Europa
- Battle of Britain Begins (1940)
On July 10, 1940, the Battle of Britain commenced as the German Luftwaffe launched attacks on southern England. This marked the start of a pivotal air campaign in World War II, with the Royal Air Force ultimately securing a decisive victory that prevented a German invasion of Britain. - Assassination of William I of Orange (1584)
William I, also known as William the Silent and the first hereditary stadtholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, was assassinated on July 10, 1584. His death was a significant moment in Dutch and European history, influencing the course of the Eighty Years’ War and the eventual independence of the Netherlands. - Lady Jane Grey Becomes Queen of England (1553)
On this day in 1553, Lady Jane Grey, the 15-year-old great-granddaughter of Henry VII, was proclaimed Queen of England. Her reign lasted only nine days before Mary Tudor claimed the throne. - Formation of the Catholic League (1609)
The Catholic League, a coalition of Catholic states in Germany under the leadership of Maximilian I of Bavaria, was formed on July 10, 1609. This alliance played a crucial role in the religious and political conflicts of the Thirty Years’ War. - Assassination of William I of Orange (1584)
William I, the leader of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, was assassinated in Delft, Holland, making him the first head of state assassinated with a handgun. - Portugal Wins UEFA Euro 2016 (2016)
On July 10, 2016, Portugal won their first major football title by defeating France 1-0 in the UEFA Euro 2016 final in Paris. Éder scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing a historic victory for Portugal despite the early injury of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. - Soviet Union Wins Inaugural European Championship (1960)
The Soviet Union beat Yugoslavia 2-1 after extra time in the first-ever UEFA European Championship final, held in Paris on July 10, 1960. Lev Yashin’s goalkeeping and Viktor Ponedelnik’s goal were instrumental in the USSR’s triumph.
America
- 1850: Millard Fillmore Sworn in as U.S. President
After the death of President Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore was sworn in as the 13th President of the United States. - 1925: The Scopes Trial Begins
The famous “Scopes Monkey Trial” started in Dayton, Tennessee, with teacher John T. Scopes on trial for teaching evolution, in violation of state law. The trial featured prominent lawyers William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution and Clarence Darrow for the defense, and became a national spectacle over science and religion in public education. - 1863: Union Troops Land on Morris Island, South Carolina
During the Civil War, Union forces landed on Morris Island and prepared to besiege Battery Wagner, a key Confederate stronghold protecting Charleston Harbor. - 1943: Allied Invasion of Sicily Begins
While primarily a European operation, the U.S. played a major role as Allied forces, including many American troops, launched the invasion of Sicily, marking the beginning of the Italian Campaign in World War II. - 1913: Death Valley Sets World Heat Record
Death Valley, California, recorded the highest temperature ever reliably measured on Earth: 134°F (56.7°C). - 1962: Launch of Telstar 1
The United States, in collaboration with the UK and France, launched Telstar 1, the first communications satellite to transmit live television images across the Atlantic. - 1861: Confederate States and Creek Indians Treaty
The Confederate States of America concluded a treaty with the Creek Indians during the Civil War. - 1776: Statue of King George III Pulled Down
In New York City, patriots pulled down the statue of King George III, symbolizing the break from British rule.
Asia
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Incident (1910)
On July 8, 1910, Indian independence leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar made a dramatic escape from British custody by jumping off the mail ship S.S. Morea in Marseilles, France. Although this event occurred on July 8, it became an international incident in the days following, as Savarkar was recaptured by British agents on French soil and returned to British custody. The case led to diplomatic tensions between France and Britain and was brought before the International Court of Justice, which ultimately ruled in favor of Britain. - Record Rainfall in India (1910)
On July 12, 1910, Cherrapunji, India, experienced the heaviest 24-hour rainfall in Indian history, with 838 millimeters (33 inches) recorded. While this record-setting event occurred two days after July 10, it is part of a period of extreme weather in the region during that week.
Africa
- 1915: British and South African Troops Invade German South-West Africa (Namibia)
On July 10, 1915, during World War I, British and South African forces invaded German South-West Africa (now Namibia). This campaign was part of the broader Allied effort to seize German colonial territories in Africa, ultimately leading to the end of German rule in the region. - 1978: Coup in Mauritania
On July 10, 1978, President Moktar Ould Daddah of Mauritania was ousted in a bloodless coup d’état. This marked the end of his long presidency and a significant shift in Mauritanian politics. - 2008: UN Envoy Resignation in Nigeria
On July 10, 2008, Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations special envoy, resigned as chairman of a planned peace summit for Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. His resignation followed opposition from local leaders, highlighting ongoing challenges in resolving regional conflicts in Nigeria.
This day in history: 10 july