November 27 holds a significant place in history, marking a series of notable events that have shaped the world in various ways.
From momentous political developments and groundbreaking scientific discoveries to tragic accidents and cultural milestones, this day has seen it all.
Spanning from medieval times to the modern era, these events offer a glimpse into the diverse and profound impacts of this date.
The following article delves into twenty key events that occurred on November 27, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of global history.
November 27th – On this Day in History
1095 – Pope Urban II Declares the First Crusade
In 1095, Pope Urban II delivered a powerful sermon at the Council of Clermont, urging Christians to embark on a military expedition to the Holy Land to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. This call to arms marked the beginning of the First Crusade.
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Urban II’s speech appealed to a wide array of medieval society, promising spiritual rewards such as the remission of sins for those who joined the fight. His plea was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, leading to the mobilization of thousands of knights and peasants.
This crusade not only aimed to secure Christian access to holy sites but also served to unite Western Europe under a common religious cause.
1295 – The Model Parliament Called by Edward I

In 1295, King Edward I of England summoned the first elected representatives from Lancashire to Westminster, an assembly that later came to be known as the “Model Parliament.” This event marked a significant development in the evolution of the English parliamentary system.
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Edward’s motive was to secure broad-based support and funding for his military campaigns, particularly against Scotland and France. The Model Parliament included not only nobles and clergy but also commoners, representing a wider cross-section of English society.
This inclusion set a precedent for future parliamentary representation and laid the foundation for the development of a more democratic legislative body.
1703 – Destruction of the First Eddystone Lighthouse
On November 27, 1703, the first Eddystone Lighthouse, an essential beacon for maritime navigation off the southwest coast of England, was destroyed during the Great Storm of 1703. This catastrophic event was one of the most severe storms ever recorded in southern England, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
The lighthouse, constructed by Henry Winstanley, was considered an engineering marvel of its time. Its destruction highlighted the vulnerability of maritime structures to natural disasters and underscored the need for more robust and resilient designs.
The loss prompted subsequent efforts to rebuild and improve lighthouse construction techniques, ultimately leading to safer navigation for future generations.
1835 – Execution of James Pratt and John Smith
On November 27, 1835, James Pratt and John Smith were executed in London, marking the last instance of capital punishment for sodomy in England. Their trial and subsequent execution reflect the harsh legal and social attitudes towards homosexuality during the 19th century.
Pratt and Smith were apprehended after being caught in a private residence, leading to their conviction under laws that criminalized same-sex relationships. The case drew public attention and criticism, with notable figures such as Charles Dickens advocating for legal reform.
The execution of Pratt and Smith is a somber reminder of the historical persecution faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the long struggle for equal rights and acceptance.
1863 – Battle of Mine Run During the American Civil War
In 1863, the Battle of Mine Run took place during the American Civil War, involving Union forces under General George Meade and Confederate troops led by General Robert E. Lee.
This confrontation occurred in Orange County, Virginia, and was part of the larger campaign aimed at weakening the Confederate Army in the Eastern Theater.

The battle, which lasted from November 27 to 2nd December, ended inconclusively, with both sides suffering significant casualties. Meade’s cautious approach and failure to launch a decisive attack allowed Lee’s forces to fortify their positions and avoid a major defeat. The Battle of Mine Run is noted for its strategic maneuvering and the missed opportunities for a potentially game-changing Union victory.
1895 – Alfred Nobel Signs His Last Will and Testament
On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, signed his last will and testament at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris.
Nobel, best known for inventing dynamite, was also a successful businessman with numerous patents and vast wealth. In his will, he allocated the majority of his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes, awarded annually for achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.
Nobel’s decision was influenced by his desire to leave a positive legacy, counteracting the destructive potential of his inventions. The Nobel Prizes have since become some of the most prestigious awards in the world, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to humanity.
1924 – First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Held in New York City
The inaugural Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place on November 27, 1924, in New York City. Organized by Macy’s department store, the parade was intended to celebrate the Christmas shopping season and attract customers to its flagship store.
The first parade featured live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, marching bands, floats, and Macy’s employees dressed in colorful costumes. The event was an immediate success, drawing large crowds and positive media attention.
Over the years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, renowned for its giant helium balloons depicting popular characters, elaborate floats, and performances by celebrities and Broadway casts.
1934 – Bank Robber Baby Face Nelson Dies in a Shootout with the FBI
On November 27, 1934, notorious bank robber Baby Face Nelson, born Lester Joseph Gillis, died in a violent shootout with FBI agents in Barrington, Illinois. Nelson was a key member of the John Dillinger gang and had a reputation for his ruthless behavior and propensity for violence.
During the shootout, Nelson and two FBI agents, Herman “Ed” Hollis and Samuel P. Cowley, were fatally wounded. Nelson’s death marked the end of a notorious criminal career and a significant victory for law enforcement during the “Public Enemy Era” of the 1930s, a time when many infamous criminals roamed the United States. His demise also underscored the increasing effectiveness of the FBI in combating organized crime.
1940 – Battle of Cape Spartivento During World War II

