Europa
- Storming of the Tuileries Palace (France, 1792)
On August 10, 1792, during the French Revolution, a Parisian mob stormed the Tuileries Palace, where King Louis XVI and his family resided. This insurrection led to the arrest and eventual execution of Louis XVI and the effective overthrow of the French monarchy. The event marked a radical turning point in the revolution, leading to the rise of the Jacobins and the Reign of Terror. - Signing of the Treaty of Sèvres (France/Turkey, 1920)
On August 10, 1920, the Treaty of Sèvres was signed between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire. The treaty dismantled the Ottoman Empire, imposed severe territorial losses, and redrew the map of the Middle East, creating mandates and new nations under European control. The harsh terms of the treaty fueled Turkish nationalist resistance, leading to the Turkish War of Independence and the eventual founding of modern Turkey. - Battle of Maldon (England, 991)
On August 10, 991, the Battle of Maldon took place in Essex, England. English forces were defeated by inland-raiding Vikings. In the aftermath, English leaders advised King Aethelred to pay off the Vikings rather than continue fighting, resulting in a large payment of silver. - Foundation of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich (England, 1675)
King Charles II laid the foundation stone of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, on August 10, 1675. The observatory was established to improve navigation by providing accurate astronomical tables. - In 1842, Britain passed the Mines Act on this day, forbidding women and children from working underground.
- In 1889, the screw bottle top was patented in Yorkshire, England.
America
- Missouri Becomes a State (1821)
On August 10, 1821, Missouri was admitted as the 24th state of the United States. This was a significant milestone in the westward expansion of the country and was closely tied to the Missouri Compromise, which attempted to balance free and slave states in the Union. - Smithsonian Institution Founded (1846)
The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the U.S. Congress on August 10, 1846. Funded by a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian has become the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. - Second Battle of Guam Ends (1944)
On August 10, 1944, the Second Battle of Guam concluded as American forces defeated the last Imperial Japanese troops on the island, reclaiming Guam as a U.S. territory during World War II. - Department of Defense Established (1949)
President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act Amendment on August 10, 1949, which reorganized U.S. military and defense agencies, creating the Department of Defense to better coordinate national security. - Civil Liberties Act Signed (1988)
On August 10, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, which provided formal apologies and financial reparations to Japanese Americans who were interned or relocated during World War II. - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sworn in as Supreme Court Justice (1993)
On August 10, 1993, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was sworn in as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the second woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Asia
- 1942: Riots in India Over Gandhi’s Arrest
On August 10, 1942, widespread rioting and strikes erupted in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Delhi after the arrest of Mohandas K. Gandhi. Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement, had been detained for his role in the Quit India Movement, which called for an end to British colonial rule. The unrest was significant in accelerating India’s path to independence and reflected both domestic and international pressures, as Japan encouraged Indians to resist British rule during World War II. - 2003: Okinawa Urban Monorail Opens in Japan
The Okinawa Urban Monorail, also known as Yui Rail, began operations in Naha, Okinawa on August 10, 2003. This marked a major development in public transportation for the region, connecting key areas of the city and improving mobility for residents and visitors. - August is a month of war remembrance in Japan, with significant memorial events occurring throughout the month, including those for Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While August 10 itself is not the date of these bombings, it falls within this broader context of reflection and peace-related activities in Japan.
- On August 10, 2008, American swimmer Michael Phelps won the 400m individual medley at the Beijing Olympics in a world record time, an event that took place in Asia and was celebrated across the continent.
Africa
- Marikana Massacre Begins (South Africa, 2012)
On August 10, 2012, the Marikana massacre began near Rustenburg, South Africa. This tragic event involved violent clashes between striking mine workers and police at the Marikana platinum mine, ultimately resulting in the deaths of 47 people. The massacre became a pivotal moment in post-apartheid South African history, highlighting deep-rooted labor, economic, and social tensions in the country. - Africa Day of Decentralization and Local Development
August 10 is recognized as Africa Day of Decentralization and Local Development. This day is dedicated to promoting the importance of decentralization, local governance, and development across African nations, with the aim of improving public administration and bringing government closer to the people. - Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day
The same date is also observed as Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day in Africa, emphasizing the significance of accurate population data for effective governance, development planning, and the protection of citizens’ rights. - World Lion Day
August 10 is celebrated globally as World Lion Day, raising awareness about the plight of lions, including the African lion, and the urgent need for conservation efforts across the continent.
This day in history: 10 august