THE DAY IN HISTORY · FEBRUARY 21
February 21 in history
What happened on February 21: 2 moments from the Maps of History atlases, in 1916 and 1972, each linked to the map that shows it.
The German assault on Verdun opens. The battle will last three hundred days and consume some 700,000 casualties.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE WWI MAP →
— Nixon’s visit to China
21 Feb 1972 — Hours after landing, Richard Nixon meets Mao in his study for about an hour; Mao, ill, jokes that he “voted for” Nixon. The week of banquets and the Great Wall, broadcast live on American television, turned the enemy of 1950 into a partner against the Soviet Union.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC UNDER MAO MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
THE FREE PRINTABLE STUDY GUIDE
Join the Dispatch — a short welcome series, then a letter when a new atlas opens — and a printable atlas study guide of your choice is yours now, free.
NO TRACKING · YOUR ADDRESS IS USED FOR THE DISPATCH AND NOTHING ELSE · UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME