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Major Events of February 1921: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from February 1921 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of February 1921: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Feb 1921 Germany Accepts Invitation to Reparations Conference: Germany's Chancellor Constantin Fehrenbach formally accepted an invitation to attend the upcoming Reparations Conference in London, scheduled for March 1st. This diplomatic engagement was a critical moment in post-World War I negotiations, as Germany sought to address the substantial financial reparations demanded by the Allied powers following the war's devastating economic consequences.
  • 02 Feb 1921 Clonfin Ambush during Irish War of Independence: On February 2, 1921, during the Irish War of Independence, an Irish Republican Army (IRA) unit executed a strategic ambush against Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) forces in Clonfin, County Longford. The IRA militants first deployed an improvised explosive device to halt two truckloads of RIC auxiliary personnel, followed by a coordinated small arms attack. The intense engagement resulted in four RIC members killed and eight wounded, demonstrating the IRA's guerrilla warfare tactics against British colonial forces.
  • 03 Feb 1921 Irish Republican Army Ambush and Chilean Labor Conflict: On February 3rd, 1921, two significant and violent events occurred in different parts of the world. In Queenstown, County Cork, Ireland, an Irish Republican Army (IRA) ambush resulted in the deaths of 17 policemen, highlighting the intense conflict during the Irish War of Independence. Simultaneously, in San Gregorio, Chile, a violent confrontation erupted between unemployed workers and Chilean Army soldiers, leading to the tragic deaths of 36 unemployed workers and six soldiers at a nitrate factory.
  • 04 Feb 1921 Billy Mitchell's Naval Affairs Testimony: U.S. Army Brigadier General Billy Mitchell testified before the U.S. House Naval Affairs Committee, highlighting the potential military threat posed by advanced airships like the German L-72. His testimony was part of his broader advocacy for air power and military aviation development.
  • 05 Feb 1921 New York Yankees Acquire Land for Yankee Stadium: The New York Yankees purchased 20 acres of land in the Bronx, marking a significant moment in baseball history as they prepared to construct their iconic stadium, which would become a landmark in American sports culture.
  • 06 Feb 1921 Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid' Film Release: Charlie Chaplin's groundbreaking silent film 'The Kid', starring Chaplin and child actor Jackie Coogan, was released. This landmark movie is considered one of the first significant dramatic comedies in cinema history, blending humor with poignant storytelling about a tramp who adopts an abandoned child. The film was critically acclaimed and helped establish Coogan as the first major child star in Hollywood.
  • 07 Feb 1921 U.S. Army Reduction Resolution Override: The Army Reduction Resolution, which proposed reducing the U.S. Army to 175,000 soldiers, was initially passed by Congress and vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson. However, both Houses of Congress subsequently voted overwhelmingly to override the presidential veto, effectively implementing the resolution.
  • 08 Feb 1921 U.S. Congress Overrides Presidential Veto on Army Reduction: In a significant display of congressional power, the U.S. Congress successfully overrode President Woodrow Wilson's veto of the Army Reduction Resolution. The resolution aimed to reduce the U.S. Army to 175,000 soldiers, reflecting the post-World War I desire to demobilize and reduce military expenditures. The overwhelming congressional vote demonstrated the legislative branch's determination to reshape the military in the aftermath of the global conflict.
  • 09 Feb 1921 Uneventful Day in 1921: While no specific major historical events were recorded on February 9, 1921, this day represents a typical moment in the early interwar period. The world was still recovering from the aftermath of World War I, with significant geopolitical and social transformations occurring globally during this time.
  • 10 Feb 1921 Devastating Tornado Strikes Gardner, Georgia: On February 10, 1921, a catastrophic tornado tore through the predominantly African-American town of Gardner in Washington County, Georgia, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The tornado struck shortly after noon, killing 32 people—almost all of whom were African-American residents—and injuring an additional 40 individuals. The natural disaster left over 100 people homeless, highlighting the vulnerability of rural African-American communities during this era. The Red Cross quickly mobilized to provide critical relief efforts, offering support to survivors and helping to rebuild the devastated community.
  • 11 Feb 1921 First Interview with Kaiser Wilhelm II Published: On February 11, 1921, the first interview with former German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II was published since his abdication at the end of World War I. This publication provided rare insights into the perspective of the deposed monarch after the dramatic political changes that followed Germany's defeat in the war.
  • 12 Feb 1921 Bolshevik Revolt in Georgia: The Bolsheviks initiate a revolt in Georgia, setting the stage for an imminent Red Army invasion of the country, marking a significant moment in the Soviet expansion strategy.
