On 21 July in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
3 birthdays · 1 death anniversary · 10 world events on 21 July
Birthdays
Death anniversaries
World events on this day
-
Election of Michael Romanov Ends Russia's Time of Troubles
In 1613 the Zemsky Sobor elected Michael Romanov as tsar of Russia, ending the dynastic crisis and foreign intervention known as the Time of Troubles. The new Romanov dynasty restored central authority after famine, civil war, impostor rulers, and Polish-Lithuanian incursions. Its accession gave Muscovy a renewed political framework that would shape Russian identity for three centuries.
-
Death of Robert Burns
Robert Burns passed away on July 21, 1796, in Dumfries, Scotland, at the age of 37. His death marked the end of a prolific career that had a lasting impact on Scottish literature and culture. Burns's funeral was attended by many, reflecting his status as a national poet.
-
First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas)
On July 21, 1861, Union and Confederate armies clashed near Manassas, Virginia, in the first major land battle of the Civil War. The Confederate victory shattered Northern hopes of a quick war and demonstrated the conflict's likely length and brutality. The battle, fought along Bull Run Creek, was witnessed by civilians and politicians who had come from Washington, D.C., to watch, only to flee in panic as the Union lines collapsed.
-
Valéry becomes first administrator of the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen
On 21 July 1933, Valéry was appointed administrator of the newly created Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen in Nice. He helped shape the institution as a centre for Mediterranean intellectual and cultural exchange. The role connected his literary reputation with an ambitious programme of education, conferences and international cultural dialogue.
-
Sirimavo Bandaranaike Becomes the World's First Woman Prime Minister
Sirimavo Bandaranaike became prime minister of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, after her party won the July 1960 general election. She was the first woman in the world to serve as a national head of government in the modern era. Her premiership became a landmark in women's political representation.
-
Suppression of the Jesuits
In 1773, Pope Clement XIV suppressed the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, under pressure from various European monarchs who viewed the order as a threat to their power. This dissolution had far-reaching effects on education, missionary work, and the Catholic Church's influence in Europe and beyond. The suppression marked a significant moment in the struggle between church and state, altering the landscape of religious and political power.
-
Divorce from Hadley Richardson
In 1927, Hemingway and Hadley Richardson divorced after several years of marriage. The dissolution of their relationship marked a significant emotional turning point for Hemingway, as he grappled with feelings of loss and regret. This personal upheaval would later be reflected in his writing, particularly in his exploration of love and heartbreak.
-
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act was enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis, aiming to increase transparency and reduce risks in the financial system. This comprehensive legislation introduced significant reforms, including the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a critical effort to prevent future economic crises and protect consumers in the financial marketplace.
-
Spain's EU Recovery Fund Approval
In 2021, Spain's approval of the EU Recovery Fund represented a critical step in addressing the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantial financial support aimed to facilitate green and digital transitions, promoting sustainable growth and innovation. This initiative underscored the importance of international cooperation in economic recovery and the need for resilience in the face of global challenges.
-
The Great Earthquake of 1956 in Gujarat
On July 21, 1956 CE, an earthquake struck the state of Gujarat in India, causing damage and loss of life. This event is part of the seismic history of the region and is documented in historical records. The earthquake was a notable event for the local population.