What Happened This Year 1621

Historical Events from This Year 1621

Religion & Philosophy

Gregory XV Becomes Pope by Acclamation

February 9th, 1621 404 years ago

Gregory XV was elected Pope in an acclamation, marking the final instance of such an election method. His election followed the death of Pope Paul V. The conclave gathered in Rome, where cardinals supported Gregory, leading to a unanimous decision. This method was significant for the rapidity of the selection process and demonstrated the political maneuvering of church officials during this period.

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Military & Warfare

Myles Standish Becomes Military Commander

February 17th, 1621 404 years ago

Myles Standish was appointed as the first military commander of the English Plymouth Colony. In this role, he was tasked with ensuring the safety and defense of the settlers against potential threats. His leadership and military experience were critical in navigating the challenges faced by the fledgling colony.

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Exploration & Discovery

Samoset Greets Plymouth Colonists

March 16th, 1621 403 years ago

Samoset, an Abenaki skirmisher, became the first Native American to greet the English settlers of Plymouth Colony. Informing them of the local tribes and signaling a crucial step towards communication, he confidently approached the settlers and welcomed them with the memorable phrase, 'Welcome, Englishmen! My name is Samoset.' This encounter signified the beginning of interactions between the settlers and the Indigenous peoples of the region, as well as the potential for trade and diplomacy.

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Politics & Government

Pilgrims and Wampanoags Sign Peace Treaty

March 22nd, 1621 403 years ago

John Carver, governor of Plymouth Colony, led the Pilgrims in signing a peace treaty with Massasoit, the sachem of the Wampanoags. Squanto served as an invaluable interpreter during the negotiations. This significant moment established a crucial alliance between the two groups in the early years of European settlement in North America.

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Exploration & Discovery

The Mayflower's Return Voyage to England

April 5th, 1621 403 years ago

The Mayflower departed Plymouth, Massachusetts, for England after a successful journey that carried the Pilgrims to the New World. The ship, having spent several months in the Plymouth Colony, was now returning with a small number of passengers, including some of the remaining Pilgrims who were eager to return home as well as a cargo of goods. The voyage marked a significant moment in the early history of the colonies, emphasizing the ongoing connections between England and the New World.

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Politics & Government

Dissolution of the Protestant Union

May 24th, 1621 403 years ago

The Protestant Union, an alliance of Protestant states in the Holy Roman Empire, was formally dissolved after the defeat at the Battle of White Mountain. Continuing tensions between Catholic and Protestant factions led to this significant change in power dynamics among German states, ultimately contributing to the larger conflict within the Thirty Years' War started shortly afterward.

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Politics & Government

Charter of New Netherland Granted

June 3rd, 1621 403 years ago

The Dutch West India Company received a charter to establish New Netherland, a colony that would include parts of present-day New York and New Jersey. This charter allowed the company to engage in trade, colonization, and military activities in the region. The motivation behind this was to compete with Spanish and English colonial powers and to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade with Native American tribes. This marked the beginning of a significant Dutch presence in North America.

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Politics & Government

Execution of 27 Czech Noblemen in Prague

June 21st, 1621 403 years ago

In June 1621, a group of 27 Czech noblemen were executed in the Old Town Square of Prague as a direct consequence of their opposition to Habsburg rule, following the defeat of the Czech uprising in the Battle of White Mountain. The executions were part of a larger effort to suppress Protestant rebellion in Bohemia and establish Habsburg authority. The event is notorious for its public nature, illustrating the harsh reprisals against dissenters in the aftermath of the battle. It served as a grim reminder of the consequences of political and religious defiance.

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Politics & Government

London's Grand Pageant for Edward Barkham

October 29th, 1621 403 years ago

The London Pageant of 1621 marked the inauguration of Edward Barkham as Lord Mayor. Held in the heart of London, the pageant saw a grand procession featuring elaborate floats, performances, and the display of the city's wealth and pride. It served not only to celebrate Barkham's new role but also to reinforce the traditions of civic authority, public order, and the prosperity of the city. The highlight of the event was a stunning display of pageantry that captivated citizens and dignitaries alike, emphasizing the importance of the mayor's role in local governance and community leadership.

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