Historical Events on August 10: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on August 10, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on August 10 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 First Davis Cup Tennis Tournament: The inaugural Davis Cup Tennis Tournament was held in Massachusetts, with the United States defeating England in a historic international tennis competition. This marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious team tennis events in the world.
1901 U.S. Steel Recognition Strike Begins: The Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers initiated a significant labor strike against U.S. Steel, challenging working conditions and seeking recognition of workers' rights during the early industrial era.
1902 Birth of Arne Tiselius, Nobel Prize-Winning Chemist: Arne Tiselius was a distinguished Swedish chemist who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on electrophoresis and adsorption analysis, which revolutionized the understanding of protein separation and molecular interactions.
1903 Paris Metro train fire takes place.
1904 Russo-Japanese War Naval Engagement: Japanese naval forces achieved a significant victory against Russian battleships near Port Arthur, demonstrating Japan's emerging military prowess during the Russo-Japanese War.
1905 Russo-Japanese War Peace Negotiations in Portsmouth: The Russo-Japanese War peace negotiations commenced in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, marking a critical diplomatic effort to end the conflict between Russia and Japan. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt played a pivotal role in mediating these talks, which would ultimately lead to the Treaty of Portsmouth.
1906 Pope Pius X Condemns French Church-State Separation Law: Pope Pius X issued the Encyclical 'Gravissimo Officii Munere' strongly condemning the 1905 French 'Law on the Separation of the Churches and State'. The law significantly challenged the Catholic Church's autonomy by granting state authorities control over aspects of Catholic orthodoxy and religious worship practices.
1907 Peking to Paris Motor Race Victory: Prince Scipione Borghese successfully completed the historic Peking to Paris motor race, covering an extraordinary 7,500-mile journey across challenging terrains and multiple countries. Driving a powerful 7-litre 35/45 hp Itala automobile, Borghese demonstrated remarkable endurance and automotive engineering prowess by winning this groundbreaking international motorsport event that ran from June 10 to August 10, 1907.
1908 Birth of Olympic Athlete Lauri Lehtinen: Lauri Lehtinen, a prominent Finnish Olympic athlete, was born on August 10, 1908, in Finland. He would later become a notable figure in Finnish sports history, representing his country in international athletic competitions during the early to mid-20th century.
1909 Birth of Leo Fender: Leo Fender, the pioneering inventor of the electric guitar and influential musical instrument manufacturer, was born in Anaheim, California. His innovations would revolutionize modern music across multiple genres.
1911 Parliament Act of 1911 Limits House of Lords' Power: The Parliament Act of 1911 was a pivotal moment in British constitutional history, significantly reducing the legislative power of the House of Lords. This landmark legislation fundamentally transformed the balance of power in the UK parliamentary system, enabling the democratically elected House of Commons to override the traditionally more aristocratic House of Lords. The Act meant that the Lords could no longer permanently block legislation passed by the Commons, marking a crucial step towards more representative governance.
1912 Republic of China Establishes Election Law: The newly formed Republic of China's provisional government enacted a comprehensive election law that established a lower house of parliament. The law significantly restricted voting rights, limiting participation to male citizens who were at least 21 years old, had maintained a two-year residency in their district, and met specific property and educational qualifications.
1913 Second Balkan War Concludes with Treaty of Bucharest: On August 10, 1913, delegates from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Greece signed the Treaty of Bucharest, formally ending the Second Balkan War. The treaty dramatically reshaped the territorial boundaries of the Balkan Peninsula, with significant geopolitical consequences. Serbia expanded its territory by 80% by acquiring northern Macedonia, while Greece increased its size by 68% by gaining the southern half of Macedonia. Bulgaria, despite its initial territorial gains from the First Balkan War, was forced to cede 90% of its conquered territories and surrender Southern Dobruja to Romania. The treaty also mandated immediate demobilization of Bulgarian armed forces and established a mechanism for future border dispute arbitration by neutral European countries.
1914 German Battle Cruiser Goeben Reaches Dardanelles, Turkey Aligns with Germany: The German battle cruiser Goeben successfully navigated to the Dardanelles, marking a significant diplomatic and strategic moment that led to Turkey's alignment with Germany during the early stages of World War I.
