Major Events of May 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 May 1921 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

01 May 1921 Jaffa Riots of 1921: Significant communal violence erupted in Jaffa, British Mandate for Palestine, triggered by tensions between the Jewish Communist Party and the socialist Ahdut HaAvoda group. The riots quickly escalated, involving diverse religious and ethnic groups, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and highlighting the complex social and political tensions of the period.
02 May 1921 Jaffa Riots of 1921: Significant inter-communal violence erupted in Jaffa, British Mandate Palestine, triggered by tensions between Jewish political factions and local Arab populations. The riots, initiated by a Jewish Communist Party march through the Manshiyya neighborhood, escalated into widespread conflict involving Jews, Christians, Arabs, and Muslims, resulting in at least 40 fatalities.
03 May 1921 Partition of Ireland: Under the Government of Ireland Act 1920, Ireland was officially partitioned by British law, creating two distinct regions: Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. This legislative act marked a pivotal moment in Irish political history, setting the stage for decades of complex political and social tensions.
04 May 1921 German Chancellor's Resignation amid Reparations Pressure: On May 4, 1921, Chancellor Constantin Fehrenbach and his entire cabinet resigned following the impending Allied ultimatum demanding binding reparations payments from Germany. This event highlighted the significant economic and political pressure Germany faced in the aftermath of World War I, as the Allied powers sought to enforce substantial financial penalties.
05 May 1921 German-Soviet Provisional Agreement: Germany officially recognized the Soviet government by signing the German-Soviet Provisional Agreement, establishing formal diplomatic relations between the two nations and signaling a potential shift in post-war European geopolitics.
06 May 1921 German-Soviet Provisional Agreement: On May 6, 1921, Germany and the Soviet government of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic signed a pivotal diplomatic agreement, marking the formal recognition of the Soviet regime by the German government. This treaty represented a significant diplomatic breakthrough in post-World War I international relations, establishing official diplomatic channels between two nations that had previously been in conflict.
07 May 1921 Birth of Historian Asa Briggs: Asa Briggs, a prominent English historian known for his extensive work in social and cultural history, was born in Keighley, Yorkshire. Briggs would go on to become a significant academic figure, contributing substantially to historical research and understanding of 19th and 20th-century British society.
08 May 1921 Communist Party of Romania Established: The Communist Party of Romania was officially created, marking a significant political transformation in the country's ideological landscape during the early 20th century. This event would have profound implications for Romania's future political development.
09 May 1921 Birth of Joseph Beuys, Influential Fluxus Artist: Joseph Beuys was born in Krefeld, Germany, on May 9, 1921. He would become a pioneering and controversial figure in the Fluxus art movement, known for his provocative performances, sculptures, and social sculptures that challenged traditional art concepts. Beuys was a key influencer in expanding the definition of art beyond traditional mediums, emphasizing creativity as a transformative social force.
10 May 1921 Germany Accepts Post-War Allied Demands: The German Reichstag voted 221 to 175 to comply with Allied post-World War I demands, agreeing to immediate disarmament, prosecution of war criminals, and acceptance of reparations terms. This pivotal vote signaled Germany's reluctant submission to the Treaty of Versailles conditions.
11 May 1921 Jaffa Riots of 1921: On May 11, 1921, violent communal tensions erupted in Jaffa during the British Mandate for Palestine. The riots began when a Jewish Communist Party march through the mixed neighborhood of Manshiyya escalated into large-scale violence involving Jews, Christians, Arabs, and Muslims. The conflict resulted in at least 40 fatalities within days, highlighting the deep-seated ethnic and political tensions in the region during this period.
12 May 1921 Mass Arrest of Romanian Communists: In a politically charged event, Romanian authorities conducted a mass arrest of 51 communist party members in Bucharest. The arrests were ordered by Interior Minister Constantin Argetoianu and occurred at the conclusion of a Socialist Party of Romania convention, reflecting the tense political climate and government's suppression of communist activities during the early 1920s.
13 May 1921 Irish Home Rule Elections: Under the new Home Rule Act, elections were held for the Parliament of Ireland in the 26 predominantly Roman Catholic counties, marking a significant moment in Irish political autonomy and self-governance.
14 May 1921 Deadly Riots Erupt in Jaffa: Violent riots broke out in Jaffa, then part of the British Mandate for Palestine, involving complex interactions between Jews, Christians, Arabs, and Muslims. The unrest resulted in at least 40 fatalities, reflecting the deep-seated tensions and communal conflicts in the region during this period.
15 May 1921 McDonald's Bar-B-Q Restaurant Established: Brothers Maurice 'Mac' and Richard 'Dick' McDonald opened their first restaurant, McDonald's Bar-B-Q, in San Bernardino, California, marking the humble beginnings of what would become a global fast-food empire.
