In History, Today on June 21

King Edward III of England died, marking the end of his 50-year reign and the beginning of the reign of his grandson, Richard II.

Niccolò Machiavelli, the Italian diplomat, philosopher, and writer, died. He is best known for his political treatise, 'The Prince,' which is often regarded as one of the first works of modern political philosophy.

The Dutch West India Company received its charter for a trade monopoly in the West Indies, which included the Atlantic slave trade and the establishment of colonies in the Americas.

New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution, which led to its official adoption as the framework of the government of the United States.

King Louis XVI of France and his family were captured at Varennes-en-Argonne during an attempt to flee Paris.

The United States captured Guam from Spain during the Spanish-American War, marking the beginning of American control over the island.

Columbia Records introduced the long-playing (LP) record in a public demonstration at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, revolutionizing the music industry by allowing longer recordings on a single disc.

Civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney were murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi, an event that became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

John Hinckley Jr. was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale hits Iran, killing about 40,000 people.

SpaceShipOne becomes the first privately funded spacecraft to achieve spaceflight.

Pluto's newly discovered moons, Nix and Hydra, are officially named by the International Astronomical Union.

The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century occurs, lasting up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds.

The United Nations General Assembly declares June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, recognizing its universal appeal and benefits.

A boat carrying over 200 asylum seekers capsizes north of Christmas Island, Australia, leading to a major rescue operation.