This article takes a journey through history, exploring 20 significant events that occurred on June 27th. Spanning several centuries and encompassing a diverse array of fields including politics, science, sports, and technology, each entry sheds light on pivotal moments that have shaped our world.
From the early days of media tailored for women to groundbreaking advances in nuclear power, these events offer a glimpse into the evolution of human society and its continuous impact on today’s global landscape.
Whether it’s the strategic military actions, revolutionary technological advancements, or dramatic shifts in political leadership, June 27th has been a day of notable historical importance.
June 27th – On this Day in History
1693 – The first women’s magazine, “Ladies’ Mercury,” was published in London
Published in London, “The Ladies’ Mercury” was the first magazine directed exclusively towards women. It was an offshoot of John Dunton’s “The Athenian Mercury,” which answered questions from readers on various subjects.
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“The Ladies’ Mercury” focused specifically on topics of interest to women, including love, marriage, and fashion, providing a public forum for discussing women’s issues in an era when such opportunities were rare. This pioneering publication highlighted the beginning of gender-targeted media, though it only lasted for four issues.
1743 – In the Battle of Dettingen, King George II of Britain leads his army to victory over the French; it is the last time a British monarch personally leads troops into battle
The Battle of Dettingen took place during the War of the Austrian Succession. King George II of Great Britain personally led troops into battle against the French. This battle is notable because it was the last time a reigning British monarch directly commanded troops in the field.
The British forces, allied with those from Hanover and Austria, defeated the French army, bolstering George II’s military reputation. This victory had significant implications for the balance of power in Europe and boosted morale in Britain.
1806 – Buenos Aires is captured by British forces
In a bold attempt to expand British influence in South America during the Napoleonic Wars, British forces successfully captured Buenos Aires on June 27, 1806. The city was taken by a relatively small British force under the command of Sir Home Popham and Colonel William Carr Beresford.
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This military action was part of broader British attempts to control Spanish colonies while Spain was allied with Napoleon. However, the British occupation was short-lived, as local resistance forced the British to withdraw the following year, highlighting the challenges of maintaining control over distant colonies.
1844 – Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith are killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by an armed mob while jailed in Carthage, Illinois. Their deaths occurred in a period of intense conflict between Mormon settlers and the surrounding communities, fueled by political, economic, and religious tensions.
The Smith brothers were charged with inciting a riot due to the destruction of a newspaper that criticized Joseph Smith’s practices and leadership. Their assassination marked a pivotal moment in American religious history and led to significant upheaval and migration within the Mormon community.
1846 – New York and Boston are linked by telegraph wires
The establishment of telegraph wires between New York and Boston in 1846 represented a significant advancement in communications technology in the United States.
This development enabled near-instantaneous communication between two major cities, transforming business, journalism, and personal communications.
The successful operation of the telegraph was a key factor in the rapid spread of the technology across the country, ultimately facilitating the growth of the American economy and the cohesion of the expanding nation.
1895 – The inaugural run of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Royal Blue from Washington, D.C., to New York City, the first U.S. passenger train to use electric locomotives
The Royal Blue was the name of the inaugural luxury passenger train service that ran between Washington, D.C., and New York City on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Launched on June 27, 1895, it was notable for being the first U.S. passenger train to use electric locomotives, pioneering electric traction on railroads in the United States.
The Royal Blue’s use of electrified rails was part of an innovative approach to overcome the problem of train smoke in urban areas, particularly in tunnels. The service, renowned for its high-speed and luxurious accommodations, marked a significant step in the evolution of American passenger rail service, setting a standard for future developments.
1898 – The first solo circumnavigation of the globe is completed by Joshua Slocum in the sloop “Spray”
Joshua Slocum completed the first solo circumnavigation of the globe in a small sailboat named “Spray” on June 27, 1898. His journey began in Boston in 1895 and took three years, covering approximately 46,000 miles.
