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On this day in history - February 27

What Happened On This Day – February 27

  • 2010 A massive earthquake strikes Chile

    The tremor measured 8.8 on the Richter scale and left more than 500 people dead and thousands injured.

  • 2002 A Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims

    The attack killed 59 people, including many women and children.

  • 1943 Non-violent protests in Berlin prevent the deportation of 2000 jews

    The “Rosenstrasse protest” was carried out by the “Aryan” wives and relatives of detained Jewish men.

  • 1933 Germany's parliament building is set on fire

    The Nazis used the Reichstag fire to justify harsh repression against political opponents. The event is considered pivotal in the establishment of Nazi Germany.

  • 1932 The neutron is discovered

    English physicist James Chadwick was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
February 27

  • 1994 Hou Yifan

    Chinese chess player

  • 1934 Ralph Nader

    American lawyer, author, activist

  • 1932 Elizabeth Taylor

    English/American actress

  • 1902 John Steinbeck

    American author, Nobel Prize laureate

  • 1807 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    American poet

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
February 27

  • 2011 Frank Buckles

    American soldier

  • 2008 William F. Buckley, Jr.

    American publisher, author, founded the National Review

  • 2002 Spike Milligan

    Indian/Irish actor, singer, screenwriter, author

  • 1989 Konrad Lorenz

    Austrian zoologist, Nobel Prize laureate

  • 1936 Ivan Pavlov

    Russian physiologist, Nobel Prize laureate