May 21: Historic Transatlantic Flights and Civil Unrest in Kansas

Good morning everyone!

For aviation pioneers Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, May 21st was a day of celebration. For anti-slavery settlers and advocates in Antebellum Kansas, it was a day of tragedy. 

Read about all that happened today:

⚔️1856: The Town of Lawrence Was Sacked

Led by Douglas County Sheriff Samuel J. Jones, a pro-slavery mob attacked and ransacked the town of Lawrence, Kansas. Today the home of the University of Kansas, Lawrence had been founded by settlers from Massachusetts aiming to keep slavery out of the newly formed state of Kansas. 

Violence erupted in Kansas throughout the 1850s after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which, among other things, gave new territories in the American West the right to choose, through a popular vote, if they wanted to allow slavery or not. This policy, known as Popular Sovereignty, was supposed to ease the ongoing tensions regarding slavery. But it wound up doing the opposite. People from all over the country flocked to the state to try and influence its position on slavery. 

The violence that erupted is now known as Bleeding Kansas, which is now seen as a major precursor to the US Civil War.

❤️1881: Clara Barton Founded the American Association of the Red Cross

Clara Barton founded the American Association of the Red Cross after her experiences providing aid during the US Civil War and her admiration for the International Red Cross. Her leadership established a vital organization dedicated to disaster relief and emergency assistance in the United States.

⚠️1911: French Troops Occupied Fez

French troops occupied Fez to suppress a rebellion against the Sultan, an action that incited the Second Moroccan Crisis. This occupation heightened tensions between European powers, particularly between France and Germany, nearly leading to war.

🛩️1927: Charles Lindbergh Completed the First Nonstop Solo Transatlantic Flight

Charles Lindbergh completed the first nonstop solo transatlantic flight, piloting The Spirit of St. Louis from New York to Paris in over 33 hours.

🕊️1932: Amelia Earhart Became the First Woman to Pilot an Airplane Solo across the Atlantic Ocean

Breaking barriers and the ocean waves, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Explore the tales of her and other pioneering women in aviation: Female Pilots: Raymonde de Laroche, Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, and More!

☢️1956: United States Drops Hydrogen Bomb over Bikini Atoll

The United States conducted a hydrogen bomb test over Bikini Atoll, demonstrating the immense destructive power of nuclear weapons. This test was part of a series of nuclear experiments to advance military technology during the Cold War.

🌟Born on This Day in History

471: Albrecht Dürer, German Artist

Known for his magnificent woodcuts, engravings, and paintings, Dürer is celebrated as one of the most important figures of the German Renaissance.

1527: Philip II, King of Spain And Portugal

Philip II, King of Spain and Portugal oversaw a vast empire that included territories in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His reign marked the height of Spanish power, but his military ventures, such as the failed Armada against England in 1588, strained the empire's resources and contributed to its eventual decline.

1688: Alexander Pope, English Author

Alexander Pope is renowned for his satirical verse, notably exemplified in works like "The Rape of the Lock" and "The Dunciad." His mastery of the heroic couplet and sharp wit made him one of the most influential poets of his time, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.

1904: Fats Waller, Musician

An influential jazz pianist and composer, Waller's infectious humor and innovative playing style made him a standout figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

1951: Al Franken, United States Senator

A comedian turned politician, Franken is known for his tenure on "Saturday Night Live" and his subsequent career as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota.

💔 Died on This Day in History

987: Louis V, King of France

Louis V, King of France, ruled from 986 to 987, during the Carolingian dynasty's decline. His brief reign was marked by political instability and conflicts within the nobility, culminating in his untimely death at just 20 years old.

1471: Henry VI, King of England

Henry VI's turbulent reign was marked by the Wars of the Roses, leading to his deposition and subsequent tragic death in the Tower of London. Discover more about his legacy and other English monarchs: The Kings and Queens of England: English Monarchs Timeline from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II.

1542: Hernando de Soto, Spanish Conquistador

De Soto's explorations through the Southeastern United States revealed new territories to Europe, but his harsh treatment of indigenous peoples left a darker legacy.

1935: Jane Addams, US Social Reformer

A pioneer of social work and co-founder of Hull House, Addams was a leader in the fight for social justice and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.

1952: John Garfield, Actor

Known for his brooding charisma, Garfield's performances in classic films like "The Postman Always Rings Twice" made him a beloved star of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Thanks again for tuning in. We’ll be back tomorrow!

Matt