Estonia became the first country to use internet voting in parliamentary elections nationwide
Over 30,000 Estonians cast their ballots online from the comfort of home, marking a revolutionary moment in digital democracy. The small Baltic nation...
April 27 in History
Significant events that happened on this day.
Historical Events
2007
2005
The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger airliner, made its maiden flight
This double-decker behemoth can carry over 850 passengers in maximum configuration—essentially a flying apartment building. The test flight lasted fou...
1994
South Africa held its first democratic elections, effectively ending apartheid
MajorMillions of Black South Africans voted for the first time in their lives, with some waiting in lines for days. Nelson Mandela would be elected preside...
1992
Betty Boothroyd became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons in its 700-year history
The former dancer and secretary shattered one of Britain's most stubborn glass ceilings, bringing her trademark cry of 'Order! Order!' to the rowdy ch...
1981
The computer mouse was introduced to the public by Xerox
At the National Computer Conference, Xerox demonstrated their Star workstation featuring this revolutionary pointing device. Invented years earlier by...
1978
Afghanistan experienced a communist coup that would ultimately lead to Soviet invasion
MajorThe Saur Revolution overthrew the government and established the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This event set off a chain reaction that brought...
1967
Expo 67 opened in Montreal, showcasing Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome
This World's Fair was wildly successful, attracting over 50 million visitors. Fuller's dome became an icon of futuristic architecture, though it suffe...
1961
Sierra Leone gained independence from the United Kingdom
After 150 years of British colonial rule, Sierra Leone became a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. Sir Milton Margai became the country's first...
1953
Researchers announced the double-helix structure of DNA
MajorJames Watson and Francis Crick published their groundbreaking discovery in the journal Nature, though they relied heavily on Rosalind Franklin's X-ray...
1937
The first U.S. Social Security checks were distributed
Ernest Ackerman received the very first lump sum payment of 17 cents after working just one day under the new program. Ida May Fuller would later rece...
1822
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was born
Born Hiram Ulysses Grant, his name was mistakenly changed when he entered West Point—and he just kept it. He would become the Union's most successful...
1810
Ludwig van Beethoven composed 'Für Elise'
MajorOne of the most recognizable piano pieces in history was written on this date, though its actual title is 'Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor.' Scholars stil...