This day in history: 10 may

Europa

• German Invasion of Western Europe (1940)
  On May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany launched a major military offensive in Western Europe during World War II, invading the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and France. This marked the beginning of four years of occupation and hardship for these countries, especially Luxembourg, which was neutral at the time but quickly overwhelmed by German forces.
• Vienna’s Decree on Jewish Dress (1267)
  On May 10, 1267, a significant decree was issued in Vienna requiring Jews to wear a distinctive pointed hat (pileum cornutum). This was part of a broader pattern in medieval Europe of identifying non-Christian populations through specific clothing, impacting Jewish communities for centuries.
• The Hague Congress (1948)
  While not exactly on May 10, the Hague Congress (May 7–11, 1948) gathered delegates from over 20 European countries to discuss the future of European integration, laying groundwork for what would become the European Union.

America

• 1775: Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
  During the American Revolution, American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British. This victory provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery.
• 1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad
  A golden spike was driven at Promontory, Utah, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. This event linked the nation coast-to-coast and transformed American transportation and commerce.
• 1865: Capture of Jefferson Davis
  Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, was captured by Union troops near Irwinville, Georgia, effectively ending Confederate hopes for continued resistance after the Civil War.
• 1863: Death of General Stonewall Jackson
  Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson died of pneumonia after being wounded by friendly fire at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Other Notable Events

• 1797: The first American Navy ship, the “United States,” was launched.
• 1801: The North African state of Tripoli declared war on the United States, beginning the First Barbary War.
• 1818: Death of Paul Revere, American patriot and folk hero of the Revolution.
• 1838: Birth of John Wilkes Booth, who would later assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.
• 1864: Colonel Emory Upton led a significant assault at the Battle of Spotsylvania during the Civil War.
• 1862: Union troops captured the Norfolk Navy Yard during the Civil War.

 

Asia

Temür Khan Becomes Emperor of Yuan (1294)

• On May 10, 1294, Temür Khan ascended to the throne as Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan dynasty, continuing Mongol rule over China and much of East Asia.

Han Dynasty Astronomers Observe Sunspot (28 BCE)

• On May 10, 28 BCE, Han Dynasty astronomers in China recorded one of the earliest known observations of a sunspot, demonstrating advanced astronomical knowledge in ancient Asia.

Beginning of the Indian First War of Independence (1857)

• On May 10, 1857, the First War of Independence (also known as the Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Mutiny) began in Meerut, India, as Indian soldiers (sepoys) revolted against British officers. This event marked a significant turning point in Indian colonial history.

Thai Invasion of the Shan States (1942)

• On May 10, 1942, during World War II, the Thai Phayap Army invaded the Shan States (now part of Myanmar) as part of the Burma Campaign, reflecting the shifting alliances and conflicts in Southeast Asia during the war.

Republic of China Grants Chiang Kai-shek Extended Powers (1948)

• On May 10, 1948, the Republic of China implemented “temporary provisions” granting President Chiang Kai-shek extended powers to address the Communist uprising, a measure that remained in effect until 1991.

Africa

• Nelson Mandela’s Inauguration (1994)
  The most significant event in African history on May 10 is the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black and democratically elected president. This historic moment took place in Pretoria on May 10, 1994, symbolizing the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of multiracial democracy in South Africa. Mandela’s presidency marked a turning point not only for South Africa but also served as an inspiration for liberation and reconciliation efforts across the continent.