This Day in History

On February 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln spoke at Cooper Union in New York City, transforming himself from a regional politician into a national figure. His carefully reasoned defense of restricting slavery’s expansion impressed Northern audiences, strengthened Republican confidence, and helped propel him toward the presidency at a moment when the nation stood on the brink of division.

In 1815, Europe believed Napoléon was finished. Exiled to Elba, he escaped with a small loyal force and landed in France, marching toward Paris. Instead of resistance, soldiers joined him and towns welcomed him. Without a major battle, he reclaimed the throne, beginning the dramatic “Hundred Days” that shocked the world.

On February 25, 1830, Victor Hugo’s Hernani premiered in Paris and ignited chaos inside the theater. Audiences shouted, argued, and nearly fought as tradition clashed with artistic rebellion. The uproar signaled the rise of Romanticism, proving a single play could challenge centuries of rules and permanently transform the future of literature and performance.

In 1868, the House of Representatives impeached President Andrew Johnson after a fierce clash with Congress over Reconstruction policy. Accused of violating federal law by removing his Secretary of War, Johnson faced a historic Senate trial and survived by a single vote, establishing a lasting precedent for presidential accountability and constitutional balance.

By 1927, America’s booming radio industry had filled the airwaves with interference and confusion. President Calvin Coolidge created the Federal Radio Commission to organize frequencies and regulate stations in the public interest. The decision transformed radio into a reliable national medium and laid the groundwork for modern broadcast and communications regulation in the United States.