What Happened This Year 1821

Historical Events from This Year 1821 (View all 33)

Politics & Government

Plan of Iguala Marks Independence Initiative

February 24th, 1821 204 years ago

The Plan of Iguala, proclaimed by Agustín de Iturbide, aimed to establish Mexican independence from Spanish rule. This document outlined three guarantees: the independence of Mexico, the unity of all social classes, and the protection of Catholicism. It was a pivotal moment that unified various factions in the independence movement and set the stage for a new nation.

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Military & Warfare

Greek Revolutionaries Capture Kalavryta

March 21st, 1821 203 years ago

Greek revolutionaries launched a coordinated attack on Kalavryta, a town in the Peloponnese region, as part of their uprising against Ottoman rule. The rebels aimed to gather support for their cause and demonstrate their commitment to liberation. Following a decisive assault, they managed to seize control of the town, rallying more fighters to their side. This event marked a significant early victory for the Greek forces during their struggle for independence.

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Military & Warfare

Battle and fall of Kalamata in Greece

March 23rd, 1821 203 years ago

The Battle of Kalamata marked a significant early victory for Greek forces in their struggle for independence from Ottoman rule. Following the call to arms by leaders such as Alexandros Mavrokordatos in the Peloponnese, the local population joined forces with armed groups. The successful capturing of Kalamata on March 23 became a symbol of hope for the revolutionaries, showcasing their desire for autonomy. The city was overtaken by Greeks, marking a crucial point in the fight against centuries of Ottoman domination.

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Military & Warfare

Proclamation of the Greek War of Independence

March 25th, 1821 203 years ago

The Greek War of Independence commenced formally with the calling of the revolution on March 25, 1821. The day is marked by the Church's celebration of the Annunciation, which provided symbolic significance. As Greek revolutionaries, inspired by national and religious fervor, rose against Ottoman rule, this date became a rallying point for unity. The call marked a turning point, igniting the long-fought struggle for independence from centuries of foreign domination.

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Military & Warfare

Psara Island Joins Greek Independence Fight

April 10th, 1821 203 years ago

The island of Psara formally joined the Greek independence struggle, rallying its population to resist Ottoman rule. The island, located in the Aegean Sea, became a significant stronghold for Greek revolutionaries, with local leaders organizing forces in support of the uprising. This move was part of a larger effort by various regions in Greece, as they sought to reclaim their autonomy and secure freedom from centuries of Ottoman domination.

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Politics & Government

Patriarch Gregory V's Execution in Constantinople

April 10th, 1821 203 years ago

Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople was executed by hanging on the order of the Ottoman government. His lifeless body was displayed from the main gate of the Patriarchate before being cast into the Bosphorus. The act was a direct response to the Greek War of Independence, as the Ottomans sought to suppress support for the uprising among the Christian population. Gregory V's execution symbolized the tensions between the Ottoman Empire and the Christian community in Greece.

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Born in 1821 (View all 65)

James Longstreet

American general and diplomat
Born
January 8th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1904 121 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in major battles including the Battle of Gettysburg and the Siege of Petersburg. Post-war, engaged in diplomatic efforts and promoted reconciliation between the North and South. Served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, contributing to American foreign relations in the late 19th century.

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John C. Breckinridge

American general and Vice President
Born
January 16th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1875 149 years ago — 54 years old

Served as the 14th Vice President of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Preceded in office by William R. King, assumed office under President James Buchanan. Breckinridge was a member of the Democratic Party and had previously represented Kentucky in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. During the American Civil War, served as a general in the Confederate Army, leading troops in several battles. After the war, resided in Cuba and later returned to practice law.

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John Chivington

Colonel and pastor involved in military conflicts
Born
January 27th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
1892 133 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1821, this individual served as a colonel during the American Civil War and was also a pastor. He played a significant role in military actions against Native American tribes, particularly the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. The event involved troops attacking a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho, resulting in numerous casualties and raising ethical questions about military conduct and treatment of Native Americans. After the massacre, he faced both scorn and accolades for his actions, and his military career was marked by controversies related to his leadership decisions. Later in life, he continued his pastoral work, remaining a figure in Colorado history.

