March 27th unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of triumph, tragedy, innovation, and conflict, marking its significance across various chapters of history. From groundbreaking achievements and monumental construction beginnings to heartbreaking disasters and pivotal political shifts, this day has been a witness to events that have shaped our world in profound ways. Here is list of some Major Historical Events on March 27.
Major Historical Events on March 27- Today in History
1513 – Exploration of Bahamas
Juan Ponce de León reached The Bahamas’ northern end, starting his voyage to Florida. He sought new lands under the Spanish crown. His discovery marked an early European presence in the Americas, leading to further exploration.
1625 – Charles I’s Coronation
Charles I ascended the throne as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He also claimed the French crown. His reign faced religious and political turmoil, culminating in the English Civil War. Charles’ governance significantly impacted the British Isles’ history.
1638 – Calabrian Earthquakes Strike
Southern Italy was struck by a devastating earthquake. Measuring 6.8 magnitude, it reached a Mercalli intensity of XI. This disaster killed between 10,000 and 30,000 people. It was the first in a series of destructive quakes.
1782 – Second Rockingham Ministry
The Second Rockingham ministry took office in Great Britain. They began peace negotiations to end the American War of Independence. This marked a pivotal moment in British politics, leading towards the recognition of American independence.
1836 – Goliad Massacre Occurs
General Antonio López de Santa Anna ordered the massacre of 342 Texian Army POWs in Goliad, Texas. This brutal act during the Texas Revolution fueled anti-Mexican sentiment and galvanized support for Texan independence.
1866 – Civil Rights Act Passed
Andrew Johnson, President of the USA, vetoed the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Congress overrode his veto, and the act became law. This legislation was a landmark in the fight against racial discrimination in America.
1871 – First Rugby International
Scotland defeated England in Edinburgh at Raeburn Place. This event marked the first international rugby football match, laying the foundation for international rugby competitions. It symbolized the growing popularity of the sport.
1886 – Geronimo’s Surrender
Apache warrior Geronimo surrendered to the U.S. Army, ending the main phase of the Apache Wars. This surrender marked a significant moment in Native American history and the U.S. military’s western expansion.
1901 – Aguinaldo Captured
Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the First Philippine Republic, was captured by American forces. His capture marked a turning point in the Philippine–American War, leading towards American dominance in the Philippines.
1915 – Typhoid Mary Quarantined
Mary Mallon, known as Typhoid Mary, was quarantined for the second time. She was the first healthy carrier of typhoid fever identified in the U.S. and remained in isolation for life. Her case raised public health and ethical issues.
1918 – Bessarabia Joins Romania
The National Council of Bessarabia proclaimed union with the Kingdom of Romania. This political move was significant for Romanian nationalism and the post-World War I European order, impacting the region’s geopolitical landscape.
1933 – Japan Leaves League
After the League of Nations approved the Lytton Report, favoring China, Japan left the organization. This event escalated tensions leading to the Second Sino-Japanese War, showcasing the League’s limitations in preventing conflicts.
1938 – Battle of Taierzhuang
The Battle of Taierzhuang began, resulting in a major Chinese victory over Japan weeks later. This battle was a significant morale booster for China in the Second Sino-Japanese War, demonstrating their resistance capabilities.
1941 – Yugoslav Coup Conducted
Yugoslav Air Force officers executed a bloodless coup, toppling the pro-Axis government. This event shifted Yugoslavia’s stance in World War II, leading to German invasion and significant wartime resistance movements within Yugoslavia.
1942 – Holocaust Deportations Start
Nazi Germany and Vichy France started deporting Jews from the Drancy internment camp to extermination camps. This operation was part of the Holocaust, aiming to annihilate the Jewish population in Europe.
1945 – Operation Starvation Begins
The U.S. initiated Operation Starvation, mining Japan’s ports. Argentina declared war on the Axis Powers. These events were part of the closing actions of World War II, contributing to the Axis’ defeat.
1958 – Khrushchev Assumes Power
Nikita Khrushchev became Chairman of the Soviet Council of Ministers. His leadership marked a significant period in the Cold War, known for the Cuban Missile Crisis and efforts to de-Stalinize the Soviet Union.
1964 – Good Friday Earthquake
The most powerful North American earthquake struck Southcentral Alaska. Measuring magnitude 9.2, it caused massive destruction and killed 125 people. The earthquake led to improvements in earthquake preparedness and research.