Slocum’s adventure not only proved that solo circumnavigation was possible but also introduced several innovations in navigation techniques and sailing practices. His successful voyage made him an international hero and his book, “Sailing Alone Around the World,” became a classic in travel literature, inspiring generations of sailors and adventurers.
1905 – The crew of the Russian battleship Potemkin begins a mutiny
The mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin was a key event in the revolutionary unrest in Russia during 1905. It began on June 27 when crew members rebelled against their oppressive officers, led by the ship’s captain.
The mutiny was sparked by the crew’s outrage over being served rotten meat, and their protest quickly evolved into a political uprising against the tsarist regime. The rebellion gained significant popular support in the region, although it was eventually suppressed.
The Potemkin mutiny became legendary, symbolizing the deep-seated discontent with the autocratic Russian government and serving as an inspiration for the broader revolution of 1917.
1923 – The Treaty of Lausanne, which settled the boundaries of modern Turkey, is signed in Switzerland
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on June 27, 1923, concluded the conflict that had persisted between the Allied powers and the Ottoman Empire since the end of World War I. It was negotiated in Lausanne, Switzerland, and effectively marked the end of the Ottoman Empire, leading to the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey.
The treaty set the boundaries of Turkey, excluded the Ottomans from the Middle East, and canceled the severe Treaty of Sèvres, which had imposed heavy penalties and territorial losses on the Ottomans. The Treaty of Lausanne is a cornerstone in Turkish history as it recognized the sovereignty of the new Turkish state led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
1950 – The United States decides to send troops to fight in the Korean War
On June 27, 1950, in response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea, President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. forces to assist South Korea, marking America’s entry into the Korean War. This decision was made following the United Nations Security Council’s resolution calling for member states to help repel the North Korean attack.
The intervention was intended to contain the spread of communism in Asia, a key element of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era.
The involvement of the United States and other UN member nations significantly escalated the conflict, which eventually ended in 1953 with an armistice, though no formal peace treaty was ever signed.
1954 – The world’s first nuclear power station opens in Obninsk, near Moscow
On June 27, 1954, the Soviet Union officially opened the world’s first nuclear power plant, located in Obninsk, near Moscow. The plant, known as APS-1 (Atomic Power Station-1), marked a significant milestone in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
With a capacity of just 5 megawatts, it was primarily a prototype and a platform for scientific research rather than a major power producer.
Nevertheless, its successful operation demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear power, leading to the development and expansion of nuclear energy in the following decades. This event not only signified a technological leap but also triggered a global race in nuclear energy development, profoundly impacting energy policies worldwide.
1973 – The world’s first ATM is installed in Enfield, London
The world’s first automated teller machine (ATM) was installed on June 27, 1973, at a branch of Barclays Bank in Enfield, London. This groundbreaking device was invented by John Shepherd-Barron and revolutionized the banking experience by allowing customers to conduct transactions without the need for a human cashier.
The introduction of the ATM made banking more convenient and accessible, enabling round-the-clock service for withdrawals and, later, other banking services. The ATM’s deployment marked the beginning of the digital automation of banking services, paving the way for future innovations in financial technology.
1976 – Air France Flight 139 (Tel Aviv-Paris) is hijacked after a stopover in Athens
Air France Flight 139, which was en route from Tel Aviv to Paris with a stopover in Athens, was hijacked on June 27, 1976, by two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-External Operations and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells.
The hijackers diverted the plane to Entebbe, Uganda, where they were met with support from the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. The crisis ended dramatically with a successful Israeli commando raid on July 4, which rescued 102 hostages. The event underscored the international threat posed by terrorist groups and had significant diplomatic and military repercussions.
1977 – Djibouti gains its independence from France
Djibouti gained its independence from France on June 27, 1977. This marked the end of French colonial rule that began in 1888 when the region was declared a French protectorate. Djibouti’s strategic location at the mouth of the Red Sea was of considerable value to France and, post-independence, has continued to attract significant foreign military and economic interest.