On November 27, 1940, the Battle of Cape Spartivento took place in the Mediterranean Sea during World War II. This naval engagement involved the British Royal Navy and the Italian Regia Marina. The battle was part of a broader strategy by the Allies to disrupt Axis supply lines and maintain control of vital sea routes.
Although the encounter was inconclusive, with neither side achieving a decisive victory, it demonstrated the strategic importance of naval power in the Mediterranean theater.
The British fleet, led by Admiral James Somerville, managed to protect a convoy carrying critical supplies to Malta, despite being heavily outnumbered. The battle highlighted the ongoing struggle for dominance in the Mediterranean and the critical role of naval operations in the war effort.
1942 – Scuttling of the French Fleet at Toulon
On November 27, 1942, the French Navy scuttled its fleet at Toulon to prevent it from falling into German hands during World War II. The decision came after the German Wehrmacht launched Operation Lila, intending to seize the French ships and incorporate them into the Kriegsmarine.
To thwart this plan, French naval commanders executed a well-coordinated effort to sink their own vessels, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, totaling over 70 ships. This act of defiance ensured that the ships would not bolster the German war effort and symbolized the French Navy’s resistance to collaboration with Nazi Germany.
The scuttling at Toulon remains one of the largest self-inflicted naval losses in history and a significant moment of sacrifice and determination in the face of occupation.
1954 – Alger Hiss is Released from Prison
On November 27, 1954, Alger Hiss, a former U.S. State Department official, was released from prison after serving 44 months for perjury. Hiss had been accused of being a Soviet spy in the late 1940s, a charge that became one of the most sensational cases of the early Cold War era.
The case against Hiss was largely based on the testimony of Whittaker Chambers, a former Communist who claimed that Hiss had passed government documents to him for transmission to the Soviet Union. Hiss vehemently denied the allegations but was ultimately convicted of perjury in 1950 for lying about his espionage activities.
His conviction and subsequent release were highly controversial, reflecting the intense anti-communist sentiment of the period and sparking debates about justice and political persecution in the United States.
1965 – Pentagon Requests Increase in U.S. Troops in Vietnam
On November 27, 1965, the Pentagon advised U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson that if the planned operations in Vietnam were to succeed, the number of American troops needed to be increased from 120,000 to 400,000.
This recommendation marked a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The conflict, which began as a struggle between North and South Vietnam, saw increasing U.S. military intervention aimed at preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
The troop surge reflected the Johnson administration’s commitment to a strategy of sustained military pressure against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. The decision led to a dramatic increase in U.S. military presence and intensified the war, which would become one of the most contentious and polarizing conflicts in American history.
1971 – Soviet Mars 2 Orbiter Malfunction
On November 27, 1971, the Soviet space program’s Mars 2 orbiter released a descent module, which malfunctioned and crashed on the Martian surface. Mars 2 was part of the Mars program, a series of unmanned space missions by the Soviet Union aimed at exploring Mars.
Although the descent module failed to land safely, Mars 2 became the first human-made object to reach the surface of Mars, marking a milestone in space exploration.
The orbiter itself continued to function, sending back valuable data about the Martian atmosphere, surface, and climate. Despite the crash, the mission contributed significantly to our understanding of Mars and paved the way for future exploration of the Red Planet.
1973 – U.S. Senate Confirms Gerald Ford as Vice President

