What Happened This Year 1927

Historical Events from This Year 1927 (View all 64)

Military & Warfare

Oil Legislation Triggers Cristero War Outbreak

January 1st, 1927 98 years ago

The enactment of new oil legislation in Mexico spurred significant unrest among various factions, primarily within the Catholic community. This backlash was directly linked to the broader anti-Catholic sentiment fostered by the Mexican government. The situation escalated as rural populations began to organize into armed resistance groups, marking the formal outbreak of the Cristero War, a conflict that would see fighting primarily focused in the western regions of Mexico, particularly Jalisco and surrounding areas.

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Technology & Innovation

First Transatlantic Commercial Telephone Service Begins

January 7th, 1927 98 years ago

The first commercial telephone service connecting New York City to London was established. This groundbreaking development revolutionized communication between the United States and Europe, enabling businesses and individuals to communicate over vast distances in real-time. The service utilized innovative technologies of the time and marked a significant step forward in telecommunications. The initiative was spearheaded by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), which saw the potential for increased international business and collaboration.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Fire at Laurier Palace Theatre

January 9th, 1927 98 years ago

A devastating fire occurred at the Laurier Palace theatre in Montreal during a children's matinee show. The theatre was packed with around 400 children when the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the projection room. Seventy-eight children lost their lives in the chaos and smoke as they tried to escape. The tragedy highlighted severe safety regulations and sparked a public outcry for better protection in public venues.

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Arts & Culture

Release of Fritz Lang's Metropolis in Germany

January 10th, 1927 98 years ago

Fritz Lang's iconic silent film 'Metropolis' premiered in Germany, showcasing groundbreaking visual effects and a dystopian narrative. The film, set in a futuristic urban landscape, explores themes of class struggle and the potential perils of technology. Notably, 'Metropolis' features a striking Art Deco aesthetic and innovative techniques that have influenced countless filmmakers. Its premiere marked a significant moment in cinema history, captivating audiences with its ambitious production design and philosophical depth.

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Entertainment

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Established

January 11th, 1927 98 years ago

Louis B. Mayer announced the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at a banquet held in Los Angeles, California. The aim was to mediate labor disputes and establish an awards system recognizing excellence in film. The initiative was a response to the growing tensions between studios and the labor force within the burgeoning film industry. As a leading figure at MGM, Mayer's decision significantly shaped the future of Hollywood, leading to the establishment of the Oscars.

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Sports & Recreation

First Live Radio Commentary of a Football Match

January 22nd, 1927 98 years ago

Teddy Wakelam provided the first live radio commentary of a football match, capturing the excitement of a match between Arsenal F.C. and Sheffield United at Highbury. This groundbreaking broadcast allowed fans to tune into the action of the game from the comfort of their homes, marking a significant moment in sports broadcasting. Wakelam’s vivid descriptions brought the game to life, setting the standard for future sports commentary.

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Born in 1927 (View all 594)

Charlie Callas

Comedian and musician known for stand-up
Born
December 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
January 27th, 2011 14 years ago — 86 years old

A comedian and musician, engaged audiences with a distinctive comedic style characterized by rapid-fire delivery and unique vocal performances. Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on television shows such as 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'. Developed a reputation for energetic stand-up routines that included impressions and vocal sound effects. Also released several comedy albums throughout a career that spanned decades. Contributed to movies including 'The Big Bus' and 'The Busy World of Richard Scarry'.

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Vernon L. Smith

Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 1st, 1927 98 years ago

An American economist, contributions included pioneering research in experimental economics. Played a significant role in establishing experimental methods to understand market mechanisms. Served as a professor at several universities, including George Mason University. Research focused on how human behavior interacts with economic theory, leading to insights in market design and public policy.

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Maurice Béjart

Choreographer of The Rite of Spring
Born
January 1st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2007 17 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent dancer, choreographer, and director, this individual significantly influenced modern ballet and contemporary dance. Founded the Béjart Ballet Lausanne in 1987, establishing a platform for innovative dance. Created numerous choreographies, including a renowned version of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. Developed a unique style that combined classic ballet techniques with modern elements, showcasing the expressive potential of dance.