16 May 1921 Founding of Communist Party of Czechoslovakia: The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia was officially established during a pivotal conference in Prague on May 16, 1921. This marked a significant moment in the political landscape of the newly formed Czechoslovak state, reflecting the growing influence of communist ideology in Central Europe during the interwar period.
17 May 1921 Belgian-Luxembourg Customs Union Established: Belgium and Luxembourg signed a significant customs union agreement, marking an important step in economic cooperation and regional integration between the two neighboring European nations.
18 May 1921 Uneventful Day in 1921: While no significant historical events were recorded for May 18, 1921, this does not necessarily mean nothing of importance occurred. Many days in history pass without major documented incidents, yet they remain part of the broader historical tapestry.
19 May 1921 Emergency Quota Act Signed into Law: U.S. President Warren G. Harding signed the Emergency Quota Act (Dillingham Immigration Bill) into law, establishing strict national quotas on immigration. This legislation significantly restricted immigration to the United States, particularly from certain countries.
20 May 1921 Martial Law Declared in Mingo County, West Virginia: On May 20, 1921, West Virginia's government imposed martial law in Mingo County, a dramatic response to escalating labor tensions in the region. This action was likely connected to the ongoing coal miners' conflicts, known as the West Virginia Coal Mine Wars, which were characterized by violent confrontations between miners and coal company operators.
21 May 1921 Birth of Andrei Sakharov, Renowned Soviet Physicist and Human Rights Activist: Andrei Sakharov was a prominent Soviet physicist, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a crucial role in the development of the Soviet hydrogen bomb and later became a leading dissident and advocate for human rights and peaceful political change during the Cold War.
22 May 1921 Shuffle Along Premieres on Broadway: On May 22, 1921, 'Shuffle Along' made history as the first Broadway musical revue entirely written, composed, and performed by African American artists. Created by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, the groundbreaking musical challenged racial barriers in the entertainment industry and became a landmark moment in African American theatrical representation. The show was a critical and commercial success, helping to launch the Harlem Renaissance and paving the way for future Black performers and creators in musical theater.
23 May 1921 Leipzig War Crimes Trials Begin: The Leipzig War Crimes Trials commenced in Germany, initiating legal proceedings against military personnel accused of war crimes during World War I. The first trial focused on Sergeant Karl Heynen, the commandant of a prisoner of war camp, representing an early attempt at international judicial accountability.
24 May 1921 Sacco and Vanzetti Trial Begins: The controversial trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, two Italian-American anarchists accused of murder, commenced, sparking significant legal and social debate about justice and immigration.
25 May 1921 IRA Burns Custom House in Dublin: During the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched a significant operation by occupying and burning The Custom House in Dublin. This bold attack was a strategic move to challenge British administrative control and demonstrate the IRA's capability to strike at the heart of British governance in Ireland.
26 May 1921 Briand's Confidence Vote in French Parliament: French Prime Minister Aristide Briand secured a significant parliamentary vote of confidence, winning 403 votes to 163. This vote demonstrated support for his moderate diplomatic approach towards Germany in the post-World War I era, reflecting the delicate political tensions of the time.
27 May 1921 Afghanistan Gains Independence from British Control: On May 27, 1921, Afghanistan officially achieved full sovereignty after 84 years of British imperial control. This landmark moment marked a significant milestone in the nation's history, representing the end of colonial influence and the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent state. The event symbolized the country's struggle for self-determination and national identity.
28 May 1921 Birth of Heinz G. Konsalik, German Author: Heinz G. Konsalik, a prolific German novelist known for his war and medical fiction, was born on May 28, 1921, in Germany. Throughout his career, he would become one of the most popular German authors of the mid-20th century, writing numerous bestselling novels that often explored themes of human resilience during challenging historical periods.
29 May 1921 Salzburg Province Votes for German Incorporation: In a significant plebiscite held on May 29, 1921, voters in the Salzburg province of Austria cast their ballots overwhelmingly in favor of being incorporated into Germany. This referendum reflected the complex post-World War I territorial and national identity tensions in Central Europe, highlighting the desire of some Austrian regions to align more closely with Germany during the tumultuous interwar period.
30 May 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Trigger Incident: A racially charged encounter occurred at the Drexel Building when Dick Rowland, a young Black teenager, was accused of assaulting Sarah Page, a white elevator operator. This incident became the spark for the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most horrific instances of racial violence in American history.
31 May 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A devastating racial massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs systematically attacked the prosperous African American community of Greenwood, known as 'Black Wall Street'. The violence resulted in widespread destruction, with estimates of Black fatalities ranging from 39 to approximately 300. The massacre involved deputized whites killing African Americans, burning 40 square blocks of homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and churches, leaving 9,000 Black residents homeless.