Today in History: 21 February

1. The Birth of Language Movement Day (1952):

On this day in 1952, several students died in Dhaka, the present-day capital of Bangladesh, during protests. Their objective was to make Bengali one of the official languages of Pakistan. This tragic event led to widespread protests and was instrumental in the Bengali Language Movement. UNESCO, in 1999, declared the 21st of February as International Mother Language Day, promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism globally.

2. Assassination of Malcolm X (1965):

A major event that shook the civil rights movement in the US was the assassination of Malcolm X on this day in 1965. Malcolm X, a charismatic spokesman for the Nation of Islam, was shot by three gunmen while he was about to address a gathering in New York City. His death marked a turning point in the movement and highlighted the deep divisions and tensions surrounding race relations in the US.

3. The Launch of The New Yorker (1925):

One of the most influential magazines in the world, The New Yorker, published its first issue on this day in 1925. Founded by Harold Ross and Jane Grant, it quickly became known for its intricate commentary, rigorous fact-checking, and iconic illustrations.

4. The Washington Monument Dedication (1885):

This day also marks the dedication of the Washington Monument in honour of the first US president, George Washington. Standing tall at over 555 feet, this obelisk is one of the most recognized structures in the United States and attracts millions of visitors annually.

5. Nixon’s Historic Visit to China (1972):

In a move that took many by surprise, US President Richard Nixon visited the People’s Republic of China on 21 February 1972. This was the first time a US president visited mainland China, marking the normalization of relations between the two countries.

6. The Discovery of Pluto (1930):

This day in 1930 brought joy to the astronomical community when Clyde Tombaugh, an American astronomer, discovered Pluto. It was then considered the ninth planet in our solar system, a status it held until 2006 when it was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” by the International Astronomical Union.

7. The Garden Party Riot (1972):

This refers to a clash between about 600 construction workers and police in Melbourne, Australia. The workers were protesting against the economic policies of the government. This event is a significant marker of the labour rights movements in Australia.

8. The Publication of ‘The Communist Manifesto (1848):

One of the most influential political treatises, “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in London on this day. The document laid the foundations for Marxist thought and had a profound influence on world politics and socioeconomic structures.

9. The Passing of Nina Simone (2003):

The world of music suffered a loss on 21 February 2003 with the passing of Nina Simone. An influential American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, Simone’s work has continued to inspire generations.

10. Battle of Verdun (1916):

This day in 1916 marked the beginning of the Battle of Verdun during World War I. It was one of the longest and deadliest battles in human history, lasting 302 days and resulting in numerous casualties on both the French and German sides.

11. The Launch of Telstar (1963):

On this day, Telstar, the world’s first television satellite, was launched. This revolutionized global communications, paving the way for the interconnected world we live in today.

12. The Founding of the World Trade Organization (1995):

On 21 February 1995, the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was officially ratified. With 164 member states, the WTO regulates international trade, ensuring that trade flows smoothly, predictably, and freely worldwide.

Conclusion:

The 21st of February has undoubtedly been a witness to numerous events that have shaped the course of human history. These events remind us of the delicate interplay of cultural, political, and social forces that mould our collective narrative. They range from the worlds of politics, art, science, and literature, underlining the multifaceted nature of history. As we remember and reflect upon these events, we are reminded of the lessons the past holds for the present and the future. The chronicles of this day serve as a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit, our struggles, our triumphs, and our insatiable thirst for progress and understanding.