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Elizabeth Blackwell

Pioneer female physician and educator
Born
February 3rd, 1821 204 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1910 114 years ago — 89 years old

First woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, completing studies at Geneva Medical College in 1849. Founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857, which provided medical care and education. Authored several books on medicine and health, contributing to medical education and public health.

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Roberto Bompiani

Italian painter and sculptor
Born
February 10th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
1908 117 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1821, this artist specialized in paintings and sculptures, focusing on historical and mythological themes. Significant works include 'The Death of Cleopatra' and 'The Rape of Europa'. Bompiani's work contributed to the Italian academic art movement of the 19th century. He was also a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, impacting the education of future artists.

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Auguste Mariette

French archaeologist and scholar
Born
February 11th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
1881 144 years ago — 60 years old

Pioneered Egyptian archaeology during the 19th century. Founded the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which became a critical repository for ancient artifacts. Conducted extensive excavations at key archaeological sites such as Saqqara, where significant discoveries related to the Old Kingdom were made. His efforts to preserve Egypt's cultural heritage were instrumental in advancing the field of archaeology.

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People Who Died in 1821 (View all 21)

Elizabeth Ann Seton

American nun and founder of a religious order
Born
August 28th, 1774 250 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1821 204 years ago — 46 years old

Founded the first Catholic school in the United States and established the Sisters of Charity. Canonized as the first American-born saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Promoted education and religious instruction among the youth, significantly influencing the development of Catholic education in America. Served as a pioneer in providing social services and outreach within the community.

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Georg Friedrich von Martens

German jurist and diplomat
Born
1756 269 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1821 204 years ago — 65 years old

Contributed significantly to international law and diplomacy. Served as a diplomat for the Kingdom of Prussia, participating in various important negotiations. Authored several important works that laid the groundwork for future legal studies in international relations. Developed comprehensive treaties that guided diplomatic practices in Europe during his tenure.

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John Keats

English Romantic poet and writer
Born
October 31st, 1795 229 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1821 204 years ago — 25 years old

This poet contributed significantly to English literature during the Romantic period. His work featured themes of beauty, nature, and mortality. Prominent works include 'Ode to a Nightingale', 'Ode on a Grecian Urn', and 'Endymion'. Keats's poetry is characterized by vivid imagery and lyrical quality that have influenced many poets after him. The poet struggled with illness throughout his life and died at a young age, but left behind a lasting legacy in the world of poetry.

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Joseph de Maistre

French diplomat and philosopher
Born
April 1st, 1753 271 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1821 204 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent figure in political philosophy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this individual served as a diplomat in various capacities for the Kingdom of Sardinia. He developed a reputation for his writings on political theory, emphasizing authority and tradition as crucial aspects of governance. His influential works include "Considerations on France," reflecting on the consequences of the French Revolution, and "Soirées de Saint-Pétersbourg," a philosophical dialogue discussing the relationship between religion and politics. His thoughts shaped the discourse surrounding conservatism and were instrumental in the development of counter-revolutionary ideology.

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Gregory V of Constantinople

Ecumenical Patriarch, religious leader
Born
1746 279 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1821 203 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople during a turbulent period marked by the Greek War of Independence. Gregory V opposed the uprising against Ottoman rule, maintaining loyalty to the Sultan. This stance led to his execution in 1821, following the capture of the Patriarchate. His leadership focused on church unity and the promotion of the Orthodox faith, while navigating complex political landscapes. He was a prominent figure within the Orthodox Church and played a significant role in religious leadership during a critical time.

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Napoleon Bonaparte

French general and emperor
Born
August 15th, 1769 255 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1821 203 years ago — 51 years old

Born on August 15, 1769, a French military leader rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. Became Emperor of the French in 1804 and established the Napoleonic Code, which influenced legal systems worldwide. His military prowess was displayed in significant battles, such as Austerlitz and Waterloo. The invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point in his fortunes. After a series of defeats, was exiled to Elba and later to Saint Helena, where he died on May 5, 1821.

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