May 21

Events - Economy & Industry

1894day.year

The Manchester Ship Canal in the United Kingdom is officially opened by Queen Victoria, who later knights its designer Sir Edward Leader Williams.

Queen Victoria inaugurated the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894, transforming Manchester into a major inland port.
On May 21, 1894, the 36-mile Manchester Ship Canal, engineered by Sir Edward Leader Williams, was officially opened. Queen Victoria presided over the inauguration ceremony, later knighting Williams for his achievement. The canal linked Manchester directly to the Irish Sea, bypassing Liverpool and reducing transport costs. It fueled industrial growth in northwest England by allowing ocean-going vessels to reach the city. The canal remains operational today and stands as a testament to Victorian industrial ambition.
1894 Manchester Ship Canal Queen Victoria knights Sir Edward Leader Williams
1981day.year

Transamerica Corporation agrees to sell United Artists to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $380 million after the box office failure of the 1980 film Heaven's Gate.

In 1981, Transamerica sold United Artists to MGM for $380 million after the financial flop of Heaven's Gate. The deal reshaped Hollywood's studio landscape.
After the notorious box office failure of Heaven's Gate in 1980, Transamerica Corporation sought to recoup losses. On May 21, 1981, it agreed to sell United Artists to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $380 million. The acquisition reunited two major studios under the MGM banner, aiming for stronger financial footing. Industry experts saw the deal as a turning point in studio mergers and corporate consolidation. The transaction underscored the risks of high-budget filmmaking without market appeal. It also marked the end of United Artists as an independent entity, influencing future studio strategies.
Transamerica Corporation United Artists Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Heaven's Gate