  • 13 Feb 1921 Armenian February Uprising Against Bolshevik Rule: On February 13, 1921, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) launched a significant rebellion against the newly established Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. Led by former Prime Minister Simon Vratsian, the uprising sought to challenge Bolshevik control in Yerevan. The rebels successfully drove out Bolshevik forces and Soviet Army supporters from the city, temporarily establishing the Republic of Mountainous Armenia. However, the Soviet Army counterattacked and ultimately suppressed the uprising after seven weeks of resistance, reestablishing communist control over the region.
  • 14 Feb 1921 Literary Obscenity Trial: 'Ulysses' Publication: The Little Review literary magazine faced obscenity charges in New York for publishing excerpts from James Joyce's groundbreaking novel 'Ulysses', a landmark legal case in literary censorship and artistic freedom.
  • 15 Feb 1921 National Women's Party Convention in Washington, D.C.: The National Women's Party held a significant convention in Washington, D.C., strategizing future campaigns to advance women's legal, social, and economic rights both in the United States and globally.
  • 16 Feb 1921 Birth of Hua Guofeng, Communist Party Leader: Hua Guofeng is born in Jiaocheng County, Shanxi, China. He would later become a significant political figure, serving as Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Premier of the People's Republic of China. Hua was a key transitional leader following Mao Zedong's era, known for his initial support of Mao's policies before being gradually sidelined by Deng Xiaoping's reforms.
  • 17 Feb 1921 Arthur Honegger's Pastorale d'Été Premiere: Arthur Honegger, a prominent Swiss composer of the early 20th century, premiered his evocative short symphonic poem 'Pastorale d'Été' (Summer Pastoral) for chamber orchestra. This composition is a notable work in the early modernist musical landscape, capturing the essence of summer through delicate orchestral textures and innovative musical language.
  • 18 Feb 1921 British Military Occupation of Dublin: British troops entered and occupied Dublin, Ireland, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Irish struggle for independence during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921).
  • 19 Feb 1921 Reza Shah's Coup in Tehran: On February 19, 1921, Reza Khan (later Reza Shah Pahlavi) successfully executed a military coup in Tehran, marking a pivotal moment in Iranian political history. This strategic takeover would ultimately lead to the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty and significant modernization reforms in Iran.
  • 20 Feb 1921 Reza Khan's Rise to Power in Iran: Reza Khan (later Reza Shah Pahlavi) seizes control of Iran, marking a pivotal moment in the country's political transformation. This coup d'état would lead to the end of the Qajar dynasty and the beginning of the Pahlavi era, fundamentally reshaping Iran's political landscape.
  • 21 Feb 1921 Rezā Shāh's Tehran Coup: Rezā Khan successfully executed a military coup, taking control of Tehran and marking a significant turning point in Persian political history. This event would ultimately lead to the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty and fundamental transformations in Iran's governance and modernization.
  • 22 Feb 1921 Persian Coup d'État: Reza Khan, leading the Persian Cossack Brigade, seized control of Tehran in a pivotal coup that would ultimately lead to the fall of the Qajar dynasty and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, fundamentally transforming Iran's political landscape.
  • 23 Feb 1921 First US Transcontinental Air Mail Flight: On February 23, 1921, the first transcontinental air mail flight successfully completed its historic journey, arriving in New York City from San Francisco. This groundbreaking flight marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal transportation, demonstrating the potential of long-distance air travel for mail delivery.
  • 24 Feb 1921 Soviet Invasion of Georgia: General Giorgi Kvinitadze and the Georgian Army were forced to retreat from Tbilisi as the Soviet 11th and 9th Armies approached. This event marked a critical moment in the Soviet invasion of Georgia, signaling the Red Army's strategic military campaign to incorporate Georgia into the Soviet Union.
  • 25 Feb 1921 Fall of Tbilisi to Soviet Forces: After intense military confrontation, the Russian Red Army captured Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, leading to the immediate establishment of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic and the end of Georgia's brief period of independence.
  • 26 Feb 1921 USSR Signs Treaties Respecting Persian and Afghan Sovereignty: On February 26, 1921, the Soviet Union (USSR) signed landmark diplomatic treaties with Persia (Iran) and Afghanistan, formally committing to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of these Central Asian nations. These treaties represented a significant diplomatic gesture during a period of geopolitical realignment following World War I and the Russian Revolution, signaling the USSR's intent to establish peaceful relations with its southern neighbors.
  • 27 Feb 1921 Formation of International Working Union of Socialist Parties: The International Working Union of Socialist Parties (IWUSP) was established in Vienna, marking a significant moment in the international socialist movement. This organization aimed to unite various socialist parties and promote international solidarity among workers.
  • 28 Feb 1921 Cleveland Clinic Established and Begins Patient Care: On February 28, 1921, the Cleveland Clinic, a pioneering medical institution that would become one of the most renowned hospitals in the United States, officially began patient care. In its inaugural day, the clinic admitted 42 patients, marking the start of what would become a transformative healthcare organization known for medical innovation and comprehensive patient treatment.