Events on March 27 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on March 27: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on March 27, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on March 27 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1909 Serbian Crown Prince renounces throne: On March 27, 1909, Serbian Crown Prince George renounced his claim to the throne. His decision was influenced by personal and political factors, including his marriage to a commoner, which was considered morganatic and not recognized by the Serbian constitution. This event had significant implications for the Serbian monarchy and its succession laws.
  • 1915 Typhoid Mary quarantined: Mary Mallon, known as Typhoid Mary, was quarantined on March 27, 1915, after being identified as a carrier of typhoid fever. She was the first person in the United States identified as an asymptomatic carrier of the disease, leading to significant public health discussions about disease transmission and individual rights. source: cdc.gov
  • 1917 Puccini's "La Rondine" opera premiere: Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Rondine" premiered on March 27, 1917, at the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo. The cast included soprano Gilda Dalla Rizza as Magda de Civry and tenor Tito Schipa as Ruggero Lastouc. The opera was conducted by Gino Marinuzzi. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1918 Bessarabia unites with Romania: On March 27, 1918, Bessarabia declared its union with Romania, a significant political event during the tumultuous period of World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1924 French government formation by Raymond Poincaré: On March 27, 1924, Raymond Poincaré formed a new government in France after his resignation earlier that week. This government aimed to address the political challenges facing the country and stabilize the political landscape during a period of economic difficulty. source: britannica.com
  • 1931 Germany and Austria sign customs pact: On March 27, 1931, Germany and Austria signed a customs pact aimed at facilitating trade between the two nations. This agreement was part of broader economic cooperation efforts during the interwar period. source: britannica.com
  • 1933 Farm Credit Administration established: The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) was established to provide credit and financial services to farmers and rural communities. It aimed to stabilize the agricultural economy during the Great Depression by offering loans and support to farmers. source: fca.gov
  • 1937 Feyenoord Stadium Official Opening: On March 27, 1937, Feyenoord's new stadium, nicknamed De Kuip, was officially opened in Rotterdam. The inaugural match featured Feyenoord defeating Beerschot 5-2, with Leen Vente scoring the first goal. The stadium, designed by Leendert van der Vlugt, was completed in July 1936 but faced delays due to incomplete access roads. It has since become an iconic venue in Dutch football. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1940 Peter Fraser becomes New Zealand Prime Minister: Following the death of Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage on March 27, 1940, Peter Fraser was elected leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. Fraser assumed the role of Prime Minister, leading the country through the majority of World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1941 Hitler's Directive No. 25 - Invasion of Yugoslavia: On March 27, 1941, in response to the Yugoslav coup that overthrew the pro-Axis government, Adolf Hitler issued Directive No. 25, ordering the invasion of Yugoslavia. The directive outlined plans for Operation Punishment, aiming to swiftly defeat Yugoslavia and prevent it from aligning with the Allies. This decision led to the rapid deployment of German forces into Yugoslavia, marking the beginning of the Axis invasion of the Balkans. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1942 Holocaust Deportation of French Jews: On March 27, 1942, the Vichy government in France began deporting Jews to Nazi extermination camps. This marked the start of mass deportations of French Jews during the Holocaust. source: ushmm.org
  • 1943 Dutch resistance sabotage of Amsterdam civil registry: On March 27, 1943, members of the Dutch resistance sabotaged the civil registry in Amsterdam to hinder Nazi efforts to track down Jews. This act of defiance was part of broader resistance activities during the German occupation. source: britannica.com
