Today in History – April 27: Freedom, Technology, and A Nation’s First Steps
April 27 is a day of liberation, innovation, and historic beginnings. From South Africa’s first truly democratic election to the birth of modern computing, this date has been shaped by courage and invention.
Let’s explore what happened on April 27 throughout history.
1994 – South Africa Holds First Post-Apartheid Elections
On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first multiracial democratic elections, marking the official end of the apartheid regime. For the first time, citizens of all races were allowed to vote.
The African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, won overwhelmingly, and Mandela would soon be sworn in as South Africa’s first Black president.
April 27 is now celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa—a powerful reminder of the country’s journey from oppression to democracy.
4977 BC – Universe “Created,” According to Johannes Kepler
In a curious moment of astronomical history, German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler calculated that the universe was created on April 27, 4977 BC. Though clearly unscientific by modern standards, Kepler’s calculation reflected early attempts to understand time, space, and creation.
Kepler is best known for discovering the laws of planetary motion, which laid the groundwork for modern astronomy.
1805 – U.S. Marines Capture Derna in Tripoli
During the First Barbary War, U.S. Marines and mercenaries led by William Eaton captured the city of Derna, in modern-day Libya, on April 27, 1805. This marked the first recorded land battle of the United States on foreign soil.
The event is immortalized in the line “to the shores of Tripoli” from the Marine Corps Hymn and was a milestone in early American military history.
1937 – Social Security Begins Making Payments in the U.S.
The U.S. Social Security system began issuing monthly benefit checks on April 27, 1937, just two years after the Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was one of the key elements of the New Deal and has since become a pillar of the American safety net, providing financial security for millions of retirees and disabled citizens.
1981 – Xerox Introduces the Computer Mouse
On April 27, 1981, Xerox introduced the 8010 Star Information System, one of the first commercial computer systems to use a mouse, graphical user interface (GUI), and icons.
Though not widely adopted at the time, the system inspired later innovations from companies like Apple and Microsoft. The mouse and GUI revolutionized personal computing and forever changed how people interact with technology.
Famous Birthdays on April 27
Ulysses S. Grant (1822) – 18th President of the United States and Civil War general
Grant led Union forces to victory during the American Civil War and later served two terms as U.S. President during Reconstruction.
Samuel F. B. Morse (1791) – American inventor and artist
Inventor of the telegraph and Morse code, Morse changed the way the world communicated over long distances.
Sheena Easton (1959) – Scottish pop singer
Known for hits like Morning Train and collaborations with Prince, Easton became a pop icon in the 1980s.
Back to WorldHistoryEdu Home Page
