What Happened This Year 1921

Historical Events from This Year 1921

Politics & Government

Emir Abdullah Founding Transjordan's Government

April 11th, 1921 103 years ago

Emir Abdullah established the first centralized government in Transjordan, which had been designated a British protectorate. His leadership marked a significant shift in governance for the region, transitioning from tribal rule to a more structured political system. Abdullah aimed to foster stability and integration within the diverse population of Transjordan, promoting unity among various tribal factions. His efforts were supported by the British, who sought to strengthen their influence and manage local governance through Abdullah's rule.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence Erupts in Jaffa Amid Tensions

May 1st, 1921 103 years ago

In May 1921, riots broke out in Jaffa as tensions escalated between Jewish and Arab populations. Triggered by a series of incidents and underlying grievances over land and political rights, the violence quickly spread beyond local neighborhoods. Several casualties occurred as mobs engaged in rioting, looting, and armed conflict, necessitating intervention from British authorities. The clashes highlighted deep societal divisions and prompted discussions about governance in Mandatory Palestine.

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Politics & Government

West Virginia Enacts Broad Sales Tax Legislation

May 3rd, 1921 103 years ago

West Virginia became the first state to enact broad sales tax legislation in 1921. The state aimed to generate revenue amid economic pressures following World War I. While the legislation was significant, it faced substantial delays in implementation due to challenges in enforcement and collection methods. As a result, the sales tax was not executed until several years later, reflecting the complexities of tax legislation during a period of economic transition.

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Politics & Government

Partition of Ireland Enacted by Law

May 3rd, 1921 103 years ago

The Government of Ireland Act 1920 established Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland as separate political entities. This legislation intended to provide self-government to Ireland while addressing the political differences between the predominantly Protestant north and the Catholic south. The act created a devolved government for Northern Ireland, while Southern Ireland was intended to have a similar structure that was largely unsuccessful. Tension continued to rise, leading to subsequent political and social upheavals in Ireland.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the Communist Party of Romania

May 8th, 1921 103 years ago

A gathering of leftist factions in Bucharest led to the formation of the Communist Party of Romania, marking a significant step in the country's leftist movement. This gathering included members from the Romanian Socialist Party and various labor organizations. The new party sought to advocate for workers' rights and influence political change in a period marked by social upheaval post-World War I. Founding members were committed to Marxist ideologies, aiming to establish a platform for revolutionary change in Romania's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Emergency Quota Act establishes immigration quotas

May 19th, 1921 103 years ago

The Emergency Quota Act was passed by Congress in 1921, establishing national quotas for immigration to the United States. This act was motivated by a desire to restrict immigration from certain countries, reflecting growing nativist sentiments. It aimed to limit the number of immigrants based on their nationality, particularly targeting Southern and Eastern Europeans. By utilizing a quota system, the Act specifically capped the number of individuals allowed from each nationality to 3% of their respective populations in the U.S. according to the 1910 census. This legislation had lasting implications on U.S. immigration policy.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

The Tulsa Race Massacre Shocks the Nation

May 31st, 1921 103 years ago

In Greenwood, Tulsa, a violent conflict erupted, resulting in the destruction of a prosperous African American community known as 'Black Wall Street.' Tensions escalated when a young Black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, leading to a white mob attacking Greenwood residents. Over the course of 18 hours, thousands of white residents looted and burned homes and businesses, displacing thousands and killing a significant number of Black residents, as estimates of fatalities range widely.

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Military & Warfare

Tukhachevsky's Chemical Weapon Order in Tambov

June 12th, 1921 103 years ago

Mikhail Tukhachevsky ordered the use of chemical weapons in the Tambov region to suppress the Tambov Rebellion, a significant peasant uprising against Bolshevik rule. This marked a brutal measure taken by the Red Army to restore order and eliminate resistance. The rebellion had begun in 1920 in response to harsh policies and requisitioning of grain, leading to widespread discontent among rural populations. Tukhachevsky's strategic decision aimed to decisively end the uprising and demonstrate the lengths to which the Soviet government would go to maintain control.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bessie Coleman becomes first Black female pilot

June 15th, 1921 103 years ago

Bessie Coleman earned her pilot's license in June 1921, making history as the first female pilot of African-American descent. Born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892, Coleman faced significant racial and gender barriers during her pursuit of aviation. Undeterred, she traveled to France to obtain her license after being denied entry to flight schools in the United States. Her achievement not only exemplified determination and courage but also served as an inspiration for future generations of aviators.

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