What Happened in 1821 — Events, Births & Deaths

Greek War of Independence: Traditional date of the start of the Greek War of Independence. The war had actually begun on 23 February 1821 (Julian calendar).

Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople is hanged by the Ottoman government from the main gate of the Patriarchate and his body is thrown into the Bosphorus.

Greek War of Independence: the island of Psara joins the Greek struggle for independence.

Benderli Ali Pasha arrives in Constantinople as the new Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire; he remains in power for only nine days before being sent into exile.

Emperor Napoleon dies in exile on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

The first edition of The Manchester Guardian, now The Guardian, is published.

Greek War of Independence: The Greeks defeat the Turks at the Battle of Gravia Inn.

The first major battle of the Greek War of Independence against the Turks is fought in Valtetsi.

Decisive defeat of the Filiki Eteria by the Ottomans at Drăgășani (in Wallachia).

Four hundred and seventy prominent Cypriots including Archbishop Kyprianos are executed in response to Cypriot aid to the Greek War of Independence.

The Kingdom of Spain cedes the territory of Florida to the United States.

José de San Martín declares the independence of Peru from Spain.

The Saturday Evening Post is published for the first time as a weekly newspaper.

Jarvis Island is discovered by the crew of the ship, Eliza Frances.

Tripolitsa, Greece, is captured by Greek rebels during the Greek War of Independence.

The Peruvian Navy is established during the War of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire is publicly proclaimed.