  • 1944 Mass murder in Kaunas, Lithuania: On March 27, 1944, Nazi forces executed mass murders in Kaunas, Lithuania, targeting Jewish populations and other groups. This event was part of the broader Holocaust atrocities occurring across Europe during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1945 Operation Starvation begins: Operation Starvation, a campaign aimed at disrupting Japanese supply lines, commenced on March 27, 1945. This operation involved extensive aerial bombardment targeting Japanese shipping and infrastructure in the Pacific theater. source: britannica.com
  • 1950 WHAS TV Channel 11 Launches in Louisville: WHAS-TV, Louisville's second television station, began broadcasting on March 27, 1950. Originally on VHF channel 9, it was founded by the Bingham family, publishers of The Courier-Journal and The Louisville Times. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1951 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: Kentucky triumphs: On March 27, 1951, the University of Kentucky Wildcats won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Kansas in a thrilling game. This victory marked Kentucky's second national title in the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1953 Birth of Annemarie Moser-Pröll: Annemarie Moser-Pröll, an Austrian alpine ski racer, was born on March 27, 1953. She is celebrated for her achievements in skiing, including multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals. Moser-Pröll is regarded as one of the greatest female ski racers in history. source: olympic.org
  • 1955 Birth of Mariano Rajoy: Mariano Rajoy, a Spanish politician who served as Prime Minister of Spain from 2011 to 2018, was born on March 27, 1955. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1957 29th Academy Awards highlights: The 29th Academy Awards took place on March 27, 1957, celebrating the best films of 1956. Highlights included awards for Best Picture and Best Director, showcasing significant cinematic achievements. source: oscars.org
  • 1958 Bart Conner born: Bart Conner, an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, was born on March 27, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1960 Wiffi Smith wins LPGA Royal Crown Golf Open: On March 27, 1960, Wiffi Smith secured victory at the Royal Crown Open in Georgia, a tournament on the LPGA Tour. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1962 Archbishop Rummel desegregates Catholic schools in New Orleans: On March 27, 1962, Archbishop Joseph Rummel announced the desegregation of Catholic schools in New Orleans, marking the first integrated school year in the archdiocese. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1964 UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus: On March 27, 1964, the United Nations established a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus to address the intercommunal violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. This mission aimed to maintain peace and security on the island amid rising tensions. source: un.org
  • 1966 Global anti-Vietnam War protests: On March 27, 1966, protests against the Vietnam War took place globally, with significant demonstrations in various countries. These events highlighted international opposition to the war and solidarity with anti-war activists in the U.S. source: theguardian.com
  • 1968 Suharto Becomes President of Indonesia: On March 27, 1968, Suharto was officially inaugurated as the President of Indonesia after a coup that ousted Sukarno. His presidency marked the beginning of a long authoritarian rule characterized by significant political and economic changes in the country. source: britannica.com
  • 1969 Keith Flint born: Keith Flint, the lead vocalist of the British electronic music group The Prodigy, was born in Redbridge, London. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1971 Bangladesh independence declaration: On March 27, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, marking the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War. This declaration followed widespread civil unrest and political turmoil in East Pakistan. source: britannica.com
  • 1972 Idi Amin expels Israelis from Uganda: On March 27, 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of all Israeli nationals from Uganda, severing diplomatic ties with Israel. This decision was part of Amin's broader foreign policy shift and had significant implications for Uganda's international relations.
