In History, Today on May 21

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Algeria and Argentina malaria-free, recognizing their efforts in eradicating the disease within their borders.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman sign a $110 billion arms deal in Riyadh.

David Letterman hosted his final episode of the Late Show, concluding a 33-year-long career as a late-night talk show host on American television.

Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, opens to the public.

The predicted date of the Rapture according to Harold Camping, which did not occur, leading to widespread media coverage and public discussion.

Kingda Ka, the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, opens at Six Flags Great Adventure.

An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck northern Algeria, causing significant damage and resulting in the deaths of over 2,200 people.

French Taubira law is enacted, recognizing the Atlantic slave trade and slavery as a crime against humanity.

Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber in Tamil Nadu, India, during an election campaign.

The first U.S. nuclear rocket fuel test occurred, marking a significant early step in nuclear propulsion research.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Ireland after departing from Newfoundland.

Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, landing in Paris after taking off from New York.

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer, was founded in Paris, France.

The Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames is officially opened in London by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII).

The Manchester Ship Canal is officially opened by Queen Victoria, linking Manchester to the sea.

The American Red Cross was established by Clara Barton, providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the United States.

Lawrence, Kansas, a center of anti-slavery settlers, is captured and sacked by pro-slavery forces during the Bleeding Kansas crisis.

In the Greek War of Independence, the Greeks defeated the Ottomans at the Battle of Eressos on the island of Lesbos.

The Battle of Aspern-Essling was fought between the forces of the Austrian Empire and the French Empire, led by Napoleon. It marked the first time Napoleon was personally defeated in a battle.

Ignatius Sancho, a former slave and influential writer in London, was born.

Mary Campbell, a young colonist, was taken captive by Lenape Native Americans, beginning her five-year captivity.

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto died on the banks of the Mississippi River. He was the first European documented to have crossed the river.

The Battle of Tewkesbury, a decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses, took place, resulting in a victory for the Yorkists led by King Edward IV over the Lancastrians.

Battle of Lake Poyang: Decisive confrontation during the transitional period at the end of the Yuan Dynasty in China where the Ming forces under Zhu Yuanzhang defeated the Han forces.

Emperor Otto III crowned his cousin Bruno as Pope Gregory V, making him the first German pope.

The Battle of Edington concludes with a decisive victory for King Alfred the Great of Wessex over the Viking forces led by Guthrum. This battle effectively ends the Viking invasion of Wessex and leads to the Treaty of Wedmore, where Guthrum agrees to be baptized and withdraw his forces.