July 27

Events - Politics & Government

1663day.year

The English Parliament passes the second Navigation Act requiring that all goods bound for the American colonies have to be sent in English ships from English ports. After the Acts of Union 1707, Scotland would be included in the Act.

In 1663, the English Parliament enacted the Second Navigation Act, mandating that colonial goods be shipped exclusively on English vessels from English ports.
The Second Navigation Act, passed by the English Parliament on July 27, 1663, strengthened the mercantilist control over colonial trade. Under the new law, all goods bound for the American colonies had to be transported on ships built, owned, and operated by English subjects. The act aimed to monopolize profits from colonial export goods and bolster England's naval and shipping industries. It restricted colonial manufacturing and fostered reliance on British markets for imports. In the long term, these trade regulations fueled resentment among colonists and contributed to the growing desire for economic and political autonomy. After the 1707 Acts of Union, Scotland also fell under the Navigation Acts, further unifying British maritime policy.
1663 English Parliament second Navigation Act American colonies Acts of Union 1707
1775day.year

Founding of the U.S. Army Medical Department: The Second Continental Congress passes legislation establishing "an hospital for an army consisting of 20,000 men."

In 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the U.S. Army Medical Department, establishing a hospital for a 20,000-man force.
Amid the early days of the American Revolutionary War, military casualties highlighted the need for organized medical care. On July 27, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of an Army Medical Department and a hospital for a 20,000-man force. This legislation established the first dedicated medical corps in the U.S. military. It appointed medical personnel, set standards for care, and allocated funding for supplies and facilities. The foundation laid by this act evolved into today’s U.S. Army Medical Corps, shaping military medicine and battlefield casualty management.
1775 U.S. Army Medical Department Second Continental Congress an army
1789day.year

The first U.S. federal government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, is established (it will be later renamed Department of State).

In 1789, the U.S. established its first federal agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, precursor to the Department of State.
Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Congress set up the first federal executive departments. On July 27, 1789, they established the Department of Foreign Affairs to manage diplomatic relations. This agency laid the groundwork for American engagement with foreign powers and organized the country’s early diplomatic corps. Later renamed the Department of State, it became responsible for treaties, negotiations, and the President’s foreign policy directives. Thomas Jefferson, as the first Secretary of State, shaped the department’s role in a young nation.
1789 federal government Department of Foreign Affairs Department of State
1794day.year

French Revolution: Maximilien Robespierre is arrested after encouraging the execution of more than 17,000 "enemies of the Revolution".

In 1794, radical leader Maximilien Robespierre was arrested during the French Revolution after orchestrating the Reign of Terror.
As the French Revolution descended into the Reign of Terror, power concentrated in the Committee of Public Safety. On July 27, 1794 (9 Thermidor), Maximilien Robespierre was arrested by opponents within the revolutionary government. His radical policies and approval of thousands of executions had alienated fellow revolutionaries. Following a brief standoff, Robespierre was detained and sent to the guillotine without trial. His fall marked the end of the Terror and ushered in a more moderate phase of the Revolution.
1794 French Revolution Maximilien Robespierre arrested
1900day.year

Kaiser Wilhelm II makes a speech comparing Germans to Huns; for years afterwards, "Hun" would be a disparaging name for Germans.

Kaiser Wilhelm II delivered a speech on July 27, 1900, comparing Germans to Huns and cementing a disparaging nickname.
During a departure address at Bremerhaven, Emperor Wilhelm II encouraged his troops heading to China in the Boxer Rebellion to emulate the fierce warriors of Attila the Hun. He proclaimed that no quarter would be given, famously urging "No quarter will be given - no prisoners will be taken." The remarks resonated in the international press and set the tone for German military aggression abroad. For decades, Allied nations used "Hun" as a derogatory term for Germans, especially during both world wars. Historians view the speech as a pivotal moment in shaping Germany's militaristic image and underscore the power of political rhetoric. The lasting impact of Wilhelm's words illustrates how a single address can influence public perception and international relations long after it is delivered.
1900 Wilhelm II speech
1929day.year

The Geneva Convention of 1929, dealing with treatment of prisoners-of-war, is signed by 53 nations.