  • 1973 Longest-held Vietnam War POW released: On March 27, 1973, Captain Floyd J. Thompson, the longest-held American prisoner of war in Vietnam, was released after nearly nine years in captivity. Captured in 1964, Thompson's release was part of Operation Homecoming, which repatriated American POWs from North Vietnam. source: army.mil
  • 1974 Deadliest aviation disaster in French history: On March 27, 1974, the deadliest aviation disaster in French history occurred when a collision between two aircraft resulted in 346 fatalities. This tragic event led to significant changes in aviation safety regulations. source: britannica.com
  • 1976 Washington Metro first section opens: On March 27, 1976, the Washington Metro's first section, a 4.6-mile segment of the Red Line, opened between Rhode Island Avenue and Farragut North stations in Washington, D.C. This inaugural segment featured five stations and marked the beginning of the city's rapid transit system. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1977 LPGA Kathryn Crosby/Honda Civic Classic: On March 27, 1977, the LPGA Tour held the Kathryn Crosby/Honda Civic Classic at Whispering Palms Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Sandra Palmer won the tournament with a score of 281 (−7). source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1979 Delaware v. Prouse limits police vehicle stops without reasonable suspicion: In the 1979 Supreme Court case Delaware v. Prouse, the Court ruled that police cannot stop motorists at random to check driver's licenses and vehicle registrations without reasonable suspicion of a law violation. This decision emphasized the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. source: politico.com
  • 1980 Silver Thursday: Hunt Brothers' Silver Market Collapse: On March 27, 1980, known as 'Silver Thursday,' the Hunt brothers' attempt to corner the silver market led to a dramatic price drop. Silver prices plummeted from $21.62 to $10.80 per ounce, causing panic in commodity and futures exchanges. The Hunts faced significant financial losses, and the event prompted regulatory changes in the commodities market. source: britannica.com
  • 1981 Massive Solidarity Movement Strike in Poland: On March 27, 1981, Poland's Solidarity movement organized a four-hour nationwide warning strike in response to the Bydgoszcz events, where several members were beaten by security forces. The strike saw participation from 12 to 14 million Poles, including workers, students, and public servants, marking the largest labor protest in the country's history. This action led to negotiations with the government, resulting in the Warsaw Agreement, which addressed the demands of Solidarity and averted a planned general strike. source: polishhistory.pl
  • 1982 Imran Khan's record-breaking bowling performance against Sri Lanka in 1982: On March 27, 1982, during the third Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Imran Khan delivered a remarkable bowling performance, taking 14 wickets for 116 runs. This achievement remains the best Test match bowling figures for a Pakistani cricketer. Pakistan won the match by an innings and 102 runs. source: geo.tv
  • 1983 13th Easter Seal Telethon raises record $21.3 million: The 13th annual Easter Seal Telethon, hosted by singer Pat Boone, aired from 8 p.m. PST on March 26 to 4 p.m. PST on March 27, 1983. The 20-hour broadcast raised a record $21.3 million in pledges, surpassing the previous year's total of $19.5 million. The funds support services for individuals with disabilities, including speech and hearing therapy, occupational therapy, and assistance for the elderly, blind, and those with birth defects, heart conditions, and diabetes. source: upi.com
  • 1984 Earthquake near Papua New Guinea: On March 27, 1984, a significant earthquake struck near Papua New Guinea, causing damage and prompting emergency responses. The region is known for its seismic activity, and this event was part of a series of earthquakes in the area. Reports indicated injuries and structural damage in local communities. source: earthquake.usgs.gov
  • 1985 Billy Dee Williams honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame: Billy Dee Williams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 27, 1985. The honor recognized his contributions to film and television, particularly his iconic role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise. source: hollywoodreporter.com
  • 1986 Hampton Court Palace fire causes significant damage: On March 27, 1986, a fire broke out at Hampton Court Palace in England, causing extensive damage to the historic site. The blaze destroyed the roof of the East Front and affected several rooms, leading to a major restoration effort. source: bbc.com
  • 1987 U2's rooftop performance disrupts Los Angeles traffic: On March 27, 1987, U2 filmed the music video for "Where the Streets Have No Name" atop a downtown Los Angeles liquor store, drawing over 1,000 fans and causing significant traffic disruptions. The impromptu performance led to police intervention, adding drama to the video, which later won a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video. source: thisdayinmusic.com
  • 1989 Generations: First Half-Black Soap Opera: 'Generations' premiered on NBC on March 27, 1989, as the first daytime soap opera featuring a Black family from its inception. The series ran until January 25, 1991. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1990 Jesse Owens posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal: On March 28, 1990, President George H. W. Bush posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Jesse Owens, honoring his athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions. Owens, who passed away in 1980, gained international fame by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Nazi ideologies of racial superiority. The medal was presented to his widow, Ruth Owens, in a ceremony at the White House. source: congress.gov
