On This Day in History
Discover key historical events within the Genesis range (1950–2049) that occurred on this calendar day, and claim their commemorative registry plaques.
August 21
6 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049
South Vietnamese special forces loyal to Ngô Đình Nhu, the brother of President Ngô Đình Diệm, raided and vandalised Buddhist pagodas (one pictured) across the country, arresting thousands and leaving hundreds dead.
Wikipedia: Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces
Six people were killed during an escape attempt and riot at San Quentin State Prison in California; the subsequent trial of six inmates was the longest in state history at the time.
Wikipedia: San Quentin SixA limnic eruption of Lake Nyos in Cameroon released a cloud of carbon dioxide, suffocating 1,746 people and 3,500 livestock.
Wikipedia: Limnic eruption
BioShock was released in North America, becoming a critical success and a demonstration of video games as an art form.
Wikipedia: BioShock
Syrian civil war: Areas controlled by the Syrian opposition in Ghouta, Damascus, were attacked by rockets (launcher pictured) containing sarin, killing at least 281 people.
Wikipedia: Syrian civil war
Passengers on a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris confronted and subdued an attacker who attempted a mass shooting.
Wikipedia: Thalys