On November 27, 1973, the United States Senate voted 92 to 3 to confirm Gerald Ford as Vice President, following the resignation of Spiro Agnew. Agnew had resigned amidst charges of tax evasion and money laundering, creating a rare vacancy in the vice presidency.
Ford, then serving as the House Minority Leader, was nominated by President Richard Nixon. His confirmation was a significant event as it was the first time the provisions of the 25th Amendment were used to fill a vice-presidential vacancy.
Ford’s reputation for integrity and bipartisanship helped restore public confidence during a time of political turmoil. Less than a year later, Ford would become President following Nixon’s resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
1978 – Assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk
On November 27, 1978, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated by former Supervisor Dan White. The murders shocked the nation and highlighted deep political and social divisions within San Francisco.
Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, while Moscone was a progressive mayor who supported Milk and other reform-minded policies. Dan White, who had resigned from the Board of Supervisors but wanted his job back, felt betrayed by Moscone and Milk for their opposition to his reinstatement.
The subsequent trial and conviction of White on voluntary manslaughter charges, rather than murder, sparked outrage and led to the “White Night Riots.” The assassinations and their aftermath underscored the intense struggles for civil rights and social justice during the late 20th century.
1983 – Colombian Boeing 747 Crashes Near Madrid
On November 27, 1983, Avianca Flight 011, a Colombian Boeing 747, tragically crashed into a mountain near Madrid, Spain, killing 181 of the 192 people on board. The aircraft was attempting to land at Madrid’s Barajas Airport when it struck a hillside in dense fog and poor weather conditions.
The crash was one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving a Colombian airline and highlighted significant issues related to flight safety and navigation. Investigations revealed that the aircraft had descended below the minimum safe altitude, possibly due to pilot error or miscommunication with air traffic control.
The disaster led to increased scrutiny of airline safety procedures and improvements in flight crew training and navigation technology, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
1990 – John Major Becomes British Prime Minister

On November 27, 1990, John Major took office as the British Prime Minister, succeeding Margaret Thatcher. Major’s rise to the premiership marked the end of Thatcher’s 11-year tenure, which had been characterized by significant economic and social reforms.
Major, previously serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer, was seen as a unifying figure within the Conservative Party, which had become increasingly divided over Thatcher’s leadership style and policies.
As Prime Minister, Major faced the challenge of continuing the Conservative agenda while addressing the party’s internal conflicts and public discontent. His tenure included efforts to improve public services, manage economic recession, and navigate complex issues related to the European Union, including the Maastricht Treaty negotiations.
1999 – Labour Party Wins Control in New Zealand
On November 27, 1999, the Labour Party won control of the New Zealand government, with Helen Clark becoming Prime Minister. This election marked a significant political shift, ending nine years of National Party rule.
Helen Clark, the first woman elected as Prime Minister in New Zealand’s history, led the Labour Party to victory on a platform emphasizing social welfare, education reform, and environmental sustainability.
Her government focused on policies aimed at reducing poverty, increasing healthcare access, and promoting economic growth through innovation and investment in public infrastructure. Clark’s leadership and progressive policies garnered widespread support and established her as a significant figure in New Zealand’s political landscape.
2001 – Discovery of Hydrogen Atmosphere on Extrasolar Planet Osiris
On November 27, 2001, astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting a hydrogen atmosphere on the extrasolar planet HD 209458 b, also known as Osiris.
This was the first time an atmosphere had been detected on an extrasolar planet, marking a significant milestone in the study of exoplanets and the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
The detection was achieved through the observation of the planet transiting its host star, allowing scientists to analyze the starlight passing through the planet’s atmosphere. The findings provided valuable insights into the composition and dynamics of exoplanetary atmospheres, opening new avenues for understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
2006 – Canadian House of Commons Recognizes Québécois as a Nation
On November 27, 2006, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to recognize the Québécois as a nation within a united Canada.
The motion, which passed with a substantial majority, was a symbolic gesture acknowledging the unique cultural, historical, and linguistic identity of the Québécois people.
This recognition aimed to address longstanding tensions between Quebec and the rest of Canada, particularly regarding issues of autonomy and cultural preservation.
The motion was seen as a significant step in Canadian politics, reflecting the country’s commitment to multiculturalism and the accommodation of diverse identities within its federal framework. However, it also sparked debate and differing interpretations about the implications of recognizing Quebec as a nation, both within Quebec and across Canada.