Europa
- Pope Urban II Proclaims the First Crusade (1095)
On November 27, 1095, at the Council of Clermont in France, Pope Urban II issued a call to arms that launched the First Crusade. This event was pivotal in European and Middle Eastern history, as it aimed to relieve the Eastern Roman Empire from Seljuk Turkish pressure and secure Christian access to Jerusalem. - Birth of Anders Celsius (1701)
Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, known for inventing the centigrade (Celsius) temperature scale, was born in Uppsala, Sweden, on this day. - Jerusalem Church in Berlin (1727)
The foundation stone for the Jerusalem Church was laid in Berlin, marking a significant religious and architectural event in German history. - Berners Street Hoax in London (1809)
In London, Theodore Hook orchestrated the infamous Berners Street hoax, causing chaos in the city as part of a bet. - Adoption of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Poland (1815)
The Kingdom of Poland adopted its constitution, an important milestone in Polish political history. - Saint Catherine Labouré’s Marian Apparition (1830)
In Paris, Saint Catherine Labouré reported experiencing a Marian apparition, which later influenced Catholic devotional practices. - Execution for Sodomy in England (1835)
James Pratt and John Smith became the last two individuals executed for sodomy in England, highlighting a significant moment in British legal history. - French Navy Scuttles Fleet at Toulon (1942)
During World War II, the French Navy scuttled much of its fleet at Toulon to prevent German forces from seizing the ships, a dramatic episode in French wartime history. - Establishment of the Nobel Prizes (1895)
Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel signed his will on November 27, 1895, establishing the Nobel Prizes, which have since become some of the most prestigious awards in the world.
America
- U.S. Army War College Established (1901)
The U.S. Army War College was established in Washington, D.C., to provide advanced education for senior military officers, shaping military leadership and strategic thinking in the United States. - Opening of New York’s Pennsylvania Station (1910)
New York’s Pennsylvania Station, at the time the world’s largest railway terminal, officially opened, marking a milestone in American transportation infrastructure. - First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (1924)
The inaugural Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York City. Originally called the “Macy’s Christmas Parade,” it became an iconic American holiday tradition, drawing massive crowds and later millions of TV viewers. - Assassination of Harvey Milk and George Moscone (1978)
San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, were assassinated inside City Hall by former supervisor Dan White. This tragedy became a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ and civil rights history in the United States. - Battle of Washita River (1868): During the American Indian Wars, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer led a controversial attack on a Cheyenne village.
- Death of ‘Baby Face’ Nelson (1934): Notorious bank robber Lester Joseph Gillis, known as “Baby Face Nelson,” was killed in a shootout with FBI agents near Barrington, Illinois.
- Senate Confirms Gerald Ford as Vice President (1973): The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Gerald R. Ford as vice president, following Spiro Agnew’s resignation.
Asia
- Luoyang Declared Capital of Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25)
On November 27, AD 25, Emperor Guangwu of Han declared Luoyang as the capital of the Eastern Han dynasty, a pivotal moment in Chinese imperial history. - Birth of Emperor Xiaozong of China (1127)
Emperor Xiaozong, who would later rule the Southern Song dynasty, was born on this day in 1127. - First Bengali Drama Staged (1795)
The first Bengali drama was staged, marking a significant cultural milestone in Indian literary and theatrical history. - Mumbai Terror Attacks (2008)
On November 27, 2008, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, continued for a second day, with multiple locations under siege and significant casualties, marking one of the most tragic events in recent Indian history. - In Japan, Shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa was born on November 27, 1684, later becoming a key figure in the Edo period.
- In 1970, Pope Paul VI visited Manila, Philippines, marking the first papal visit to Asia and surviving an assassination attempt at the airport.
Africa
- Return of Amistad Survivors to Africa (1841)
Thirty-five survivors of the Amistad slave ship revolt, originally from the Mende tribe, departed New York City and returned to Sierra Leone on November 27, 1841. Their dramatic legal battle for freedom in the United States became a landmark case in the fight against slavery and had a lasting impact on both African and African diaspora history. - Second Souhane Massacre in Algeria (1997)
On November 27, 1997, the second Souhane massacre occurred in Algeria, resulting in the deaths of 25 people. This event was part of the broader violence during the Algerian Civil War. - 1755 Morocco Earthquake
A devastating earthquake struck northern Morocco on November 27, 1755, causing severe destruction in the cities of Fes and Meknes. - Patrice Lumumba Flees Leopoldville, Congo (1960)
On this day in 1960, Congolese independence leader and first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba fled Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) during the Congo Crisis, a pivotal moment in the nation’s post-colonial history. - World War I: Surrender of German Forces in East Africa (1917)
On November 27, 1917, over 3,500 German and native troops under Colonel Tafel surrendered unconditionally near Nevala in East Africa, marking a significant event in the African theater of World War I. - Recent Event: Sierra Leone Barracks Attack (2023)
On November 27, 2023, Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown was under heightened security following an attempted attack by renegade soldiers on a military barracks and a prison break. The government restored order and called for peace, reflecting ongoing security challenges in the region.
This day in history: 27 november