This Day in History: May 21

1792 - Mount Unzen Eruption and Tsunami

In 1792, Mount Unzen, located on Japan's Shimabara Peninsula, erupted, causing a devastating tsunami that killed approximately 15,000 people. This remains Japan's deadliest volcanic eruption in history.

1832 - First US Democratic National Convention

The first-ever US Democratic National Convention was held in Baltimore in 1832. The convention was held to nominate the Democratic Party's candidates for the presidential election.

1871 - Attack on the Commune of Paris

In 1871, French regular troops launched an attack on the Commune of Paris, resulting in the deaths of approximately 17,000 people. The Commune was a radical socialist and revolutionary government that controlled Paris from March 18 to May 28, 1871.

1904 - Founding of FIFA

In 1904, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded. FIFA is the world governing body of association football and is responsible for organizing the World Cup, one of the most viewed sporting events in the world.

1932 - Amelia Earhart's Solo Transatlantic Flight

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic, flying for 17 hours from Newfoundland and landing near Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This was a historic achievement in aviation and paved the way for more women to enter the field.

1979 - White Night Riots

In 1979, Dan White, the assassin of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of murder, leading to the White Night Riots. The riots were a series of violent clashes between police and gay rights activists in San Francisco protesting the lenient sentence.

1991 - Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi

In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a woman believed to be connected to the Sri Lankan separatist militant organization, the Tamil Tigers. The suicide bombing claimed the lives of at least 14 people and shook the nation.

1951 - The 9th Street Show

In 1951, the 9th Street Show opened in New York, featuring works by groundbreaking artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. The exhibition is considered the birth of the artistic avant-garde referred to as the New York School.

1927 - Charles Lindbergh's Solo Flight to Paris

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo air crossing of the Atlantic, flying from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis. This achievement was a major milestone in aviation history and made Lindbergh an instant celebrity.