  • 1991 NCAA sanctions University of Minnesota football team: The NCAA imposed sanctions on the University of Minnesota's football program, including a postseason ban for the 1991 season, following a two-year investigation into 17 infractions across football, basketball, and wrestling. The violations involved improper financial aid, extra benefits, and recruiting violations. The university was also placed on probation for two years. source: upi.com
  • 1993 Giulio Andreotti accused of mafia ties: On March 27, 1993, Italian politician Giulio Andreotti was accused of having ties to the Mafia. This accusation was part of a broader investigation into organized crime in Italy, which had significant political implications. source: theguardian.com
  • 1994 Devastating tornado outbreak in southeastern United States: On March 27, 1994, a severe tornado outbreak struck the southeastern United States, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The outbreak included multiple tornadoes, some rated F4 on the Fujita scale, impacting several states. source: weather.gov
  • 1995 67th Academy Awards ceremony: The 67th Academy Awards took place, celebrating the best films of 1994. The ceremony is notable for its recognition of diverse films and performances, including 'Forrest Gump' winning Best Picture. source: oscars.org
  • 1996 UN Security Council establishes monitoring mechanism for Iraq: On March 27, 1996, the UN Security Council established a monitoring mechanism to oversee Iraq's compliance with disarmament obligations. This was part of ongoing efforts to ensure regional stability and enforce international sanctions. source: un.org
  • 1997 MLK Jr.'s Son Meets His Father's Assassin: On March 27, 1997, Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, Martin Luther King III, met with James Earl Ray, the man convicted of assassinating his father. This meeting was part of a broader discussion on forgiveness and reconciliation. source: npr.org
  • 1998 FDA approves Viagra for treating erectile dysfunction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Viagra, a medication developed by Pfizer, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. source: fda.gov
  • 1999 F-117 Nighthawk shot down during Kosovo War: On March 27, 1999, an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter was shot down during the Kosovo War, marking a significant event in military history. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of stealth technology in combat. source: history.com
  • 2001 U.S. Navy Training Accident in Kuwait: A tragic incident occurred during a U.S. Navy training drill when a 500-pound missile accidentally struck an observation post, resulting in six fatalities: five Americans and one New Zealander. This event highlighted the potential risks associated with military training exercises.
  • 2002 Passover Massacre in Netanya: A Hamas suicide bomber attacked the Park Hotel in Netanya, Israel, during a Passover seder, killing 30 civilians and injuring 140. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2003 WHO implements SARS passenger screening protocols: On March 27, 2003, the World Health Organization implemented passenger screening protocols to prevent the spread of SARS, including temperature checks and health declarations for travelers. source: who.int
  • 2004 Kerry calls for 9/11 Commission testimony: On March 27, 2004, Senator John Kerry called for the 9/11 Commission to testify publicly about its findings. This request was part of his campaign strategy as he sought to hold the Bush administration accountable. source: nytimes.com
  • 2005 BP Texas City refinery explosion: On March 27, 2005, a catastrophic explosion occurred at BP's Texas City refinery in Texas, USA. The blast resulted in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, leading to significant scrutiny of BP's safety practices. source: cbsnews.com
  • 2006 Bush Iraq War memo revelation: On March 27, 2006, a memo from U.S. President George W. Bush regarding the Iraq War was revealed, causing significant political discussion. The memo detailed the administration's strategy and objectives in Iraq, shedding light on the decision-making process behind the war. source: nytimes.com
  • 2007 UK Parliament passes emergency legislation for Northern Ireland power-sharing: On March 27, 2007, the UK Parliament passed emergency legislation to extend the deadline for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the formation of a power-sharing Executive to May 8, 2007. This legislation aimed to facilitate the implementation of the St Andrews Agreement, which required the establishment of a power-sharing government by March 26, 2007. The extension was necessary due to the failure to form the Executive by the original deadline. source: markey.senate.gov
  • 2008 Mahdi Army Revolt in Iraq: On March 27, 2008, the Mahdi Army, a Shiite militia in Iraq, initiated a revolt against the Iraqi government. The conflict led to intense street battles in Sadr City and other parts of Baghdad, resulting in numerous casualties, including militants, soldiers, and civilians. The Iraqi Prime Minister set a 72-hour deadline for militia members to surrender their arms, warning of legal consequences for those who did not comply. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2009 UK economic contraction: On March 27, 2009, it was reported that the UK economy was experiencing significant contraction, marking a period of recession. This economic downturn was attributed to the global financial crisis. source: theguardian.com
  • 2010 Iraq Bombing Incident: On March 27, 2010, a series of bombings occurred in Iraq, targeting various locations and resulting in numerous casualties. The attacks were attributed to insurgent groups aiming to destabilize the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2011 Arab Spring protests intensify: On March 27, 2011, the Arab Spring uprisings continued to gain momentum across the Middle East and North Africa. In Bahrain, mass protests demanding political and economic reforms erupted in mid-February, leading to violent suppression by security forces. By the end of March, the mass protest movement had been stifled, with dozens of accused protest leaders convicted and imprisoned. source: britannica.com
  • 2012 With thousands of mourners lined the streets, the funeral of George Tupou V, former King of Tonga, is held in Nuku'alofa.
