In History, Today on September 21

The United Nations General Assembly conducted its 77th session, addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and conflicts around the world.

SpaceX's civilian flight, Inspiration4, successfully completed its mission and safely splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the end of the first all-civilian orbital mission.

Millions of young people led global climate strikes, inspired by activist Greta Thunberg, calling for urgent action against climate change.

China and the Vatican signed a historic agreement on the appointment of bishops, a move aimed at improving relations between the two entities.

Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the island.

The People's Climate March took place in New York City, with over 300,000 participants advocating for action against climate change. It was one of the largest climate marches in history.

The Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, began, carried out by the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. The siege lasted four days and resulted in at least 67 deaths.

Armenia became a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), joining as its 156th member.

The United Nations recognized Palestine as a non-member observer state, a significant step in the Palestinian bid for statehood recognition.

The International Day of Peace was observed, with the United Nations Secretary-General urging global ceasefire and non-violence, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts and promoting peace worldwide.

The Galileo spacecraft, launched by NASA to study Jupiter and its moons, was intentionally crashed into Jupiter's atmosphere to avoid contaminating any of the planet's moons.

The AZF chemical factory explosion occurred in Toulouse, France, resulting in 31 deaths and over 2,500 injuries. The explosion caused significant damage to the surrounding area and raised questions about industrial safety.

Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union following a referendum.

Belize is granted full independence from the United Kingdom.

Orlando Letelier, a former Chilean ambassador, was assassinated in Washington, D.C., in a car bombing orchestrated by the Chilean secret police.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos signs Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire country under martial law.

Malta gains independence from the United Kingdom.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress made its maiden flight, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology during World War II.

The Great Hurricane of 1938 made landfall on Long Island and southern New England, causing widespread destruction.

J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' was published, introducing readers to Middle-earth.

The New York Sun published its famous editorial, 'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.'

Frank Duryea is said to have driven the first gasoline-powered automobile on U.S. roads.

The HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin aboard, reaches the port of Buenos Aires during its survey voyage of the south coast of South America.

Joseph Smith Jr. is said to have obtained the golden plates, according to his account, which later became the basis of the Book of Mormon.

The Treaty of Fredrikshamn is signed, ending the Finnish War and marking the cession of Finland from Sweden to the Russian Empire.

The National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy in France, marking the beginning of the First French Republic.

Benedict Arnold gives the British the plans to West Point.

The Battle of Prestonpans took place during the Jacobite Rising of 1745, resulting in a victory for the Jacobites.

Musashi Miyamoto, the legendary Japanese swordsman, is said to have won his first duel at the age of 13.

Peace of Selymbria is signed between the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, marking the end of a war that had lasted since 1399.

King Edward II of England was murdered at Berkeley Castle.

Bokon of Whithorn, a Scottish bishop, passed away.

The Kingdom of Dublin falls to Norman invaders.

The Siege of Constantinople by the Umayyad Caliphate was lifted. This was part of the larger Arab-Byzantine Wars, where the Byzantine Empire successfully defended its capital against the Umayyad forces.

The Roman general Flavius Aetius, often called the 'last of the Romans,' was assassinated by Emperor Valentinian III in Rome. Aetius had been a key military leader for the Western Roman Empire, notably defeating Attila the Hun at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in 451.