On this day in history - February 27

What Happened On This Day – February 27

• 2010A massive earthquake strikes Chile

  The tremor measured 8.8 on the Richter scale and left more than 500 people dead and thousands injured.

• 2002A Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims

  The attack killed 59 people, including many women and children.

• 1943Non-violent protests in Berlin prevent the deportation of 2000 jews

  The “Rosenstrasse protest” was carried out by the “Aryan” wives and relatives of detained Jewish men.

• 1933Germany's parliament building is set on fire

  The Nazis used the Reichstag fire to justify harsh repression against political opponents. The event is considered pivotal in the establishment of Nazi Germany.

• 1932The neutron is discovered

  English physicist James Chadwick was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery.