On this date in world history
This permanent archive page contains 213 World History Database records for October 21, spanning 1147 to 2025. Recorded topics include Siege of Lisbon; Birth of Hongwu; Birth of Zhu Yuanzhang.
After four months, the Moorish rulers agreed to surrender (October 21), because the Crusaders siege tower reached their wall (thus causing a one day standstill) and because of hunger within the city, which was sheltering populations displaced from Santarem as well as "the leading citizens of Sintra, Almada, and Palmela"
Appointed Regent for Henry VI
Philipe receives the Somme towns and is exempted from homage to the crown
Luther is said to have posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany
Luther is said to have posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany
Pope Leo X wishes for Martin Luther to recant 41 of these theses, which Luther famously refused to do before the Diet of Worms in 1521, thus symbolically initiating the Protestant reformation
Pope Leo X wishes for Martin Luther to recant 41 of these theses, which Luther famously refused to do before the Diet of Worms in 1521, thus symbolically initiating the Protestant reformation
Pope Leo X wishes for Martin Luther to recant 41 of these theses, which Luther famously refused to do before the Diet of Worms in 1521, thus symbolically initiating the Protestant reformation
Henry VIII approves the election of Francis I to the Order of the Garter
Henry VIII approves the election of Francis I to the Order of the Garter
Captures Nijmegen
Returns to Paris after royal authority recovers.
A major uprising erupted in Cairo against French rule, and Napoleon's forces suppressed the revolt after intense fighting.
Is killed while commanding the French rear division.
Is killed while commanding the Spanish ship Bahama.
Preserves Nelson's body for return to Britain.
Nelson's body is preserved for the voyage home after Trafalgar.
Commands from the flagship Bucentaure.
Is captured after Bucentaure surrenders.
Assumes command after Nelson is mortally wounded.
Orders the famous signal before battle begins.
Signals that England expects every man will do his duty.
Raises Nelson's signal from HMS Victory.
Escapes with part of the French van.
Is fatally wounded by a marksman during the battle.
French ships fight through Nelson's attack.
Commands HMS Agamemnon at Trafalgar.
Commands the battered HMS Belleisle at Trafalgar.
Is killed while commanding HMS Bellerophon at Trafalgar.
Commands HMS Britannia in the lee column.
Misses Trafalgar after being detached for supplies.
Commands HMS Colossus in the fighting.
Commands HMS Conqueror and receives Villeneuve's surrender.
Commands the frigate Euryalus during the battle.
Is killed while commanding HMS Mars.
Commands HMS Neptune in Nelson's column.
Commands HMS Orion in the weather column.
Commands HMS Prince during the battle.
Commands HMS Revenge during the battle.
Captains Collingwood's flagship at Trafalgar.
Commands HMS Spartiate at Trafalgar.
Commands HMS Temeraire in support of Victory.
Commands HMS Tonnant and is wounded in battle.
Commands HMS Victory during the battle.
Serves as Victory's captain beside Nelson during Trafalgar.
Commands the British fleet from HMS Victory at Trafalgar.
Nelson is killed but the battle helps end immediate invasion fears.
Villeneuve leaves Cadiz but is defeated by Nelson off Trafalgar.
His defeat ends Napoleon's practical invasion threat against Britain.
Leaves Cadiz and is defeated by Nelson off Cape Trafalgar.
Commands Neptuno and is wounded during the action.
Commands from Principe de Asturias and is badly wounded.
Breaks the enemy line in HMS Royal Sovereign.
Is killed while commanding San Juan Nepomuceno.
Commands Santissima Trinidad after earlier officers are disabled.
Serves as senior Spanish staff officer under Gravina.
Issues a second neutrality proclamation directed toward Canada
Issues a second neutrality proclamation directed toward Canada
Issues a second neutrality proclamation directed toward Canada
Arrested and incarcerated in the national jail, following an accusation of treason and bribery from the Spanish Government
Arrested and incarcerated in the national jail, following an accusation of treason and bribery from the Spanish Government
Elected president of Davitts newly founded Irish National Land League, signing a militant Land League address campaigning for land reform
Uses naval commemoration while reforming the Royal Navy.