1915 Battle of Lone Pine during Gallipoli Campaign: During the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, the Battle of Lone Pine was a significant engagement between Australian and Turkish forces. Australian troops launched a daring assault on the strategically positioned Turkish trenches at Gallipoli, demonstrating extraordinary courage and resilience. Despite achieving tactical control of the trenches, the battle did not fundamentally alter the overall strategic situation of the campaign. The battle was marked by intense close-quarters combat and remarkable bravery, with seven Australian soldiers being awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest number for a single action in Australian military history. The human cost was substantial: Australian forces suffered 2,273 casualties, while Turkish forces endured 6,390 dead or wounded. The battle has since become a powerful symbol of Australian military sacrifice and heroism, with a commemorative cemetery now standing at the battle site.
1916 Ottoman Empire Annexes Hamadan from Russian Control: During World War I, the Ottoman Turkish forces successfully annexed the Persian city of Hamadan from Russian imperial control, marking a significant territorial shift in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and Caucasus region.
1917 Battle of Ypres - British Artillery Offensive: On August 10, 1917, during World War I, British forces resumed their offensive near Ypres, strategically targeting German artillery positions around Gheluvelt. Despite concentrated efforts, the attack yielded minimal territorial gains, with German defenders successfully maintaining their defensive lines. This engagement was part of the broader Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres), characterized by grueling and often indecisive combat.
1918 Battle of Amiens: A Turning Point in World War I: On August 10, 1918, the Battle of Amiens continued in northern France, representing a critical moment in World War I. Allied forces, comprising British, French, and Canadian troops, launched a coordinated offensive against German positions. This battle was strategically significant as it marked the beginning of the 'Hundred Days Offensive', a series of successful Allied attacks that would ultimately lead to the defeat of the German army and the conclusion of World War I. The precision and coordination of the Allied forces demonstrated a significant evolution in military tactics and signaled the approaching end of the conflict.
1919 Ukrainian National Army Violence Against Jewish Population: On August 10, 1919, members of the Ukrainian National Army conducted a violent massacre, killing 25 Jewish civilians in the Podolia region of Ukraine during a period of significant ethnic and political tensions.
1920 Treaty of Sèvres Divides Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman sultan Mehmed VI's representatives signed the Treaty of Sèvres, a pivotal agreement that divided the Ottoman Empire among the Allied Powers following World War I. This treaty fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and marked the end of the Ottoman Empire's territorial integrity.
1921 Franklin Roosevelt Contracts Polio: Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio while vacationing at his family's summer home on Campobello Island, a pivotal moment that would significantly impact his personal life and future political career. This diagnosis occurred when Roosevelt was 39 years old and would ultimately shape his resilience and leadership approach.
1922 Capture of Cork during Irish Civil War: Irish Free State forces captured Cork on August 10, 1922, during the Irish Civil War. As they advanced, retreating Republican forces strategically set the city ablaze, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This event was a significant moment in the Irish Civil War, symbolizing the intense conflict between pro-treaty and anti-treaty factions.
1923 German Government Suppresses Seditious Materials: German President Friedrich Ebert issued a proclamation outlawing the circulation of pamphlets that call for government overthrow or incite violence. The strict decree imposed severe penalties, including up to three years' imprisonment or a substantial fine of 500 million marks, reflecting the fragile political climate of the Weimar Republic.
1924 Canton Merchants' Corps Uprising: In August 1924, a significant civil unrest erupted in the Republic of China when the British freighter Harvard arrived in Canton (Guangzhou) with a shipment of guns and ammunition intended for local merchants. The city's police intercepted the cargo before it could be unloaded, prompting the merchants' corps to initiate a province-wide strike across Guangdong. The ensuing two-month conflict resulted in approximately 2,000 casualties, highlighting the volatile political and economic tensions of the period.
1925 Belgium-US War Debt Negotiations: Belgium and the United States initiated diplomatic talks in Washington, D.C. to discuss and potentially resolve Belgium's outstanding war debt from World War I, reflecting the complex post-war economic negotiations of the 1920s.
1926 Italian-Spanish Peace Treaty Signed: On August 10, 1926, Italy and Spain formalized a diplomatic peace treaty, marking a significant moment of bilateral cooperation and conflict resolution between the two Mediterranean nations. The treaty likely aimed to establish diplomatic relations, resolve territorial disputes, or define mutual economic and political agreements.
