24 Facts About November 21st

Historical Events on November 21st

November 21st has seen many significant events throughout history. Here are some notable occurrences:

1. In 1620, the Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower. This document established a rudimentary form of democracy and is considered a foundational act of American self-governance.

2. On this day in 1783, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes made the first untethered hot air balloon flight over Paris. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history.

3. In 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph, a device that could record and reproduce sound. This innovation revolutionized the music industry and communication.

4. The British Parliament passed the Parliament Act in 1911, which limited the power of the House of Lords and established the supremacy of the House of Commons.

5. In 1964, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City, opened to traffic. At the time, it was the world's longest suspension bridge.

Birthdays on November 21st

Many influential people were born on November 21st. Here are a few:

6. Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher, was born in 1694. He is known for his wit and advocacy of civil liberties.

7. In 1898, René Magritte, the Belgian surrealist artist, was born. His thought-provoking and whimsical works continue to captivate art enthusiasts.

8. Stan Musial, one of Major League Baseball's greatest hitters, was born in 1920. He spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

9. Goldie Hawn, the American actress, producer, and singer, was born in 1945. She has won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

10. Björk, the Icelandic singer-songwriter, was born in 1965. Her eclectic music style and unique voice have earned her international acclaim.

Cultural Milestones on November 21st

This date has also been significant in the world of culture and entertainment:

11. In 1931, the horror classic "Frankenstein," directed by James Whale, premiered. It became one of the most iconic films in the genre.

12. The musical "Cabaret" opened on Broadway in 1966. It went on to win eight Tony Awards and remains a beloved production.

13. In 1980, the iconic TV show "Dallas" aired its famous "Who shot J.R.?" episode, which became one of the most-watched television episodes in history.

14. The animated film "Beauty and the Beast" was released by Disney in 1991. It became the first animated film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

15. In 2008, the movie "Twilight," based on Stephenie Meyer's novel, premiered. It sparked a global phenomenon and a successful film franchise.

Scientific Achievements on November 21st

Science has also made strides on this day:

16. In 1905, Albert Einstein's paper on the photoelectric effect was published, which later earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics.

17. The first successful human kidney transplant was performed by Dr. Joseph Murray in 1954. This groundbreaking surgery paved the way for modern organ transplantation.

18. In 1969, the Apollo 12 mission's lunar module, Intrepid, landed on the Moon. It was the second crewed mission to achieve this feat.

19. The European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft performed a flyby of Earth in 2007, using the planet's gravity to adjust its trajectory towards comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

20. In 2013, NASA launched the MAVEN spacecraft to study the Martian atmosphere. This mission has provided valuable insights into the planet's climate history.

Miscellaneous Facts about November 21st

Here are some other interesting tidbits about this day:

21. November 21st is World Television Day, established by the United Nations to recognize the impact of television on decision-making and global communication.

22. In 1995, the Dayton Agreement was initialed in Dayton, Ohio, ending the Bosnian War and establishing the framework for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

23. The first permanent ARPANET link was established between UCLA and the Stanford Research Institute in 1969, laying the groundwork for the modern internet.

24. In 2004, the second round of Ukraine's presidential election took place, leading to the Orange Revolution, a series of protests and political events that ultimately led to a re-run of the election.

November 21st: A Day Rich in History

November 21st stands out as a day packed with historical events and notable birthdays. From the signing of the Mayflower Compact in 1620 to the birth of Voltaire in 1694, this date has witnessed significant moments that shaped our world. It's also the day Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity in 1915, revolutionizing physics.

On a lighter note, November 21st marks the anniversary of the first permanent ARF! comic strip in 1950, bringing joy to countless readers. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, this date offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. So next time November 21st rolls around, remember the rich tapestry of events that make it special.