Trafalgar centenary events commemorate Nelson and the victory.
Occupies Lemnos as a base near the Dardanelles.
Assassination of Karl von Sturgkh
Podvoisky helps extend Military Revolutionary Committee authority by placing commissars with key Petrograd military units.
The Soviet claims authority over the Petrograd garrison during the crisis.
Claims authority over Petrograd garrison orders through the Soviet.
Advocates the dismissal of Pershing
Appointed as the first Head of the Registration Directorate, later to be known as the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU)
The predecessr of the GRU is created under the sponsorship of Leon Trotsky, who was then the civilian leader of the Red Army; it was originally known as the Registration Directorate. Given the task of handling all military intelligence, particularly the collection of intelligence of military or political significance from sources outside the Soviet Union
Resigns as Minister of Information due to ill health
Anglo-Irish peace talks begin
British disapproval contributes to the failure of the Rhineland separatist plan.
A Rhineland Republic supported by Belgium & France is declared at Aachen
French backing assists separatists seeking an independent Rhine Republic.
With French support, separatists try to declare an independent "Rhine Republic" in Aachen, the plan fails due to resistance by the population and the British disapproval
With French support, separatists try to declare an independent "Rhine Republic" in Aachen, the plan fails due to resistance by the population and the British disapproval
Popular resistance helps defeat the separatist Rhineland project.
A separatist Rhineland Republic is declared at Aachen with French and Belgian support.
With French support, separatists try to declare an independent "Rhine Republic" in Aachen, the plan fails due to resistance by the population and the British disapproval
Forces a discussion of Lenins Testament at the Plenum. Criticizes Stalin at the Plenum. Claims the Politburo has betrayed the Revolution
Signs a secret protocol with Ciano outlining a common policy for Germany & Italy
Japanese troops occupy Canton
Japanese forces capture Guangzhou, threatening China’s remaining coastal supply routes.
Japanese troops occupy Canton
First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments
First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments
Gives the armed forces orders for the liquidation of Czech
Gives the armed forces orders for the invasion of Memel
First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments
Gives the armed forces orders for the defence of Germany
Chairs the first Uranium Committee meeting.
First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments
First meeting of the Uranium Committee, headed by Lyman Briggs of the National Bureau of Standards, 6000 dollars is budgeted for neutron experiments
The Act greatly expands the number of Americans subject to federal income tax.
Subhas Chandra Bose proclaims the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on 21 October 1943.
The first concrete is poured for the K-25 gaseous-diffusion plant building at Oak Ridge.
Bose establishes the Provisional Government of Free India as the political authority aligned with the Indian National Army.
The US 1st & 30th divisions of infantry capture Aachen
The Allies liberate Aachen
Menendez is overthrown by Osmín Aguirre y Salinas
The Bjorn Thordarson Government ends, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Iceland.
Hodges First Army captures Aachen, the 1st breach of the Siegfried Line
Osmín Aguirre becomes provisional President after removing Menendez
Begins the Second Olafur Thors Government and serves as Prime Minister of Iceland.
Secures the recall of General Joseph Stilwell from his China commands after prolonged disputes over strategy, authority and military reform.
Visits Taiwan for the first time and attends events marking the anniversary of the island’s transfer from Japanese administration.
Second Land Reform Act
Chairs a Soviet Bloc meeting in Prague to discuss the future of Germany
The last Mau Mau leader, Dedan Kimath is captured by Kikuyu Tribal Police in Nyeri with 13 remaining guerrillas, and is subsequently hanged in early 1957, having been sentenced to death by a court presided over by the British Chief Consul
The last Mau Mau leader, Dedan Kimath is captured by Kikuyu Tribal Police in Nyeri with 13 remaining guerrillas, and is subsequently hanged in early 1957, having been sentenced to death by a court presided over by the British Chief Consul
Ben-Gurion authorises senior Israeli participation in secret talks with Britain and France at Sevres.
The last Mau Mau leader, Dedan Kimath is captured by Kikuyu Tribal Police in Nyeri with 13 remaining guerrillas, and is subsequently hanged in early 1957, having been sentenced to death by a court presided over by the British Chief Consul
Following his wrist injury, Lee spent three days in Botkinskaya Hospital's psychiatric ward before doctors transferred him to another department.