1927 Mount Rushmore Site Formally Dedicated: U.S. President Calvin Coolidge officially dedicates the Mount Rushmore site in South Dakota, marking a significant moment in the landmark's history and setting the stage for one of America's most iconic national monuments.
1928 Birth of Jimmy Dean: Jimmy Dean, a multifaceted American entertainer known for his country music, acting, and successful business ventures, was born in Varina, Virginia. He would go on to become a cultural icon, best remembered for his music, television work, and the Jimmy Dean sausage brand.
1929 President Hoover's Birthday Celebration: U.S. President Herbert Hoover celebrated his 55th birthday at the presidential camp in Madison County, Virginia. The event was notable for the attendance of famous aviators Charles and Anne Lindbergh, highlighting the social and political connections of the time.
1930 Birth of Barry Unsworth, Acclaimed British Novelist: Barry Unsworth, a distinguished English novelist known for his historical fiction and literary prowess, was born on August 10, 1930, in Durham, England. He would later become a renowned author, winning the Booker Prize in 1992 for his novel 'Sacred Hunger', which explored themes of slavery and human exploitation. Unsworth was celebrated for his meticulous historical research and ability to bring complex historical narratives to life through his compelling storytelling.
1931 Communist Party Headquarters Closed in Germany: German police padlocked the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) headquarters, located at the Karl Liebknecht House in Bülow-Platz, as punishment for previous day's rioting. Additionally, the publication of the KPD's newspaper *Red Flag* was suspended for two weeks, effectively silencing the party's primary communication channel.
1932 1932 Summer Olympic Games Opening in Los Angeles: The Xth Olympiad officially commenced in Los Angeles, California, with the distribution of the official program. This marked the beginning of the 1932 Summer Olympic Games, a significant international sporting event during the early 20th century.
1934 Babe Ruth Announces Retirement from Full-Time Baseball: On August 10, 1934, legendary baseball player Babe Ruth made a significant announcement that he would be concluding his career as a full-time player. Known as 'The Sultan of Swat' and one of the most iconic figures in baseball history, Ruth's declaration marked the end of an era in professional sports. His remarkable career with the New York Yankees had transformed baseball and set numerous records that would inspire generations of athletes.
1935 Nazi Regime Eliminates Freemason Organizations: The Nazi government completed the systematic dissolution of all remaining Freemason lodges in Germany, representing another step in the regime's comprehensive suppression of independent social organizations. This action was part of the broader Nazi strategy to eliminate perceived threats to their ideological control and consolidate power by dismantling traditional civic institutions.
1936 Last Public Execution in the United States: Rainey Bethea, a 27-year-old African American man, was publicly hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky, marking the final public execution in the United States. This event symbolized a pivotal moment in the evolution of capital punishment practices in America.
1937 Claude Shannon's Groundbreaking Master's Thesis: Claude Shannon, considered the father of information theory, wrote *A Symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching Circuits*, a master's thesis that Howard Gardner later described as potentially the most important academic work of the century. This paper laid foundational groundwork for digital circuit design and computer science.
1938 Hitler's Strategic War Planning Summit: In a critical secret meeting with senior military leadership, Adolf Hitler successfully persuaded his generals to support 'Fall Grün' (Case Green), his strategic plan for attacking Czechoslovakia, overriding General Beck's opposing arguments and consolidating his military strategy.
1939 Formation of De Geer Government with Social Democrats: On August 10, 1939, the second Dutch government led by Dirk Jan de Geer was formed, marking a significant political milestone as it was the first Dutch government to include Social Democrats in its coalition. This development reflected the evolving political landscape of the Netherlands in the late 1930s, just before the outbreak of World War II.
1940 World War II: British Merchant Cruiser Torpedoed: During World War II, the British armed merchant cruiser was attacked and torpedoed by the German submarine U-56 near Malin Head, Ireland, representing a significant naval engagement in the Battle of the Atlantic.
