1. December 27, 1831 – Charles Darwin Sets Sail on the HMS Beagle
On this day, Charles Darwin embarked on a voyage aboard the HMS Beagle that would change the course of science forever. The expedition lasted nearly five years and took Darwin to numerous locations around the world, including the Galápagos Islands. During the journey, Darwin collected extensive natural specimens and made observations that led to the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory was later published in his landmark book, “On the Origin of Species,” in 1859. The voyage on the Beagle is considered one of the most important scientific journeys in history.
2. December 27, 1904 – The First New Year’s Eve Celebration in Times Square
The first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, New York City, took place on December 27, 1904, to mark the opening of the new headquarters of The New York Times newspaper. The event featured fireworks and a large crowd gathered to celebrate the occasion. Over time, this celebration evolved into the famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, which attracts millions of people annually. This tradition has become a symbol of New Year’s festivities in the United States. The event set the stage for Times Square as a major cultural and entertainment hub.
3. December 27, 1945 – The U.S. Congress Officially Ends World War II
On this date, the United States Congress officially declared the end of World War II by passing legislation to terminate the state of war with Japan and Germany. This formal conclusion allowed for the transition from wartime to peacetime activities and the beginning of post-war reconstruction. The declaration marked a significant moment in global history, as it symbolized the victory of the Allied powers and the start of a new international order. The end of the war also led to the establishment of the United Nations. The date is significant for marking the legal closure of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
4. December 27, 1978 – The Great Blizzard of 1978 Hits the United States
The Great Blizzard of 1978 struck the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions on December 27, causing widespread disruption and severe weather conditions. The storm brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures, paralyzing transportation and communication networks. Thousands of people were stranded, and many cities declared states of emergency. The blizzard is remembered as one of the most intense and deadly winter storms in U.S. history. It prompted improvements in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness.
5. December 27, 1606 – The Birth of René Descartes
René Descartes, the French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, was born on this day in 1606. He is often called the “father of modern philosophy” for his influential works that emphasized reason and skepticism. Descartes’ famous statement, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), became a foundational element of Western philosophy. In addition to philosophy, he made significant contributions to mathematics, including the development of Cartesian coordinates. His work laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution and modern analytical geometry.
6. December 27, 1836 – The Battle of Yungay Ends the War of the Confederation
The Battle of Yungay occurred on December 27, 1836, and was a decisive conflict during the War of the Confederation between Chile and the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. The Chilean army, allied with Peruvian dissidents, defeated the forces of the Confederation, leading to its dissolution. This battle marked the end of a short-lived political and military alliance in South America. The victory solidified Chile’s influence in the region and reshaped the political landscape of the Andean countries. The aftermath of the battle had lasting effects on the balance of power in South America.
7. December 27, 1941 – British Troops Capture Tobruk During World War II
During World War II, British forces captured the strategic port city of Tobruk in Libya on December 27, 1941. This victory was significant in the North African campaign, as Tobruk served as a key supply and naval base. The capture disrupted Axis supply lines and boosted Allied morale. The battle demonstrated the importance of desert warfare tactics and logistics. Tobruk remained a focal point of conflict throughout the war, changing hands multiple times.
8. December 27, 1911 – Norwegian Explorer Roald Amundsen Reaches the South Pole
On December 27, 1911, Roald Amundsen and his team reached the South Pole, becoming the first humans to do so. This achievement was the result of meticulous planning and preparation for the harsh Antarctic conditions. Amundsen’s successful expedition beat the British team led by Robert Falcon Scott by about a month. The journey showcased advancements in polar exploration techniques and survival strategies. Amundsen’s accomplishment remains a milestone in the history of exploration.
9. December 27, 1972 – The Last Apollo Moon Mission Returns to Earth
Apollo 17, the final manned mission to the moon, returned safely to Earth on December 27, 1972. The mission included astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans. Apollo 17 was notable for being the longest moon landing mission and for collecting extensive geological samples. Eugene Cernan was the last person to walk on the moon, making this mission historically significant. The return marked the end of NASA’s Apollo program, which had a profound impact on space exploration.
10. December 27, 2006 – The Execution of Saddam Hussein’s Cousin
On December 27, 2006, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, a cousin of Saddam Hussein and former Iraqi intelligence chief, was executed. He was convicted of crimes against humanity related to the killing of Shiite Muslims in the 1980s. The execution was part of the broader trial and punishment of members of Saddam’s regime after the 2003 Iraq War. This event was a significant moment in Iraq’s effort to confront past abuses and rebuild its justice system. The death of Barzan Ibrahim marked a chapter in the ongoing political and social transformation of Iraq.