What Happened on May 21?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MAY 21
Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 21, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Paris Commune
Year:
1871
French troops invade the Paris Commune and engage its residents in street fighting. By the close of "Bloody Week", some 20,000 communards have been killed and 38,000 arrested.
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War of the Pacific
Year:
1879
War of the Pacific: Two Chilean ships blocking the harbor of Iquique (then belonging to Peru) battle two Peruvian vessels in the Battle of Iquique.
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American Red Cross
Year:
1881
The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton in Dansville, New York.
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Rack railway
Year:
1871
Opening of the first rack railway in Europe, the Rigi Bahnen on Mount Rigi.
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Russo-Circassian War
Year:
1864
Russia declares an end to the Russo-Circassian War and many Circassians are forced into exile. The day is designated the Circassian Day of Mourning.
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American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: The Union Army succeeds in closing off the last escape route from Port Hudson, Louisiana, in preparation for the coming siege.
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Ionian Islands
Year:
1864
The Ionian Islands reunite with Greece.
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Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
Year:
1864
American Civil War: The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House ends.
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BIRTHS ON MAY 21
Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 21, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Jocasta Innes
Year of birth:
1934
Jocasta Innes, Chinese-English journalist and author (died 2013)
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Günter Blobel
Year of birth:
1936
Günter Blobel, Polish-American biologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2018)
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Bengt I. Samuelsson
Year of birth:
1934
Bengt I. Samuelsson, Swedish biochemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2024)
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Maurice André
Year of birth:
1933
Maurice André, French trumpet player (died 2012)
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Inese Jaunzeme
Year of birth:
1932
Inese Jaunzeme, Latvian javelin thrower and surgeon (died 2011)
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Yevgeny Minayev
Year of birth:
1933
Yevgeny Minayev, Russian weightlifter (died 1993)
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Heinz Holliger
Year of birth:
1939
Heinz Holliger, Swiss oboist, composer, and conductor
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Tony Sheridan
Year of birth:
1940
Tony Sheridan, English singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2013)
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DEATHS ON MAY 21
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 21, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
August Kundt
Year of death:
1894
August Kundt, German physicist and academic (born 1839)
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Arturo Prat
Year of death:
1879
Arturo Prat, Chilean lawyer and commander (born 1848)
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Émile Henry (anarchist)
Year of death:
1894
Émile Henry, French anarchist (born 1872)
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Franz von Suppé
Year of death:
1895
Franz von Suppé, Austrian composer and conductor (born 1819)
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Williamina Fleming
Year of death:
1911
Williamina Fleming, Scottish-American astronomer and academic (born 1857)
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Joseph Olivier (rugby union)
Year of death:
1901
Joseph Olivier, French rugby player (born 1874)
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John Drew Sr.
Year of death:
1862
John Drew, Irish-American actor and manager (born 1827)
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José de la Riva Agüero
Year of death:
1858
José de la Riva Agüero, Peruvian soldier and politician, 1st President of Peru and 2nd President of North Peru (born 1783)
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HOLIDAYS ON MAY 21
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 21 around the world.
Circassian Day of Mourning
Circassian Day of Mourning (Circassians)
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May 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: May 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Saints of the Cristero War
Christian feast day: Saints of the Cristero War, including Christopher Magallanes
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Armed Forces Day
Day of Patriots and Military (Hungary)
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List of national independence days
Independence Day, celebrates the Montenegrin independence referendum in 2006, celebrated until the next day. (Montenegro)
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Navy Day (Chile)
Navy Day (Chile)
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International Tea Day
International Tea Day (International)
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Afro-Colombian Day
Afro-Colombian Day (Colombia)
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