1941 Atlantic Charter Signed by Roosevelt and Churchill: On August 10, 1941, United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill held a historic diplomatic meeting aboard the HMS Prince of Wales in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. During this pivotal World War II summit, they drafted and signed the Atlantic Charter, a foundational document that outlined their shared vision for the post-war world. The meeting was symbolically significant, bringing together the leaders of two major democratic powers during a critical moment in the global conflict. The charter proclaimed principles of national self-determination, free trade, global economic cooperation, and disarmament, effectively setting the groundwork for the future United Nations and post-war international order.
1942 German 6th Army Approaches Stalingrad: The German 6th Army crossed the lower Don River and reached the outskirts of Stalingrad, marking a critical phase of Operation Blue during World War II. This advance would set the stage for the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad, a turning point in the Eastern Front.
1943 Patton's Controversial Incident with Soldier: General George S. Patton verbally berated and allegedly called an injured soldier a coward, revealing his harsh leadership style and lack of understanding for combat stress and psychological trauma during World War II.
1944 Battle of Guam Concludes: World War II: The Battle of Guam reaches its conclusion, marking a significant turning point in the Pacific Theater with American forces successfully reclaiming the strategic island from Japanese occupation.
1945 Emperor Hirohito's Surrender Decision: On August 10, 1945, Emperor Hirohito made the momentous decision to surrender, effectively ending Japan's involvement in World War II and marking a turning point in global history.
1946 Athens, Alabama Race Riot of 1946: On August 10, 1946, a significant racial violence incident occurred in Athens, Alabama. A mob of approximately 2,000 white men and teenagers launched a violent rampage through the town after two white men were jailed for an unprovoked attack on a Black man. The mob systematically targeted and brutally beat African-American residents in the streets. State troops, dispatched by the Governor, intervened at 4:00 PM and managed to restore order by midnight. While no fatalities were reported, more than 50 Black individuals were injured during the riot. In the aftermath, a county grand jury indicted sixteen white suspects for their role in the violent outbreak.
1947 Birth of Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull Frontman: Ian Anderson was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, who would later become the iconic lead singer, flautist, and primary songwriter of the progressive rock band Jethro Tull. Known for his distinctive flute playing and theatrical stage presence, Anderson would help define the progressive rock genre in the 1970s with albums like 'Aqualung' and 'Thick as a Brick'. While the reference to 'Bungle in the Jungle' is slightly premature (the song was released in 1974), Anderson's musical journey was already taking shape.
1948 Basic Law Draft Preparation for West Germany: The Herrenchiemsee Convent began preparing the draft for the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which would become the constitutional foundation for the Federal Republic of Germany.
1949 National Security Bill Signed by President Truman: U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Bill, a pivotal legislation that fundamentally restructured the United States' defense organizational framework. The bill streamlined defense agencies and transformed the National Military Establishment into the United States Department of Defense, enhancing national security coordination and strategic military management.
1950 Battle of the Notch during Korean War: On August 10, 1950, a significant engagement occurred between United States and North Korean forces in a strategic location known as the Notch. The U.S. military successfully repelled a North Korean attack, inflicting substantial casualties on the enemy and demonstrating the tactical prowess of American troops during the early stages of the Korean War. This battle was part of the broader conflict that emerged following North Korea's invasion of South Korea, with U.S. forces playing a crucial role in defending against communist expansion.
1951 Birth of Juan Manuel Santos: Juan Manuel Santos, a prominent Colombian politician and statesman, was born on August 10, 1951, in Bogotá, Colombia. He would later become the 59th President of Colombia, serving from 2010 to 2018. Santos is known for his significant political career, including negotiating the historic peace agreement with the FARC rebel group, which ended over 50 years of internal conflict and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.
1952 Louise Suggs Wins LPGA Tournament: Louise Suggs, a pioneering female golfer, secured victory at the LPGA All American Women Golf Tournament on August 10, 1952. Her win represented a significant moment in women's sports history, showcasing female athletic excellence during an era of limited opportunities for women in professional sports.
1953 Heroic Rescue on K2 Expedition: Pete Schoening performed an extraordinary act of heroism during the American K2 expedition, saving the lives of several team members in what would become one of the most legendary moments in mountaineering history.
1954 Saint Lawrence Seaway Groundbreaking Ceremony: A historic groundbreaking ceremony was held in Massena, New York, marking the commencement of the Saint Lawrence Seaway project. This massive infrastructure initiative would eventually connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, revolutionizing maritime transportation in North America.
