In History, Today on February 21

Joan of Arc's trial for heresy began in Rouen, France. She was accused of cross-dressing and claiming divine guidance, which led to her execution later that year.

Mikhail Romanov was elected Tsar of Russia, marking the beginning of the Romanov dynasty.

The first self-propelling steam locomotive made its outing at the Pen-y-Darren Ironworks in Wales.

The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in London. It became one of the world's most influential political documents.

The first telephone directory was issued in New Haven, Connecticut, containing 50 names. It marked a significant development in telecommunications.

The Battle of Verdun began during World War I, lasting until December 1916. It was one of the longest and most grueling battles in the war, with heavy casualties on both sides.

Edwin Land demonstrated the first instant camera, the Polaroid Land Camera, at a meeting of the Optical Society of America in New York City.

The Language Movement Day, also known as Martyrs' Day, was observed in Bangladesh to commemorate the Bengali Language Movement and the deaths of students during protests in 1952.

Malcolm X, an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist, was assassinated in New York City while preparing to address the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

U.S. President Richard Nixon arrived in China for an official visit, marking the first time a U.S. president visited the People's Republic of China, leading to improved Sino-American relations.

Steve Fossett landed in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada, becoming the first person to make a solo flight across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon.

The United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague convicts Bosnian Serb General Radislav Krstić of genocide for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, marking the first time an individual is convicted of genocide by the tribunal.

The United States Navy successfully shoots down a malfunctioning spy satellite, USA-193, over the Pacific Ocean using a ship-based missile.

The European Union imposes sanctions on North Korea following its third nuclear test conducted earlier in the month.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders sign a deal to end the crisis in Ukraine, which includes a return to the 2004 constitution and early elections.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, causing significant damage and resulting in numerous casualties.

The World Health Organization reports that the number of COVID-19 cases outside China has surpassed those within China for the first time, marking a significant point in the global spread of the virus.