On July 27, 1929, fifty-three nations signed the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war, strengthening international humanitarian law.
The 1929 Geneva Convention built upon earlier humanitarian agreements to codify the rights of prisoners of war. Signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 27, it bound signatories to ensure humane treatment, proper food, medical care, and communication with families. It prohibited torture, cruelty, and degrading treatment, and regulated the use of prisoner labor. By establishing neutral inspections, the convention sought to reduce abuses and promote accountability. The treaty's near-universal adoption by 53 nations underscored global commitment to wartime ethics. During World War II, the convention informed the treatment of millions of POWs, although compliance varied. Its principles remain integral to modern international humanitarian law, forming the basis for the Third Geneva Convention of 1949.
1929 Geneva Convention of 1929
1953day.year

Cessation of hostilities is achieved in the Korean War when the United States, China, and North Korea sign an armistice agreement. Syngman Rhee, President of South Korea, refuses to sign but pledges to observe the armistice.

On July 27, 1953, an armistice was signed by the United States, China, and North Korea, ending active combat in the Korean War. South Korean President Syngman Rhee refused to sign but agreed to observe the ceasefire.
After three years of brutal conflict on the Korean Peninsula, delegates from the United States, China, and North Korea came together to halt open hostilities. Despite intense negotiations and frontline stalemates, the armistice finally took effect, drawing the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) across the peninsula. South Korean President Syngman Rhee refused to endorse the agreement but agreed to observe the ceasefire to prevent further devastation. The accord established prisoner exchanges, non-aggression pledges, and mechanisms for military oversight. Though the agreement ended large-scale fighting, no formal peace treaty was ever signed, leaving Korea technically at war. The legacy of the armistice shaped Cold War politics and has influenced regional security to this day.
1953 Korean War sign an armistice agreement Syngman Rhee President of South Korea
1955day.year

The Austrian State Treaty restores Austrian sovereignty.

On July 27, 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed, ending Allied occupation and restoring Austria’s sovereignty and neutrality.
Following World War II, Austria was occupied by the Allied powers and divided into zones controlled by the Soviets, Americans, British, and French. The Austrian State Treaty, negotiated over several years, was signed in Vienna and ended all foreign military presence. Austria committed to permanent neutrality, a key provision that secured Soviet agreement to withdraw. The treaty paved the way for Austria’s postwar recovery and full participation in international affairs. July 27 is celebrated as State Treaty Day, marking a peaceful restoration of independence and a unique stance during the Cold War.
1955 Austrian State Treaty
1974day.year

Watergate scandal: The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee votes 27 to 11 to recommend the first article of impeachment (for obstruction of justice) against President Richard Nixon.

On July 27, 1974, the House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon for obstruction of justice during the Watergate scandal.
The Watergate break-in and ensuing cover-up had been under investigation for over a year. By mid-1974, evidence of Nixon’s involvement in obstruction efforts was overwhelming. The Judiciary Committee’s 27–11 vote set the stage for a full House impeachment proceeding. Facing certain impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, the first U.S. president to do so. The episode underscored the strength of constitutional checks and balances in American democracy.
1974 Watergate scandal House of Representatives Judiciary Committee to recommend article impeachment obstruction of justice President Richard Nixon
1975day.year

Mayor of Jaffna and former MP Alfred Duraiappah is shot dead.

On July 27, 1975, Alfred Duraiappah, mayor of Jaffna and former Sri Lankan MP, was assassinated, sparking tensions in the region.
Alfred Duraiappah was a prominent Tamil politician known for his moderate stance and cooperation with the Sri Lankan government. On this day, militants opposed to his policies ambushed and killed him in Jaffna. His death marked a turning point, intensifying ethnic tensions between Tamils and Sinhalese. The assassination is often seen as a precursor to the Sri Lankan Civil War that erupted years later. Duraiappah’s legacy highlights the deep divisions and complex politics of the island nation.
1975 Mayor of Jaffna Alfred Duraiappah
1990day.year

The Supreme Soviet of the Belarusian Soviet Republic declares independence of Belarus from the Soviet Union. Until 1996 the day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Belarus; after a referendum held that year the celebration of independence is moved to June 3.

In 1990, the Supreme Soviet proclaimed Belarus's independence from the Soviet Union.
On July 27, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Belarusian Soviet Republic declared the country's independence from the Soviet Union. The declaration marked a pivotal moment in the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe. Until 1996, July 27 was celebrated as Belarus's Independence Day, symbolizing national sovereignty. A nationwide referendum in 1996 moved the official celebration to June 3, aligning with the date of formal independence. The 1990 declaration remains a foundational event in modern Belarusian statehood and national identity.
1990 Supreme Soviet Belarusian Soviet Republic Belarus Soviet Union 1996 referendum independence June 3