1955 Creation of the Division of Stirling in Western Australia: The Electoral Commission of Western Australia established the Division of Stirling as part of a comprehensive electoral redistribution process. This new electoral division was designed to better represent the changing population dynamics and geographic representation in the state's electoral system.
1956 This Is Tomorrow Exhibition Opens: The groundbreaking art exhibition *This Is Tomorrow*, featuring the ICA Independent Group and inspired by Marshall McLuhan's media theories, opens at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London, representing an important moment in mid-20th century artistic innovation.
1957 U.S. Nuclear Test at Nevada Test Site: On August 10, 1957, the United States conducted a nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site, located approximately 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. This test was part of the extensive nuclear weapons development and testing program during the Cold War era, aimed at advancing nuclear technology and demonstrating military capabilities. The Nevada Test Site was a critical location for atmospheric and underground nuclear testing, playing a significant role in the United States' nuclear strategy and scientific research.
1958 Notable Sports Personalities Born: Two significant sports figures were born on this day: Michael Dokes, an American professional boxer known for his heavyweight career, and Jack Richards, an English cricketer who later became a respected coach and manager in cricket.
1959 The Platters Band Members Arrested in Cincinnati: In a significant scandal involving the popular vocal group The Platters, four of the five band members were arrested in Cincinnati on charges of soliciting prostitutes and drug possession. This incident occurred during the height of the group's musical success, just months after their chart-topping hit 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' had reached No. 1 on the music charts. The arrest highlighted the personal struggles and legal challenges faced by some prominent musicians during the late 1950s.
1960 Discoverer 13 Space Recovery Mission: The United States successfully launched the Discoverer 13 satellite, marking a significant milestone in space exploration by becoming the first mission to return an object from space.
1961 United Kingdom's First EEC Membership Application: England formally applied for membership in the European Common Market, initiating a significant diplomatic process that would eventually reshape European political and economic relationships.
1962 CIA Intelligence on Soviet Missile Buildup in Cuba: CIA Director John McCone submitted a critical memorandum to President John F. Kennedy, detailing increased Soviet shipments to Cuba and raising serious concerns about potential offensive missile placements in the Caribbean. This intelligence would prove crucial in the lead-up to the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment of Cold War tension.
1963 Stevie Wonder's First Live #1 Hit: Stevie Wonder makes music history as 'Fingertips (Part 2)' becomes the first live recording to top the US charts, maintaining the #1 position for an impressive three weeks. This milestone highlights Wonder's emerging musical genius at a young age.
1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Signed by President Johnson: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, a pivotal moment in the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The resolution authorized the president to take military action in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war, effectively granting broad military powers to expand American intervention in the conflict.
1965 Jordan and Saudi Arabia Border Agreement: Representatives of the Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a comprehensive border agreement in Amman. The agreement involved a significant territorial exchange: Saudi Arabia received 4,347 square miles (11,260 km²) of Jordanian territory, while Jordan was granted 3,726 square miles (9,650 km²) of Saudi land along the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. This strategic exchange notably extended Jordan's seacoast from a mere 3 miles (4.8 km) to 15.5 miles (24.9 km), substantially improving the country's maritime access.
1966 First US Lunar Orbiter Launch: NASA launched Lunar Orbiter 1, the first United States spacecraft designed to orbit another celestial body. This mission was a critical milestone in the Space Race and lunar exploration efforts.
1967 Nigerian Civil War: Biafran Invasion of Western Region: During the Nigerian Civil War, troops from the breakaway republic of Biafra (formerly the Eastern Region of Nigeria) launched a significant military offensive into the Western Region. The Biafran forces successfully occupied strategic locations including Benin City, and the important port cities of Sapele and Ughelli, dramatically escalating the conflict's territorial dynamics.
1968 Soviet Union Proposes Missile Limitation Talks: The Soviet Union's Politburo voted to initiate discussions with the United States regarding the limitation and reduction of offensive and defensive antiballistic missiles (ABMs), signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough during the Cold War era.
1969 Apollo 11 Astronauts Exit Quarantine: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins were released from the 'mobile quarantine facility' after a three-week isolation period designed to prevent potential biological contamination from lunar materials. This precautionary measure was a critical step in understanding potential extraterrestrial health risks following the historic moon landing.