Independence came relatively peacefully compared to other African nations, following a referendum where the population overwhelmingly supported severing ties with France. Since independence, Djibouti has navigated regional conflicts, economic challenges, and the complexities of international diplomacy.
1980 – The U.N. Security Council calls for the end of hostilities between Iran and Iraq
On June 27, 1980, the United Nations Security Council issued a call for an immediate end to hostilities between Iran and Iraq. This was in the early stages of the Iran-Iraq War, which had begun in September 1980 with Iraq’s invasion of Iran.
The conflict was rooted in territorial disputes and sectarian tensions, and it quickly escalated into one of the longest and most destructive wars of the 20th century.
Despite the U.N.’s calls for peace, the war dragged on for eight years, resulting in massive casualties and economic devastation for both countries. The conflict reshaped the geopolitics of the Middle East and had long-lasting implications on international relations in the region.
1985 – U.S. Route 66 is officially removed from the United States Highway System
On June 27, 1985, U.S. Route 66 was officially decommissioned from the United States Highway System, marking the end of its designation as a U.S. Highway. Known colloquially as the “Mother Road” and “Main Street of America,” Route 66 had been established in 1926 and ran from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering over 2,400 miles.
The road was instrumental in supporting the westward migration during the Dust Bowl and came to symbolize the burgeoning car culture of the United States. Its removal from the highway system came as the Interstate Highway System, which offered more direct and faster routes between cities, gradually replaced it.
Today, Route 66 remains iconic, embodying the spirit of the American road trip and is celebrated in popular culture and preserved in numerous private and public initiatives.
1988 – Mike Tyson knocks out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds
In a highly anticipated boxing match on June 27, 1988, Mike Tyson defeated Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds of the first round. The match took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was one of the most hyped bouts of the era, as both fighters were undefeated and held claim to being the legitimate heavyweight champion.
Tyson’s swift knockout victory confirmed his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This fight was a defining moment in Tyson’s career, showcasing his dominance in the sport during that period and remains one of the quickest knockouts in boxing history.
1991 – Slovenia, after declaring independence two days prior, is invaded by Yugoslav troops, tanks, and aircraft, starting the Ten-Day War
On June 27, 1991, just two days after declaring its independence from Yugoslavia, Slovenia was invaded by Yugoslav federal forces, sparking the Ten-Day War. This conflict was the first of the Yugoslav Wars that followed the disintegration of the multi-ethnic state.
The Yugoslav People’s Army attempted to keep control over Slovenia’s borders and prevent the country’s secession, but they were met with unexpected resistance from Slovenian defense forces. The conflict ended with a ceasefire, leading to the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Slovenia.
This brief war set the stage for Slovenia’s successful establishment as an independent nation and was a prelude to more severe conflicts in other parts of Yugoslavia.
2007 – Tony Blair resigns as British Prime Minister, succeeded by Gordon Brown
Tony Blair resigned as British Prime Minister on June 27, 2007, after serving for 10 years. His tenure, which began in 1997, was marked by significant political, economic, and social changes in the United Kingdom. Blair was succeeded by his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.
During his time in office, Blair was known for rebranding the Labour Party as “New Labour” and distancing it from some traditional socialist policies. He was a prominent figure on the international stage, especially noted for his role in the peace process in Northern Ireland and his controversial support for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. His resignation marked the end of a significant era in British politics.
2013 – NASA launches the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, a space probe to observe the Sun
On June 27, 2013, NASA launched the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, a space probe designed to observe the Sun. The mission’s primary goal is to study the solar chromosphere, the layer of the sun’s atmosphere between the visible surface and the corona.
By focusing on this region, IRIS aims to provide detailed images that can help understand the processes that heat the solar corona and accelerate the solar wind.
This mission is crucial for improving our understanding of space weather events, which can impact satellite communications and power grids on Earth. IRIS represents a significant step forward in solar research, offering unprecedented insights into solar dynamics.