After being told to leave Moscow, Oswald cut his left wrist and was taken unconscious to Botkinskaya Hospital.
On October 21, 1959, Soviet officials informed Oswald that his visa had expired and ordered him to leave Moscow within two hours.
Guevara leaves Cuba for an extended economic and diplomatic tour of socialist countries.
Kennedy reviewed the quarantine proclamation, military rules, and the planned address to the nation.
McCone assessed the growing operational capability of the Soviet missile deployment while the administration refined its response.
Sorensen refined Kennedy's television address so that the missile evidence, quarantine, and warning to Moscow were presented clearly.
Sweeney advised Kennedy that air strikes could not guarantee destruction of every operational missile.
McCone again briefed Eisenhower, this time explaining the administration's decision to combine a naval quarantine with demands for removal of the Soviet missiles.
McCone directed creation of the Foreign Missile and Space Analysis Center to strengthen independent CIA assessment of foreign missile and space capabilities.
Helps organize the antiwar March on the Pentagon
Participates in the March on the Pentagon and later writes about it
The Israeli destroyer "Eilat" is targeted by an Egyptian surface-to-surface missile, 47 Israeli sailors are killed. Israel retaliates by shelling Egyptian refineries along the Suez Canal, the "War of Attrition," which lasts until August 1970
Israel retaliates by shelling Egyptian refineries along the Suez Canal, the "War of Attrition," which lasts until August 1970
Israel retaliates by shelling Egyptian refineries along the Suez Canal, the "War of Attrition," which lasts until August 1970
Confronts a military protest led by General Roberto Viaux at the Tacna Regiment.
Supports the summit conclusions setting new objectives for European integration.
Supports stronger political cooperation as the Paris summit sets new objectives for European integration.
Negotiates ceasefire terms with Leonid Brezhnev that lead to United Nations Security Council Resolution 338.
Considers the US-Soviet ceasefire proposal later embodied in Resolution 338.
Nixon contacted the Solicitor General, Robert Bork, and ordered him, as acting head of the Justice Department in the wake of the previous resignations, to fire Cox. Bork reluctantly complied.
The firing of Special Prosecutor Cox, and the flurry of high-profile Justice Department resignations over the weekend caused the press to dub this event, the "Saturday Night Massacre."
Nixon contacted the Solicitor General, Robert Bork, and ordered him, as acting head of the Justice Department in the wake of the previous resignations, to fire Cox. Bork reluctantly complied.
The firing of Special Prosecutor Cox, and the flurry of high-profile Justice Department resignations over the weekend caused the press to dub this event, the "Saturday Night Massacre."
Nixon contacted the Solicitor General, Robert Bork, and ordered him, as acting head of the Justice Department in the wake of the previous resignations, to fire Cox. Bork reluctantly complied.
The firing of Special Prosecutor Cox, and the flurry of high-profile Justice Department resignations over the weekend caused the press to dub this event, the "Saturday Night Massacre."
Appointed Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
Defeats Shirley Williams by 166 votes to 128 for the Labour Party Deputy Leadership
Michael Foot defeats Shiley Williams by 166 votes to 128 for the Deputy Leadership
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Foreign Secretary, submits his resignation
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Foreign Secretary, submits his resignation
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Foreign Secretary, submits his resignation
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Foreign Secretary, submits his resignation
Supervises plant operations when the 750-kilovolt transmission line is energized, strengthening the station's connection to the wider power system.
Karolos Papoulias is appointed Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Andreas Papandreou is sworn in as Prime Minister after PASOK's election victory.
The NUM Delegate Conference votes for an overtime ban
Reports encouraging progress toward a United States-Soviet intermediate nuclear forces agreement while stressing the importance of effective verification.
Criticizes party conservatism and the emerging personality cult around Mikhail Gorbachev at a Central Committee plenum.
Drafts a statement outlining the British oppostion to sanctions against South Africa
Mobutu dismisses Tshisekedi after a brief confrontation over executive authority.
