On this day: March 21
The Birth of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685)
On March 21, 1685, the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach, Germany. Bach is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music, known for his mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and melody. He composed over 1,000 works in a variety of forms, including cantatas, concertos, and fugues. Bach’s music continues to be celebrated and performed around the world, making him a lasting influence on generations of musicians.
The Signing of the Treaty of Amiens (1802)
On March 21, 1802, the Treaty of Amiens was signed, bringing an end to the hostilities between Great Britain and France during the French Revolutionary Wars. The treaty marked a brief period of peace between the two nations, but tensions soon resurfaced, leading to the resumption of war in 1803. The Treaty of Amiens is seen as a temporary respite in the larger conflict between Britain and France, which would continue to shape European history for years to come.
The Selma to Montgomery March (1965)
On March 21, 1965, the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights took place in Alabama, USA. The march was organized by civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., to protest against the discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchised African American voters in the South. The march drew national attention to the issue of voting rights and helped pave the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting. The Selma to Montgomery march is remembered as a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
The End of Apartheid in Namibia (1990)
On March 21, 1990, Namibia gained independence from South Africa, marking the end of decades of colonial rule and apartheid in the country. The independence of Namibia was the result of years of struggle and resistance against the oppressive policies of the South African government, which had controlled the territory since the end of World War I. The end of apartheid in Namibia was a significant milestone in the broader movement for African liberation and self-determination, and it paved the way for the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