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Doak Walker

American football player, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
January 1st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1998 26 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in American football, this player excelled as a halfback for Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 1945 to 1949. During collegiate play, secured the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1948. After college, played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL from 1950 to 1955, contributing significantly to the team's success. In 1953, led the Lions to their first NFL Championship title since 1957. Beyond football, ventured into business after retirement, becoming involved in various enterprises.

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James Reeb

Political Activist and Clergyman
Born
January 1st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 38 years old

A clergyman deeply involved in the civil rights movement, participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches. Faced violence for advocating racial equality, resulting in a fatal attack in 1965. Played a pivotal role in discussions around integration and social justice during the 1960s. Advocated for peaceful protest and nonviolent resistance, aligning religious teachings with calls for civil rights.

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Paul Desmarais

Canadian businessman and philanthropist
Born
January 4th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2013 11 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist, significantly influenced the business landscape through leadership of Power Corporation of Canada. Guided the company's expansion into various sectors including financial services and energy. Engaged in philanthropic efforts benefiting education, health, and culture. Established partnerships with various organizations to enhance community welfare and support cultural institutions.

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People Who Died in 1927 (View all 103)

Carl David Tolmé Runge

German physicist and mathematician
Born
August 30th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1927 98 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and mathematics. Developed the Runge-Kutta methods for solving ordinary differential equations. Worked on the theory of interpolation and approximation of functions. Collaborated with many prominent scientists during the early 20th century and published numerous academic papers and studies that were influential in both mathematics and physics.

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Süleyman Nazif

Turkish poet and civil servant
Born
1870 155 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1927 98 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish literature, contributed significantly as a poet and essayist. Played a key role as a civil servant within the Ottoman Empire and later in the early Turkish Republic. His poetry often focused on themes of nationalism and social issues, reflecting the cultural transitions of his time. Engaged in journalism, advocating for reforms and social justice through editorial advocacy. Published several collections of poetry and essays that showcased the evolution of Turkish language and literature during the early 20th century.

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Nikolaos Kalogeropoulos

Greek politician and Prime Minister
Born
1851 174 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1927 98 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the 99th Prime Minister of Greece during a turbulent period marked by political instability. His tenure was characterized by efforts to stabilize the government and address the challenges posed by economic difficulties and social unrest. Leadership included navigating complex relationships with various political factions and seeking to implement necessary reforms. Contributed to discussions around Greece's political framework and governance.

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Houston Stewart Chamberlain

Philosopher and author of 'The Foundations of the Nineteenth Century'
Born
September 9th, 1855 169 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1927 98 years ago — 71 years old

Houston Stewart Chamberlain was an English-German philosopher and author primarily engaged in discussions related to race and culture in the context of European identity. Residing in Germany for much of his life, he contributed to the development of ideas that would later influence nationalist movements. His most significant work, 'The Foundations of the Nineteenth Century', published in 1899, explored the influence of race on historical and cultural development, emphasizing a view of history that prioritized the Aryan race. This work established him as a prominent figure in the realm of racial theory and philosophy, particularly among nationalist circles in Germany during the early 20th century. Chamberlain's writings articulated a vision of a racially defined culture, which resonated with contemporaries and has been the subject of considerable analysis in historical studies.

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Juliette Gordon Low

Founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA
Born
1860 165 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1927 98 years ago — 67 years old

Active in the early 20th century, this individual established the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, promoting leadership and outdoor skills among girls. Strongly influenced by the Scouting movement in Europe, the organization quickly gained traction, emphasizing community service and personal development. The founder devoted much of her life to the organization, serving as the first president and serving in various roles until her passing in 1927.

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James Ford Rhodes

Historian and author of American history
Born
1848 177 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1927 98 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent historian and author, focused on American history and the Civil War era. Authored a significant multi-volume work titled 'History of the Civil War, 1861-1865', which provided a detailed analysis of military and political events during the war. Served as a member of the Ohio Historical Society and was instrumental in furthering historical research and education. Contributed extensively to the understanding of post-war America and its societal changes.

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