1970 U.S. Diplomat Dan Mitrione Killed in Uruguay: Dan Mitrione, a 50-year-old U.S. diplomatic envoy to Uruguay, was tragically shot and killed by his captors after being kidnapped on July 31, 1970. His death occurred shortly after a ransom was paid, highlighting the volatile political tensions in Uruguay during this period.
1971 Harmon Killebrew Joins 500 Home Run Club: Harmon Killebrew becomes the 10th member of the 500 home run club by hitting a historic home run at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota. This milestone solidifies his place among baseball's elite power hitters.
1972 The Great Daylight Fireball of 1972: A remarkable Earth-grazing fireball, also known as the Grand Teton Meteor, passed incredibly close to Earth's surface at 20:29 UTC on August 10, 1972. The meteor entered the atmosphere over Utah, United States at 14:30 local time, traveling at an astonishing speed of 15 kilometers per second. It traversed northward, coming within just 57 kilometers of Earth's surface before exiting over Alberta, Canada. The event was widely observed by numerous witnesses and was captured on film and by space-borne sensors, making it a significant astronomical event.
1973 First BART Train Through Transbay Tube: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system achieved a significant milestone when its first train successfully traveled through the Transbay Tube, connecting San Francisco and Oakland, and arrived at Montgomery Street Station in San Francisco.
1974 Judy Rankin wins LPGA Colgate-European American Golf Open
1975 Helsinki Accords Signed: The Helsinki Accords were a landmark diplomatic agreement signed in Helsinki, Finland, by 35 nations, including NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. The agreement was a significant milestone in Cold War diplomacy, recognizing European national borders and establishing a framework for human rights dialogue between Eastern and Western blocs.
1976 Hurricane Belle Strikes Long Island and New England: Hurricane Belle made landfall on Long Island and southern New England, causing significant destruction. The storm resulted in twelve fatalities and approximately $100 million in damage, highlighting the destructive potential of Atlantic hurricanes.
1977 Son of Sam Serial Killer Arrested: David Berkowitz, the notorious 'Son of Sam' serial killer, was apprehended in Yonkers, New York, bringing an end to a year-long reign of terror that had gripped New York City and captured national media attention. The 24-year-old postal employee was responsible for a series of shootings that had paralyzed the city with fear.
1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act Signed: President Jimmy Carter signed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act into law, a significant legislative milestone protecting the religious rights and cultural practices of Native American tribes. This act recognized and sought to preserve the spiritual traditions of Indigenous peoples in the United States.
1979 Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall' Album Release: Michael Jackson released his groundbreaking album 'Off the Wall', which became a massive commercial success, selling 7 million copies in the United States and achieving 7x platinum status. This album was a pivotal moment in Jackson's musical career, showcasing his evolving artistic style.
1980 Hurricane Allen Strikes Texas: Hurricane Allen, the most powerful hurricane in the Caribbean at the time, made landfall in Brownsville, Texas, causing significant damage and disruption.
1981 Adam Walsh Murder and Its Impact on Child Safety: The head of John Walsh's son Adam was found in Hollywood, Florida, marking a tragic turning point in child safety advocacy. This devastating event prompted significant legal and societal changes, including the U.S. Congress passing the Missing Children's Act, which expanded the FBI's authority in tracking child disappearances. The tragedy transformed John Walsh into a national spokesman against crime and ultimately led to the creation of the television show America's Most Wanted and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
1982 US Postal Service Electronic Messaging Test: On August 10, 1982, the United States Postal Service conducted an innovative test of electronic messaging technology, which can be considered an early precursor to modern email communication systems.
1983 Carl Lewis Wins Gold at First World Championships in Athletics: At the inaugural World Championships in Athletics held in Helsinki, Finland, Carl Lewis achieved a remarkable victory in the Men's Long Jump, marking a significant moment in track and field history. Lewis's performance demonstrated his exceptional athletic prowess and set the stage for his future Olympic success.
1984 Olympic Controversy: Mary Decker and Zola Budd Collision: During the women's 3,000 meters final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, a dramatic incident occurred when American runner Mary Decker collided with South African-born British athlete Zola Budd. Decker, a favorite to win the race, tripped on Budd's heel and fell, effectively ending her Olympic medal hopes. The incident became one of the most memorable and controversial moments in Olympic track and field history, symbolizing the intense competition and emotional stakes of elite sports.
