December 27

Friday 27, 2002:

Two truck bombs kill 72 and wound 200 at the pro-Moscow headquarters of the Chechen government in Grozny, Chechnya.

Thursday 27, 2001:

The People's Republic of China is granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States.

Saturday 27, 1997:

Protestant paramilitary leader Billy Wright is assassinated in Northern Ireland.

Friday 27, 1996:

Taliban forces retake the strategic Bagram air base which solidifies their buffer zone around Kabul.

Friday 27, 1985:

American naturalist Dian Fossey is found murdered in Rwanda.

Thursday 27, 1979:

The Soviet Union seizes control of Afghanistan and Babrak Karmal replaces overthrown and executed President Hafizullah Amin.

Wednesday 27, 1978:

Spain becomes a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship.

Friday 27, 1968:

The long-running radio program The Breakfast Club signs off for the last time (ABC radio).

Tuesday 27, 1949:

Indonesian National Revolution: Queen Juliana of the Netherlands grants Indonesia sovereignty.

Saturday 27, 1947:

Howdy Doody, a children's television program, makes its debut (NBC).

Thursday 27, 1945:

1945 - Korea is divided

Tuesday 27, 1932:

Radio City Music Hall opens

Friday 27, 1918:

Beginning of Great Poland Uprising, the Poles in Greater Poland (or Grand Duchy of Poznań) rise against the Germans

Tuesday 27, 1904:

1904 - The Abbey Theatre opens.

Saturday 27, 1845:

Ether anesthetic is used for childbirth for the first time (Dr. Crawford Williamson Long in Jefferson, Georgia).

Tuesday 27, 1836:

The worst ever avalanche in England occurs at Lewes, Sussex, killing 8 people.

Tuesday 27, 1831:

Charles Darwin embarks on his historic journey aboard the HMS Beagle, where he will formulate the theory of evolution.

Thursday 27, 1703:

Portugal and England sign the Methuen Treaty which gives preference to Portuguese imported wines into England.

More on December, 27

• People Born on December, 27
• They left us on December, 27