This day in history: 27 june

Europa

• World War I Era (1914)
  On June 27, 1914, in London, U.S. presidential adviser Edward M. House met with British Foreign Secretary Edward Grey. Their discussions focused on averting war in Europe, reflecting widespread concern about rising militarism, especially in Germany. House reported that while German leadership preferred commercial expansion, the military was aggressively preparing for war. Notably, on this same day, Danilo Ilić of the Black Hand distributed weapons to the assassins who would kill Archduke Franz Ferdinand the next day in Sarajevo, an event that directly triggered World War I.
• World War II Era (1940 & 1944)
  On June 27, 1940, German forces completed their occupation of France by reaching the Spanish border. This marked the effective end of the Battle of France and the beginning of a long period of German occupation in Western Europe. On the same day, Britain announced a general blockade of the European coastline, intensifying the economic warfare against Nazi-controlled Europe.
• On June 27, 1944, after three weeks of intense fighting following the D-Day landings, Allied forces captured the port city of Cherbourg in Normandy. This victory was crucial for the Allies, as Cherbourg provided a much-needed deep-water port to supply the advancing armies liberating Western Europe.
• Yugoslav Wars (1991)
  On June 27, 1991, Yugoslav troops invaded Slovenia, marking the start of the Ten-Day War. This conflict followed Slovenia’s declaration of independence and was the first military clash of the Yugoslav Wars, which ultimately led to the breakup of Yugoslavia and significant changes to the political landscape of southeastern Europe.

America

• 1844 – Murder of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism), and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the jail in Carthage, Illinois. This event had a profound impact on the Mormon community and American religious history.
• 1862 – Battle of Gaines’ Mill: During the American Civil War, Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee broke through Union lines at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill in Virginia, part of the Seven Days’ Battles near Richmond.
• 1864 – Battle of Kennesaw Mountain: Another significant Civil War battle occurred on this day in Georgia, where Confederate forces defeated Union troops during the Atlanta Campaign.
• 1917 – First Baseball Player in WWI: Hank Gowdy became the first Major League Baseball player to enlist for military service in World War I.
• 1929 – First Color TV Demonstration: The first demonstration of color television took place in New York City, marking a milestone in broadcast technology.
• 1950 – U.S. Enters Korean War: The United States decided to send troops to fight in the Korean War, marking a significant escalation in Cold War tensions.
• 1957 – Hurricane Audrey: Hurricane Audrey made landfall near the Texas–Louisiana border, resulting in over 400 deaths, mostly in Cameron, Louisiana. It remains one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
• 1969 – Stonewall Riots Begin: Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The ensuing riots, lasting several days, are widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
• 1986 – U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua Ruled Illegal: The International Court of Justice declared the 1980s U.S. paramilitary intervention in Nicaragua illegal, a significant moment in international law and U.S. foreign policy.
• 2024 – Biden-Trump Debate: U.S. President Joe Biden debated former President Donald Trump. The debate’s aftermath led to Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election on July 21.

Asia

• Japan: Adoption of the Yen (1871)
  On June 27, 1871, the Meiji government officially adopted the yen as Japan’s modern unit of currency, replacing the diverse clan notes that had circulated for centuries. This move was a major step in modernizing Japan’s economy and monetary system.
• Korean War Begins (1950)
  On June 27, 1950, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 83, authorizing member nations to assist South Korea after North Korean forces invaded. This marked the official international response and the beginning of large-scale military involvement in the Korean War, a pivotal conflict in East Asian and Cold War history.
• 1180 – Japan: The capital was relocated to Fukuhara, an important event in Japanese political history.
• 1467 – Japan: The Ōnin War, a major civil conflict that led to the Sengoku period, broke out in Kyoto.

Africa

• Djibouti Independence Day (1977)
  On June 27, 1977, Djibouti gained its independence from France, marking the end of colonial rule and the birth of the Republic of Djibouti. Hassan Gouled Aptidon became the country’s first head of state. This day is celebrated annually as Djibouti’s Independence Day.
• African Inventions
  On June 27, 1939, Frederick Jones, an African American inventor, received a patent for his ticket dispensing machine, highlighting the contributions of Africans and the African diaspora to technological innovation.
• Political Violence in Nigeria (2014)
  Between June 21 and June 27, 2014, Nigeria experienced significant incidents of political violence, including attacks by Boko Haram in Borno state, sectarian violence in Kaduna, and a deadly explosion at the EMAB Plaza Mall in Abuja. While these events spanned several days, they underscore the ongoing challenges of security and conflict in parts of Africa around this date.
• Freedom Day Rally in South Africa (1992)
  On June 27, 1992, South Africa marked the 37th anniversary of the Freedom Charter with a Freedom Day Rally at Kliptown Market Place. The Freedom Charter is a pivotal document in the country’s anti-apartheid history, and this rally reflected ongoing efforts for equality and justice.