January 21

What happened on January 21 in history

4 events fall on January 21, from 1793 to 1976. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on January 21

  1. 1793

    Louis XVI is guillotined

    The king is executed on the Place de la Révolution before a vast Paris crowd.

    Play the Exploration & revolution round

  2. 1908

    New York bans women smoking in public

    The short-lived Sullivan Ordinance makes lighting up an offence for the proprietor.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1954

    The first nuclear submarine is launched

    USS Nautilus enters the water at Groton, Connecticut.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1976

    Concorde enters service

    Simultaneous departures from London and Paris begin supersonic passenger flight.

    Play the 20th century round