Today in History
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2010 A massive earthquake strikes Chile
The tremor measured 8.8 on the Richter scale, killing over 500 people while injuring thousands more.
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2002 A Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims
The attack killed 59 people, including many women and children.
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1943 Non-violent protests in Berlin prevent the deportation of 2000 jews
The “Aryan” wives and relatives of detained Jewish men staged the “Rosenstrasse” protest.
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1933 Germany’s parliament building is set on fire
The Nazis used the Reichstag fire to justify harsh repression of political opponents. This event is regarded as crucial in the establishment of Nazi Germany.
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1932 The neutron is discovered
English physicist James Chadwick was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery.
Births On This Day, February 27
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1994 Hou Yifan
Chinese chess player
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1934 Ralph Nader
American lawyer, author, activist
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1932 Elizabeth Taylor
English/American actress
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1902 John Steinbeck
American author, Nobel Prize laureate
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1807 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
American poet
Deaths On This Day, February 27
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2011 Frank Buckles
American soldier
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2008 William F. Buckley, Jr.
American publisher, author, founded the National Review
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2002 Spike Milligan
Indian/Irish actor, singer, screenwriter, author
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1989 Konrad Lorenz
Austrian zoologist, Nobel Prize laureate
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1936 Ivan Pavlov
Russian physiologist, Nobel Prize laureate