  • 2013 North Korea's nuclear threats: On March 27, 2013, North Korea issued new threats regarding its nuclear capabilities, escalating tensions in the region. The threats were part of a broader pattern of aggressive rhetoric from the North Korean government. source: bbc.com
  • 2014 UN condemns Crimea annexation: On March 27, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity and recognizing Crimea as part of Ukraine. The resolution, which was adopted with 100 votes in favor, 11 against, and 58 abstentions, declared the referendum held in Crimea on March 16, 2014, invalid and called for all states to refrain from actions that would alter the status of Crimea. This move was a direct response to Russia's annexation of Crimea earlier that month. source: un.org
  • 2015 Germanwings Flight 9525 investigation: The investigation into Germanwings Flight 9525 continued on March 27, 2015, with authorities examining the cockpit voice recorder and flight data. The findings indicated that the co-pilot had deliberately crashed the plane, leading to discussions on mental health and aviation safety. This tragic event prompted changes in airline policies regarding cockpit access. source: bbc.com
  • 2016 2016 Lahore Easter Sunday suicide bombing: On March 27, 2016, a suicide bombing occurred in Lahore, Pakistan, during Easter celebrations, resulting in over 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The attack targeted a public park filled with families, and was claimed by a faction of the Taliban, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. source: bbc.com
  • 2017 Mount Nasu avalanche tragedy: On March 27, 2017, an avalanche occurred on Mount Nasu in Japan, resulting in the deaths of several climbers. The incident prompted a search and rescue operation, highlighting the dangers of mountaineering in the region during winter months. source: nytimes.com
  • 2018 Kim Jong-un's first international visit: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first known trip outside North Korea since assuming power in 2011, visiting Beijing, China, on March 25, 2018. The visit was seen as a significant diplomatic move ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. Details of the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping were not immediately disclosed, but the visit underscored China's role in North Korean diplomacy. source: cnbc.com
  • 2019 UK Parliament holds Brexit indicative votes: On March 27, 2019, the UK Parliament held indicative votes on various Brexit options. The votes aimed to gauge support for different approaches to the UK's exit from the EU, reflecting the ongoing political deadlock. source: bbc.com
  • 2020 U.S. Leads Global COVID-19 Cases: The United States surpassed China and Italy to become the country with the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally, signaling the escalating pandemic crisis.
  • 2021 Deadly Protests Continue in Myanmar: In a tragic escalation of civil unrest, at least 64 protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations against the military coup in Myanmar. The high death toll underscores the intense political tension and human rights concerns in the country.
  • 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 Lockdown Announcement: Chinese authorities announced a comprehensive nine-day lockdown of Shanghai, affecting approximately 25 million residents, to conduct extensive COVID-19 testing. This massive public health intervention represented a significant implementation of China's zero-COVID strategy.
  • 2023 Lunar Water Discovery Enhances Moon Base Potential: A groundbreaking discovery by China's Chang'e-5 mission identified approximately 300 billion tonnes of water in lunar soil samples, significantly increasing the feasibility of establishing permanent bases on the Moon. This finding could revolutionize future space exploration and potential human settlement strategies.

What Is special about March 27?

March 27 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about March 27.