• 2005 IRA Army Council Announces End to Armed Campaign

  The Provisional Irish Republican Army, also known as IRA, announced an end to its armed campaign in the group’s effort to free Northern Ireland from United Kingdom’s rule.

• 1958 National Aeronautics and Space Act is passed by the US Congress

  The act established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

• 1928 IX Summer Olympics open

  The IX Summer Olympics opened in Amsterdam

• 1821 Peru declares independence

  The Peruvian War of Independence against Spain began in 1811 and ended with a declaration of independence under the leadership of José de San Martín.

On This Day – July 27

• 2012 Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the 2012 Summer Olympics in London

  It was the 3rd time London had hosted the multi-event international sports event. The ceremony was called Isles of Wonder and was directed by Danny Boyle.

• 1985 Coup in Uganda

  Tito Lutwa Okello, an Ugandan military officer successfully staged a coup against president Milton Obote. He was ousted by current president Yoweri Museveni 6 months later.

• 1955 Austrian State Treaty came to force

  The treaty re-established Austria as a democratic and sovereign country after World War II. It also ended the allied occupation of the country.

• 1940 Bugs Bunny’s official debut

  Bugs Bunny made his official debut in A Wild Hare.

• 1890 Vincent Van Gogh shoots himeslf

  The famed painter, shot himself in the chest. He died of his wounds two days later.