Garrisons investigation again received widespread attention through Oliver Stones 1991 film, JFK, which was largely based on Garrisons book On the Trail of the Assassins as well as Jim Marrs Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy
Faces Commons debate on proposed pit closures and the Government review of the coal industry.
The United States and North Korea conclude the Agreed Framework addressing North Korea's nuclear programme.
Pervez Musharraf is promoted to lieutenant general.
Iran and the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany reach the Tehran understanding on enhanced transparency and voluntary suspension of enrichment-related activities.
Bicentenary events commemorate the battle and Nelson.
Participates in the official inauguration of the Large Hadron Collider following the successful circulation of its first beam.
With Joseph Polchinski, argues that typical black holes in gauge-gravity duality may possess firewalls at the horizon.
With Donald Marolf, develops a gauge-gravity argument supporting firewalls in typical black hole states.
Announces he will not run for president in 2016.
Wins a 2nd term as Prime Minister with a Liberal minority government.
Wins a 2nd term as Prime Minister with a Liberal minority government.
General election outcome recorded for Justin Trudeau: Wins a 2nd term as Prime Minister with a Liberal minority government.
Government context for this general election: Wins a 2nd term as Prime Minister with a Liberal minority government.
The TV-D1 mission tests the Gaganyaan crew escape system in flight during S. Somanath's chairmanship.
The Government launches a national consultation to shape the NHS ten-year plan.
Becomes Japan's first female prime minister.
Hongwu is born as Zhu Yuanzhang during the Yuan dynasty
Birth of Zhu Yuanzhang later the Hongwu Emperor
Birth of Henri Guisan
Birth of Jade Jagger, Bianca Jagger, gives birth to Mick Jaggers daughter Jade Jagger
Birth of Jade Jagger, Bianca Jagger, gives birth to Mick Jagger's daughter Jade Jagger
Henry VI is declared King of France & John, Duke of Bedford, his Regent
Dies aboard HMS Victory after learning the battle is won.
Attends Nelson after he is fatally wounded.
Dies after learning that victory is secured.
Death of Karl von Sturgkh, assassinated
The last Mau Mau leader, Dedan Kimath is captured by Kikuyu Tribal Police in Nyeri with 13 remaining guerrillas, and is subsequently hanged in early 1957, having been sentenced to death by a court presided over by the British Chief Consul
Death of Jack Kerouac
Death of Vulko Velev Chervenkov
Death of Earling Carothers "Jim" Garrison
Victory helps Ieyasu to consolidate his rule over Honshu. Ieyasus 74,000 troops defeat a coalition force of 82,000. 40,000 confederates are killed
Fights at the Battle of Sekigahara
Defeats his opponents & becomes ruler of Japan
The Spanish fleet off The Netherlands is defeated by the French. The seagoing route to the Rhine is closed off to Spain
The Spanish fleet off The Netherlands is defeated by the French. The seagoing route to the Rhine is closed off to Spain
Defeats the Spanish fleet under Antonio de Oquendo
Spain loses heavily in the combined fleet defeat.
Leads the lee column and takes command after Nelson is wounded.
Commands Spanish forces in the combined fleet at Trafalgar.
Many French and Spanish ships surrender without any British ship being lost.
Nelson is killed but the British fleet wins a decisive victory.
The victory helps protect Britain from French invasion plans.
Traps Villeneuve outside Cadiz and forces battle off Cape Trafalgar.
Villeneuve leaves Cadiz and Nelson brings the combined fleet to battle.
British forces capture or destroy many allied ships without losing a ship.
Commands the combined fleet defeated at Trafalgar.
Commands the combined Franco-Spanish fleet defeated at Trafalgar.
Fights at the Battle of Elandslaagte
French wins cavalry reputation before becoming Earl of Ypres.
Helps defeat Boer forces at Elandslaagte.
Hamilton helps direct the British infantry attack that defeats the Boer force at Elandslaagte.
Is mortally wounded after defeat at Elandslaagte.
Forced back by a Boer force led by Transvaal General Joubert
German reserve corps attack near Ypres.
Attempts to hold the German line to the Swiss border
Hodges First Army captures Aachen, the 1st breach of the Siegfried Line