This Day in History: March 27

1871 England and Scotland compete in the first international rugby match

In 1871, the first international rugby match was played between England and Scotland. The game took place at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh and resulted in a draw. Rugby is a popular sport in many countries, particularly in the British Commonwealth.

1914 1st successful non-direct blood transfusion is performed by Dr. Albert Hustin in Brussels

Dr. Albert Hustin performed the first successful non-direct blood transfusion in Brussels in 1914. This procedure involved transferring blood from one person to another through a tube. Today, blood transfusions are a common medical treatment used to replace lost blood or to treat various medical conditions.

1958 Nikita Khrushchev becomes Soviet Premier as well as First Secretary of the Communist Party

In 1958, Nikita Khrushchev became the Premier of the Soviet Union as well as the First Secretary of the Communist Party. Khrushchev was known for his policy of de-Stalinization, which involved the removal of the personality cult surrounding Joseph Stalin and a shift towards more liberal policies.

1977 583 die in aviation's worst ever disaster when two Boeing 747s collide at Tenerife airport in Spain

On March 27th, 1977, two Boeing 747 aircraft collided on the runway at Tenerife airport in Spain, resulting in the deaths of 583 people. This remains the worst aviation disaster in history.

1980 The oil rig Alexander L. Kjelland collapses in high winds in the North Sea

In 1980, the oil rig Alexander L. Kjelland collapsed in the North Sea during high winds, resulting in the deaths of 123 crew members. The accident was caused by a fatigue crack in one of the rig's legs, highlighting the importance of safety regulations in the oil and gas industry.

1994 Silvio Berlusconi rises to power in Italy

In 1994, Silvio Berlusconi rose to power in Italy as the Prime Minister. Berlusconi's time in office was marked by controversy, including numerous affairs and scandals. In 2013, he was sentenced to 4 years in prison for tax fraud.

1998 Viagra is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

In 1998, Viagra became the first drug for male impotence to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The drug was developed by Pfizer and has since become a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the company.

1625 Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland ascends the English throne

In 1625, Charles I ascended to the English throne, becoming King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Charles I's reign was marked by political and religious conflicts, including the English Civil War, which ultimately led to his execution in 1649.