On this day: July 21
July 21, 356 BC – The Temple of Artemis is Completed
On July 21, 356 BC, the construction of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was completed. The temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis and was a magnificent structure that stood as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks.
July 21, 1861 – First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, took place on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. It was the first major battle of the American Civil War and resulted in a Confederate victory. The battle was a shocking wake-up call for both sides, as it showed that the war would be long and bloody.
July 21, 1969 – Neil Armstrong Walks on the Moon
On July 21, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. His famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” are etched into the annals of history as a monumental moment in human achievement.
July 21, 1925 – Scopes Monkey Trial
The Scopes Monkey Trial, also known as the State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, was a highly publicized trial that took place in Dayton, Tennessee, in July 1925. The trial focused on the issue of teaching evolution in public schools and pitted science against religion. The trial ended with a guilty verdict for Scopes, but it raised important questions about the role of education and the separation of church and state.
July 21, 1944 – The Liberation of Guam
On July 21, 1944, American forces landed on the island of Guam, which had been occupied by Japanese forces since December 1941. The Battle of Guam was a fierce and bloody conflict that lasted for weeks, but ultimately resulted in the liberation of the island and the defeat of the Japanese forces.
July 21, 1960 – Sirimavo Bandaranaike Becomes the World’s First Female Prime Minister
On July 21, 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female prime minister when she was elected to lead Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). Bandaranaike’s election marked a significant milestone for women in politics and paved the way for future female leaders around the world.
July 21, 1924 – The Washington Naval Treaty is Signed
The Washington Naval Treaty, also known as the Five-Power Treaty, was a treaty signed on July 21, 1924, by the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Italy. The treaty aimed to limit naval armaments and prevent an arms race among the major naval powers of the time. While the treaty had some success in reducing naval tensions, it ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of World War II.
