On this day: November 21
On this day in history, November 21, several significant events took place that have had a lasting impact on the world. From political milestones to cultural achievements, November 21 has been a day filled with important moments throughout the years.
1620: The Mayflower Compact is Signed
One of the most famous events to occur on November 21 was the signing of the Mayflower Compact in 1620. This document was created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower ship as they landed in what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Mayflower Compact established a form of self-government for the Pilgrims and is considered one of the first steps towards democracy in America.
1783: The First Hot Air Balloon Flight
On November 21, 1783, the first successful hot air balloon flight took place in Paris, France. The balloon, piloted by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes, traveled over five miles in just 25 minutes. This historic event marked the beginning of manned flight and paved the way for future advancements in aviation.
1877: Thomas Edison Invents the Phonograph
Thomas Edison, one of the most famous inventors in history, created the phonograph on November 21, 1877. This device was the first to successfully record and play back sound, revolutionizing the way people listened to music and audio recordings. The phonograph laid the groundwork for the development of modern recording technology.
1922: Rebecca Felton Becomes the First Female U.S. Senator
On November 21, 1922, Rebecca Felton of Georgia became the first woman to serve as a United States Senator. While her tenure was brief, lasting only one day, Felton’s appointment was a significant milestone for women in politics. Her brief time in office paved the way for future female senators to follow in her footsteps.
1964: The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Opens
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island in New York City, opened to traffic on November 21, 1964. At the time of its completion, the bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning over 13,000 feet. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge remains an iconic landmark in New York City to this day.
1980: Millions Tune in to Watch “Who Shot J.R.?” on Dallas
On November 21, 1980, the popular television show Dallas aired its infamous “Who Shot J.R.?” episode. The mystery surrounding the attempted murder of character J.R. Ewing captivated audiences around the world, with over 83 million viewers tuning in to watch the episode. The cliffhanger ending became one of the most memorable moments in television history.
2002: NATO Invites Seven Eastern European Countries to Join
On November 21, 2002, NATO extended invitations to seven Eastern European countries to join the alliance. Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia were all invited to become members of NATO, expanding the organization’s reach and influence in Europe. This decision marked a significant moment in the post-Cold War era.
2013: The Iranian Nuclear Deal is Reached
On November 21, 2013, the P5+1 countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) reached a historic agreement with Iran on its nuclear program. The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement was a major diplomatic achievement and a step towards preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Conclusion
November 21 has been a day filled with significant events throughout history, from political milestones to cultural achievements. From the signing of the Mayflower Compact to the invention of the phonograph, November 21 has seen moments that have shaped the world we live in today. As we reflect on the events of this day, we are reminded of the importance of commemorating and learning from the past.
