In History, Today on April 21

In France, the far-right journalist and presidential candidate Éric Zemmour faced criticism over remarks made during a campaign rally, which were seen as controversial and polarizing, impacting the public and political discourse ahead of the elections.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter successfully performed its second flight on Mars, setting records for a higher and longer flight than its initial attempt.

A series of coordinated terrorist bombings occurred in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, targeting churches and hotels, resulting in over 250 deaths.

The iconic musician Prince is found dead at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Minnesota, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide.

The Flint water crisis began when the city switched its water supply to the Flint River, leading to lead contamination and a public health emergency.

Charles Taylor sentenced: Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was found guilty by the Special Court for Sierra Leone for war crimes and crimes against humanity, becoming the first former head of state to be convicted by an international tribunal since the Nuremberg Trials.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began in the Gulf of Mexico, leading to one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history.

Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win an IndyCar race by claiming victory at the Indy Japan 300.

The last coal mine in France, La Houve, closes, marking the end of coal mining in the country.

Cuban President Fidel Castro relaunches the youth communist newspaper 'Juventud Rebelde', calling for a new era in Cuban journalism.

The city of Baghdad fell to U.S. forces during the Iraq War, marking a significant moment in the conflict as the capital city was secured by coalition forces.

The Red River of the North flooded in North Dakota and Minnesota, leading to extensive damage in Grand Forks and surrounding areas. The disaster resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents and had significant economic and social impacts on the region.

The Tiananmen Square protests began in Beijing, China, as students gathered to mourn the death of Hu Yaobang and demand political reform.

South Vietnamese President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu resigned amid the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War.

The Seattle World's Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, opens in Seattle, Washington.

Brasília was officially inaugurated as the capital of Brazil, replacing Rio de Janeiro.

First appearance of the animated cartoon character Porky Pig was made public by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The 'Surgeon's Photograph', purportedly showing the Loch Ness Monster, was published in the Daily Mail. It was later revealed to be a hoax.

German fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, known as the 'Red Baron', was shot down and killed during World War I.

The United States Navy began a blockade of Cuban ports during the Spanish-American War.

During the American Civil War, the state of Kentucky declared its neutrality.

The Battle of San Jacinto took place, resulting in a decisive victory for the Texian Army over Mexican forces, leading to the independence of Texas from Mexico.

The first known railway timetable is published by the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company in England to outline the train service from Stockton to Darlington.

Two Austrian armies merge under Archduke Charles in Bavaria during the War of the Fifth Coalition, continuing their campaign against Napoleon's forces.

John Adams was sworn in as the first Vice President of the United States.

The city of Rattanakosin, now known as Bangkok, was founded as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand).

The First Battle of Panipat takes place, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. Babur's forces defeat Ibrahim Lodi's much larger army.

Henry VIII ascended to the throne of England following the death of his father, Henry VII.

The first recorded appearance of the Roman Catholic prelate and theologian John Hopkins's verse translation of Thomas à Kempis's devotional work 'The Imitation of Christ' is published.

Peace of Paris is ratified between King Philip IV of France and Edward I of England, resolving a conflict over territories in France.

The Treaty of Paris is signed between King Louis IX of France and King Henry III of England, ending hostilities between the two nations and establishing terms for English possessions in France.

The Battle of Naklo takes place during the ongoing Polish-Pomeranian conflicts.

According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus on this day. The myth states that the twin brothers, who were raised by a she-wolf, decided to build a city. After a disagreement, Romulus killed Remus and named the city after himself.

The Lex Titia was enacted, formally creating the Second Triumvirate in Rome. This agreement was between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, giving them power equivalent to dictators to restore the Roman Republic.