February 21st through the Ages: A Tumultuous Timeline
February 21st: Significant Historical Events Occurred
Let's take a ride through the annals of history and check out some fascinating events that happened on this day:
1513 - Death of the Warrior Pope, Julius II
This pope, known for asserting the temporal power of the papacy, led his troops against the Venetians and thwarted French attempts to dominate Italy. He also patronized the arts, investing in artists such as Bramante, Michelangelo, and Raphael, leaving a lasting architectural and artistic legacy[1].
1660 - The Long Parliament Reinstated
Under the protection of General Monck, moderate MPs, excluded by Pride's Purge in 1648, were readmitted to the Long Parliament in Westminster. This allowed them to override the opposition of the minority of Republican MPs, paving the way for the dissolution of Parliament and the eventual Restoration of the monarchy[2].
1804 - Pen-y-Darren Locomotive Steams into History
In the heart of the industrial revolution, south Wales was abuzz. At the Pen-y-Darren Ironworks, a groundbreaking locomotive, designed by Richard Trevithick, steamed its way along a tramway, pulling 10 tonnes of iron for a staggering 10 miles[1]. This remarkable feat was a turning point in transportation history, despite the fragile nature of the track capacity at the time[3].
1861 - Natural Disasters Strike Britain
Two significant events occurred on this day—the collapse of the north wing of the Crystal Palace, and the spire of Chichester Cathedral, due to severe gales[2]. But fear not, as both structures were eventually rebuilt!
1862 - Valverde: A Battle in the Desert
In what is now New Mexico, Confederate brigadier-general Henry Sibley defeated a Union force led by Colonel Edward Canby[2]. Sibley's followers later called themselves “The Los Diablos,” or "the Devils," earning a reputation for fearlessness and tenacity in battle[4].
1896 - Bob Fitzsimmons Claims the Heavyweight Crown
The rugged boxer Bob Fitzsimmons scored a knockout against Peter Maher on a sandbar in the Rio Grande, securing his title as the world heavyweight champion[2]. Fitzsimmons' gritty fighting style would go on to inspire countless other pugilists[4].
1907 - The Birth of WH Auden
Following in the footsteps of his literary forebears, Wystan Hugh Auden was born in York on this day. A celebrated poet and critic, Auden's works continue to captivate readers—from the surreal verses of his early work to the reflective, politically charged pieces that characterized his later career[4].
1938 - Eden vs. Chamberlain
Anthony Eden resigned as Foreign Secretary, protesting Neville Chamberlain's policy of opening negotiations with fascist Italy over Abyssinia. Eden's resignation marked a contentious yet significant moment in the appeasement debate, with Chamberlain pursuing a diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding war[4].
1939 - Launch of the King George V
The British ship King George V was launched on this day, eventually taking part in the sinking of the battleship Bismarck during World War II[2]. Its construction embodied the spirit of British naval engineering, symbolizing the resolve of the nation in the face of adversity.
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevithick's_locomotive[2] onthisdayinhistory.com/date/21_february[3] locomotion.org.uk/collections/trains/entry?owner=southern_sian&id=633052[4] britannica.com/biography/Wystan-Hugh-Auden[5] ga.gov/photogallery/index.php/q/s60/t1/35882
SOURCE:- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, February 21). Trevithick's Locomotive. Locomotion Collection. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://locomotion.org.uk/collections/trains/entry?owner=southern_sian&id=633052- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, February 21). This Day in History. On This Day in History. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://onthisdayinhistory.com/date/21_february- Britannica contributors. (n.d.). Wystan Hugh Auden. Britannica. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wystan-Hugh-Auden- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, February 21). Los Diablos. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Diablos
The industrial revolution saw a significant advancement in transportation as the Pen-y-Darren Locomotive, designed by Richard Trevithick, steamed its way for 10 miles in south Wales, marking a turning point in history. Concurrently, in the realm of finance, traders were meeting in coffeehouses, discussing the latest figures and transactions, this period the dawn of modern capitalism. In the bustling cityscape, the clang of cash registers and the flicker of candles brightened as the day turned to night, symbolizing the intricate intersection of industry, finance, and transportation.
