March 21 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

March 21 marks the beginning of spring in many parts of the world, symbolizing renewal and growth. Throughout history, this date has witnessed significant cultural, scientific, and political events. The Persian New Year, Nowruz, is celebrated on this day, bringing together millions across regions in joy and tradition. It is also recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and World Poetry Day. Many notable individuals were born on this date, leaving lasting contributions in fields like art, literature, and science. Overall, March 21 stands as a day of harmony, creativity, and global awareness.

Famous People Born on March 21

1685 Johann Sebastian Bach: Renowned German composer and musician known for his instrumental compositions and choral works.

1768 Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier: French mathematician and physicist famous for developing Fourier analysis and studying heat transfer.

1915 Henry Bumstead: American art director and production designer who won Academy Awards for his work in classic films.

1935 Brian Clough: English football player and manager remembered for leading Nottingham Forest to European Cup victories.

1946 Timothy Dalton: British actor best known for portraying James Bond in the late 1980s.

1958 Gary Oldman: English actor and filmmaker recognized for his versatility and powerful performances in film and television.

1960 Ayrton Senna: Legendary Brazilian Formula One driver regarded as one of the greatest racers in history.

1980 Ronaldinho: Brazilian football legend celebrated for his incredible skill, creativity, and joyful style of play.

1990 Jace Norman: American actor best known for his role in the Nickelodeon series Henry Danger.

Famous Events on March 21

1556: Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer was burned at the stake for heresy during the reign of Queen Mary I of England.

1804: The Napoleonic Code was adopted in France, becoming a foundation for modern civil law systems around the world.

1871: Otto von Bismarck was appointed the first Chancellor of the German Empire.

1960: The Sharpeville Massacre occurred in South Africa, where police opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid.

1963: Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay was officially closed.

1965: Civil rights activists began their third march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Martin Luther King Jr.

1999: Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones completed the first nonstop balloon flight around the world.

2006: The social media platform Twitter was founded, revolutionizing online communication.

2019: A massive explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Jiangsu, China, causing numerous casualties.

Famous People Who Died on March 21

1556 Thomas Cranmer: English Archbishop of Canterbury and key figure in the English Reformation who was executed for heresy.

1617 Pocahontas: Native American woman known for her association with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.

1915 Frederick Winslow Taylor: American mechanical engineer and management consultant known as the father of scientific management.

1930 Arthur Balfour: British statesman and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who issued the Balfour Declaration.

1967 David Riesman: American sociologist and author of The Lonely Crowd, a study on modern social behavior.

2010 James Black: Scottish pharmacologist who discovered important drugs used to treat heart disease and stomach ulcers.

2015 Alberta Watson: Canadian actress known for her roles in television and film including La Femme Nikita.

2019 June Harding: American actress best remembered for her performance in The Trouble with Angels.

March 21 holds a special place in history as a day of renewal, reflection, and progress. It marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and harmony across cultures. From significant historical milestones to the birthdays of remarkable individuals, this date celebrates human achievement and resilience. March 21 reminds the world of unity, creativity, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and equality.