What Happened on March 21?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MARCH 21
Explore the most important historical events that happened on March 21, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
World War I
Year:
1918
World War I: The first phase of the German spring offensive, Operation Michael, begins.
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Hungarian Soviet Republic
Year:
1919
The Hungarian Soviet Republic is established becoming the first Communist government to be formed in Europe after the October Revolution in Russia.
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Otto von Bismarck
Year:
1871
Otto von Bismarck is appointed as the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
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Henry Morton Stanley
Year:
1871
Journalist Henry Morton Stanley begins his trek to find the missionary and explorer David Livingstone.
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Alexander H. Stephens
Year:
1861
Alexander H. Stephens gives the Cornerstone Speech.
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New Economic Policy
Year:
1921
The New Economic Policy is implemented by the Bolshevik Party in response to the economic failure as a result of war communism.
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L'enfant et les sortilèges
Year:
1925
Ravel's opera L'enfant et les sortilèges, to a libretto by Colette, is premiered at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
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China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735
Year:
2022
China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 crashes in Guangxi, China, killing 132 people.
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BIRTHS ON MARCH 21
Discover famous people and historical figures born on March 21, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Ed Broadbent
Year of birth:
1936
Ed Broadbent, Canadian pilot and politician (died 2024)
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Pierre-Jean Rémy
Year of birth:
1937
Pierre-Jean Rémy, French diplomat and author (died 2010)
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Tom Flores
Year of birth:
1937
Tom Flores, American football player and coach
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Mike Westbrook
Year of birth:
1936
Mike Westbrook, English pianist and composer
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Brian Clough
Year of birth:
1935
Brian Clough, English footballer and manager (died 2004)
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Michael Heseltine
Year of birth:
1933
Michael Heseltine, Welsh businessman and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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Al Freeman Jr.
Year of birth:
1934
Al Freeman, Jr., American actor and director (died 2012)
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Ann Clwyd
Year of birth:
1937
Ann Clwyd, Welsh journalist and politician, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales (died 2023)
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DEATHS ON MARCH 21
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on March 21, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Evald Aav
Year of death:
1939
Evald Aav, Estonian composer and conductor (born 1900)
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Ali Hikmet Ayerdem
Year of death:
1939
Ali Hikmet Ayerdem, Turkish general and politician (born 1877)
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Cornelia Fort
Year of death:
1943
Cornelia Fort, American soldier and pilot (born 1919)
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Arthur Nebe
Year of death:
1945
Arthur Nebe, German SS officer (born 1894)
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Willem Mengelberg
Year of death:
1951
Willem Mengelberg, Dutch conductor and composer (born 1871)
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Henry Hanna
Year of death:
1946
Henry Hanna, Irish Judge, photographer and author (born 1871)
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Alexander Glazunov
Year of death:
1936
Alexander Glazunov, Russian composer and conductor (born 1865)
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Franz Schreker
Year of death:
1934
Franz Schreker, Austrian composer and conductor (born 1878)
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HOLIDAYS ON MARCH 21
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on March 21 around the world.
International Colour Day
International Colour Day (International)
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Arbor Day
Arbor Day (Lesotho)
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Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day (South Africa)
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Harmony Day
Harmony Day (Australia)
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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (International)
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International Day of Forests
International Day of Forests (International), by proclamation of the United Nations General Assembly
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Rosie the Riveter
Rosie the Riveter Day (United States)
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March equinox
Vernal equinox related observances (see also March 20)
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