On This Day, August 21

Throughout history, August 21 has been marked by significant events that have shaped the world we live in today. From slave insurrections to the theft of the Mona Lisa, and from the assassination of Leon Trotsky to the sentencing of Lori Loughlin, this day has witnessed its fair share of drama and tragedy.

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1831: Nat Turner’s Bloody Slave Insurrection

On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner, an educated minister who believed he was chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery, launched a bloody slave insurrection in Southampton County, Virginia. The insurrection resulted in the deaths of 60 people, including Turner, who was later hanged.

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1911: The Theft of the Mona Lisa

In 1911, the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous paintings in the world, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. The painting was recovered in 1913, and its thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, was later arrested and convicted of the crime.

1935: The Birth of the Swing Era

In 1935, Benny Goodman’s nationally broadcast concert at the Palomar Theater in Los Angeles was a groundbreaking event that marked the beginning of the swing era in jazz music. The concert was a huge success, and it paved the way for other jazz musicians to follow in Goodman’s footsteps.

1940: The Assassination of Leon Trotsky

On August 21, 1940, Leon Trotsky, the exiled leader of the Bolshevik Revolution, was assassinated in Mexico City on orders from Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Trotsky’s death was a significant blow to the Soviet Union, and it marked the end of an era in Soviet politics.

1951: The Construction of the USS Nautilus

In 1951, the United States ordered the construction of the world’s first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus. The Nautilus was a revolutionary vessel that marked a new era in submarine warfare, and it played a significant role in the Cold War.

1959: Hawaii Becomes the 50th State

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, following a long and contentious campaign for statehood. Hawaii’s admission to the Union marked a significant milestone in American history, and it paved the way for other territories to seek statehood.

1983: The Assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.

In 1983, Benigno Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader in the Philippines, was assassinated as he stepped off a plane at Manila airport. Aquino’s death was a significant blow to the opposition movement in the Philippines, and it marked a turning point in the country’s history.

1986: The Lake Nyos Disaster

In 1986, a volcanic lake in Cameroon released a massive amount of gas, killing over 1,700 people and injuring hundreds more. The disaster, known as the Lake Nyos disaster, was one of the deadliest environmental disasters in history, and it highlighted the risks associated with volcanic lakes.

1991: Boris Yeltsin’s Resistance to the Coup

In 1991, Boris Yeltsin, the leader of the Russian resistance, led a three-day resistance to crush an attempted coup d’etat against President Mikhail Gorbachev. Yeltsin’s bravery and leadership marked a significant turning point in Russian history, and it paved the way for the country’s transition to democracy.

2009: The H1N1 Virus Outbreak

In 2009, the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, spread rapidly around the world, killing over 500 people and infecting millions more. The outbreak marked a significant public health crisis, and it highlighted the need for global cooperation in responding to pandemics.

2011: The Libyan Uprising

In 2011, Libyan rebels, backed by NATO forces, stormed into Tripoli and seized control of Moammar Gadhafi’s besieged country. The uprising marked a significant turning point in Libyan history, and it paved the way for the country’s transition to democracy.

2013: Bradley Manning’s Sentencing

In 2013, a US military judge sentenced Bradley Manning, a former Army private, to 35 years in prison for leaking classified documents to the WikiLeaks website. Manning’s sentencing marked a significant turning point in the debate over government secrecy and transparency.

2017: The Total Solar Eclipse

In 2017, millions of people watched as the United States experienced its first total solar eclipse in 38 years. The event was a significant astronomical event, and it highlighted the beauty and wonder of the solar system.

2020: Lori Loughlin’s Sentencing

In 2020, actress Lori Loughlin was sentenced to two months in federal prison and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, received five months for taking part in a college admissions scam. The sentencing marked a significant turning point in the scandal, and it highlighted the need for greater accountability in higher education.

2021: The Tennessee Floods

In 2021, heavy rains caused devastating floods in Middle Tennessee, killing 20 people and causing over $100 million in damage. The floods marked a significant natural disaster, and they highlighted the need for greater preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.