This Day in History: April 27

1565: 1st Spanish settlement in the Philippines forms at Cebu City

In 1565, Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi established the first European settlement in the Philippines on the island of Cebu. This marked the beginning of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule in the archipelago.

1810: Ludwig van Beethoven composes “Für Elise”

“Für Elise” is a solo piano piece composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1810. Despite being one of the composer's most popular works, its intended recipient remains a mystery and its origins are still the subject of debate.

1865: Steamboat "SS Sultana" explodes in the Mississippi River, killing up to 1,800 of the 2,427 passengers

In 1865, the steamboat SS Sultana exploded and sank in the Mississippi River, resulting in one of the greatest maritime disasters in United States history. Most of the passengers were paroled Union prisoners of war, who had survived the horrors of Confederate prison camps and were on their way home.

1904: The Australian Labor Party under Prime Minister Chris Watson becomes the first Labor government in the world

In 1904, the Australian Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Chris Watson, became the first political party with a socialist platform to form a government anywhere in the world. The party's policies included the introduction of a minimum wage and the establishment of a national old-age pension.

1945: Italian partisans capture Benito Mussolini at Dongo (Lake Como)

In 1945, Italian partisans captured Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, at Dongo on Lake Como. Mussolini was executed the following day, bringing an end to his reign and to the Italian Social Republic, a puppet state of Nazi Germany that he had established in northern Italy.

1992: For the first time in its 700-year history, the British House of Commons is presided over by a female Speaker

In 1992, Betty Boothroyd became the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, a position she held until 2000. This was a significant moment in the history of the British Parliament, which had been male-dominated for centuries.

1994: South African citizens of all races are allowed to vote in a general election for the first time

In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic general election, which was open to all citizens regardless of race. This marked the end of the apartheid era and the beginning of a new era of political and social equality in the country.

2005: The superjumbo jet aircraft Airbus A380 makes its first flight from Toulouse, France

In 2005, the Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial jet, made its first flight from Toulouse, France. With a wingspan of almost 80 meters and a capacity of up to 853 passengers, the A380 represents a new era in aviation and has revolutionized air travel since its introduction.