending their hostilities during the Great Northern War.
1732 – Treaty of Riascha:
Russia and Persia signed this treaty, which addressed issues of territorial control and prisoner exchange.
1749 – Verona Philharmonic Theatre Fire:
A devastating fire destroyed the Verona Philharmonic Theatre in Italy, leading to its reconstruction and reopening in 1754.
1789 – First American Novel:
“The Power of Sympathy” by William Hill Brown, considered the first American novel, was published, marking the beginning of American literature.
1793 – Execution of Louis XVI:
Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris after being convicted of high treason during the French Revolution.
1793 – Partition of Poland:
Prussia and Russia signed a treaty for the second partition of Poland, significantly reducing its size and independence.
1813 – Pineapple Cultivation in Hawaii:
The first reference to pineapple cultivation in Hawaii appeared in the diary of Francisco de Paula Marin, an agricultural advisor.
1861 – Jefferson Davis Resigns:
Jefferson Davis and other southern senators resigned from the U.S. Senate, leading up to the Civil War and his presidency of the Confederacy.
1879 – Premiere of “A Doll’s House”:
Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking play “A Doll’s House” premiered in Copenhagen, challenging 19th-century marriage norms.
1880 – Sewage System in Memphis:
Memphis, Tennessee, introduced the first U.S. sewage disposal system separate from storm drains, improving public health.
1899 – Opel’s First Automobile:
Opel, a German company, manufactured its first automobile, marking its transition from a sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer to automotive.
1903 – Houdini’s Escape:
Harry Houdini famously escaped from Halvemaansteeg police station in Amsterdam, solidifying his reputation as a legendary escape artist.
1908 – Sullivan Ordinance:
This NYC law, later vetoed, briefly made it illegal for women to smoke in public places, reflecting the era’s social attitudes towards women.
1913 – Aristide Briand’s French Government:
Aristide Briand formed his second government in France, a prominent figure in pre-World War I French politics.
1915 – Founding of Kiwanis International:
Kiwanis International, a global community service organization, was founded in Detroit, focusing on helping children.
1921 – Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”:
This was Agatha Christie’s first novel, introducing the iconic detective Hercule Poirot.
1922 – First Slalom Ski Race:
The first slalom ski race was held in Murren, Switzerland, marking a significant development in alpine skiing competitions.
1924 – Lenin’s Testament:
Vladimir Lenin’s Testament was presented to the Communist Party, criticizing leaders like Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky, and suggesting changes to the Soviet leadership structure.
1934 – Henri Littière Court Case:
Parisian baker Henri Littière was charged with forcing his wife to wear a chastity belt, reflecting the era’s attitudes towards marriage and fidelity.
1941 – Anti-Jewish Measures in Bulgaria:
Bulgaria implemented its first anti-Jewish laws, aligning with Nazi policies during World War II.
1942 – “One O’Clock Jump” Recording:
Jazz musician Count Basie recorded “One O’Clock Jump”, which became a standard in the jazz repertoire.
1943 – Admiral Cunningham’s Promotion:
Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy, a prestigious military honor.
1948 – Cricket Greats’ Debut:
Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, and Jim Laker made their Test cricket debuts in Bridgetown, Barbados.
1950 – Alger Hiss Guilty of Perjury:
Alger Hiss, a former State Department official, was found guilty of perjury, stirring controversy in the early Cold War period.
1952 – Nehru’s Congress Party Victory:
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Congress Party won the general election in India, reinforcing its role in post-independence Indian politics.
1954 – Launch of USS Nautilus:
The USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, was launched, marking a significant advance in naval technology.
1968 – Battle of Khe Sanh:
This major battle in the Vietnam War began at the Khe Sanh Air Base, becoming one of the war’s most controversial and heavily publicized engagements.
1972 – New States in India:
Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura became separate states of India, following the reorganization of northeastern states.
1977 – Carter Pardons Draft Evaders:
U.S. President Jimmy Carter pardoned most Vietnam War draft evaders, a controversial move aimed at healing war-related divisions.
1980 – Gold Price Record:
The price of gold reached a then-record high of $850 per ounce, reflecting economic uncertainty.
1982 – “Shaolin Temple” Release:
The martial arts film “Shaolin Temple”, starring Jet Li in his debut role, was released, popularizing Shaolin Kung Fu worldwide.
1994 – Lorena Bobbitt Trial:
Lorena Bobbitt was found temporarily insane in the trial where she was charged with cutting off her husband’s penis, highlighting issues of domestic abuse and legal insanity.
1998 – Pope John Paul II’s Cuba Visit:
Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, a significant event in the history of the Catholic Church’s relationship with the communist nation.
2004 – Mars Rover Spirit Communication Issue:
NASA’s MER-A (Mars Rover Spirit) temporarily ceased communication with Earth due to a problem with its Flash Memory, later resolved.
2007 – NFC Championship:
The Chicago Bears defeated the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game, earning a spot in Super Bowl XLI.
2008 – Global Black Monday:
Stock markets worldwide experienced a significant downturn, influenced by fears of a U.S. recession.
2010 – Obama’s “Volcker Rule”:
U.S. President Barack Obama proposed the “Volcker Rule”, aiming to restrict risky trading practices by banks.
2013 – Vienna Train Collision:
Two trains collided in Vienna, Austria, injuring 41 people, highlighting issues in railway safety.
2023 – Monterey Park Shooting:
A 72-year-old gunman attacked a dance studio in Monterey Park, California, killing eleven people in a tragic mass shooting incident.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on January 20 – Today in History