1975 – Trans-Alaska Pipeline Construction
Construction began on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. This project was crucial for transporting oil from Alaska’s North Slope to the southern coast.
1976 – Washington Metro Opens
The first section of the Washington Metro welcomed passengers. This event marked a new era in public transportation for the nation’s capital. The metro system would grow, improving city connectivity and commuter experiences significantly.
1977 – Tenerife Airport Disaster
Two Boeing 747s collided in Tenerife, causing 583 deaths. It remains the deadliest aviation accident. The tragedy happened in dense fog, leading to significant changes in aviation safety protocols and air traffic management.
1980 – Alexander L. Kielland Collapse
The Norwegian oil platform, Alexander L. Kielland, capsized in the North Sea. Out of 212 crew members, 123 lost their lives. This disaster highlighted the risks in offshore oil drilling, prompting safety improvements.
1981 – Solidarity Strikes
In Poland, the Solidarity movement organized a massive strike. Over 12 million Poles ceased work for four hours. This demonstration of unity and protest against the government was a critical moment in Poland’s fight for freedom.
1986 – Melbourne Car Bombing
A car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Headquarters in Melbourne. The attack killed one officer and injured 21 others. This act of violence shocked Australia, leading to increased efforts in combating terrorism.
1990 – TV Martí Broadcasts Start
The U.S. started broadcasting TV Martí to Cuba. Aimed at providing anti-Castro propaganda, it was part of the U.S. efforts to influence Cuban politics. The broadcasts faced jamming and controversy over their effectiveness and purpose.
1993 – Jiang Zemin Elected
Jiang Zemin was named President of China. His leadership marked a period of significant economic growth and increased global influence for China. Jiang’s policies shaped the country’s direction for years.
1993 – Andreotti Mafia Accusation
Giulio Andreotti, a former Italian minister, was accused of mafia ties. This scandal rocked Italian politics, highlighting the deep-seated issues of corruption and organized crime’s influence in the country.
1998 – Viagra Approved
The FDA approved Viagra as the first treatment for erectile dysfunction. This breakthrough medication had a profound impact on sexual health and pharmaceuticals, becoming one of the most well-known drugs worldwide.
1999 – Nighthawk Shot Down
During the Kosovo War, a Yugoslav Army surface-to-air missile downed an F-117A Nighthawk. This incident was notable as the first and only loss of such an aircraft in combat, highlighting vulnerabilities in stealth technology.
2000 – Phillips Plant Explosion
An explosion at a Phillips Petroleum plant in Texas resulted in one death and 71 injuries. This industrial accident underscored the importance of safety regulations in chemical manufacturing and processing facilities.
2002 – Passover Massacre
A Palestinian suicide bomber attacked a Passover seder in Netanya, Israel, killing 29. This terrorist act during a religious celebration shocked the world, escalating tensions and prompting international condemnation.
2002 – Nanterre Massacre
In Nanterre, France, a gunman opened fire at a town council meeting. Eight councilors were killed, and 19 others injured. The attack stirred debates on gun control and security in public buildings across Europe.
2004 – HMS Scylla Sunk
The HMS Scylla, a decommissioned frigate, was intentionally sunk off Cornwall. It became Europe’s first artificial reef of its kind. This innovative project aimed at creating new marine habitats and boosting underwater tourism.
2009 – Situ Gintung Dam Failure
The Situ Gintung dam in Indonesia burst, causing at least 99 deaths. The disaster highlighted issues in infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness, prompting nationwide reviews of dam safety.
2014 – Philippines Peace Accord
The Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a peace deal. This agreement aimed to end decades of conflict in the region, marking a hopeful step towards lasting peace and development.
2015 – Mogadishu Hotel Attack
Al-Shabab militants stormed a hotel in Mogadishu, killing at least 20. This attack showed the ongoing security challenges in Somalia, drawing international attention to the fight against terrorism in the region.
2016 – Lahore Easter Bombing
A suicide bombing in Lahore targeted Christians celebrating Easter, killing over 70 and injuring almost 300. The attack underscored the persistent threat of terrorism in Pakistan, impacting religious Indigenous people and national security.
2020 – North Macedonia Joins NATO
North Macedonia became the 30th member of NATO. This expansion illustrated NATO’s ongoing relevance and the desire of nations to join the defensive alliance, enhancing regional security and cooperation.
2023 – Nashville School Shooting
A mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville resulted in seven deaths, including the shooter. This tragic event reignited debates on gun control and school safety in the United States.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on March 23