1985 Michael Jackson Acquires Beatles Music Catalog: Pop icon Michael Jackson purchases ATV Music Publishing for US$47.5 million, acquiring the entire Beatles song catalog in a landmark music business transaction that would significantly impact music publishing rights.
1986 Billy Martin Day at Yankee Stadium: The New York Yankees honored legendary player and manager Billy Martin by celebrating Billy Martin Day and retiring his uniform number 1 at Yankee Stadium.
1987 Lynne Cox Makes Historic Swim Across Bering Sea: Lynne Cox became the first woman to swim from the United States to the Soviet Union, crossing 4.3 kilometers of the challenging Bering Sea. She accomplished this remarkable feat in water temperatures averaging 43-44°F (6-7°C), demonstrating extraordinary endurance and athletic prowess.
1988 Civil Liberties Act of 1988: Reparations for Japanese Americans: U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, providing $20,000 in reparations to Japanese Americans who were forcibly interned or relocated during World War II, acknowledging a dark chapter in U.S. history and offering symbolic compensation for past injustices.
1989 Magellan Space Probe Reaches Venus: On August 10, 1989, NASA's Magellan space probe successfully entered Venus's orbit, marking a significant milestone in planetary exploration. The spacecraft was designed to map the surface of Venus using synthetic aperture radar, providing unprecedented detailed imaging of the planet's terrain. This mission was crucial in understanding Venus's geological characteristics and surface composition.
1990 Magellan Spacecraft Reaches Venus: On August 10, 1990, NASA's Magellan spacecraft successfully completed its mission to Venus, becoming a landmark achievement in planetary exploration. The spacecraft used radar mapping to provide unprecedented detailed images of Venus's surface, revealing complex geological features and significantly advancing our understanding of the planet's topography.
1991 Mass Democracy Demonstration in Madagascar: A massive pro-democracy demonstration unfolds in Madagascar, with approximately 400,000 citizens participating. The protest turns tragic, resulting in 31 fatalities, underscoring the intense political tensions and the human cost of democratic struggle.
1992 UK Bans Ulster Defence Association: The United Kingdom government officially banned the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a loyalist paramilitary organization that had been legally operating for two decades. This marked a significant moment in Northern Ireland's complex political landscape during the later stages of The Troubles.
1993 Significant New Zealand Earthquake: A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the South Island of New Zealand, with tremors strong enough to be felt as far away as Sydney, Australia. The seismic event caused significant geological disruption and potential local infrastructure damage.
1994 Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sworn in to Supreme Court: Ruth Bader Ginsburg is sworn in as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the second woman to serve on the court. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in judicial diversity and gender representation in the highest levels of the U.S. judicial system.
1995 Oklahoma City Bombing Indictments: Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were formally indicted for the devastating Oklahoma City bombing. Michael Fortier entered a guilty plea as part of a plea-bargain agreement, agreeing to provide testimony against the primary suspects.
1996 Major West Coast Power Grid Failure: A significant transmission line failure caused a massive blackout affecting approximately 4 million people across eight West Coast states. The power outage led to widespread disruptions in infrastructure, transportation, and daily life, highlighting the vulnerability of the electrical grid.
1997 Formosa Airlines Flight 7601 Crash: A tragic aviation disaster occurred when Formosa Airlines Flight 7601 crashed near Beigan Airport in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan, resulting in sixteen fatalities. The incident highlighted ongoing aviation safety concerns in the region.
1998 Crown Prince Proclamation in Brunei: His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah was officially proclaimed as the Crown Prince of Brunei through a formal Royal Proclamation, signaling the continuation of the Bruneian royal succession and highlighting the monarchy's traditional process of designating the heir apparent.
1999 Atlantique Incident Between India and Pakistan: A significant military confrontation occurred when a Pakistan Navy aircraft was shot down by Indian forces, escalating tensions between the two nations. This incident happened shortly after the conclusion of the Kargil War, further straining the already fragile diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
2000 Oklahoma City Bombing Indictment: Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols are formally indicted for the devastating Oklahoma City bombing, a domestic terrorist attack that shocked the United States and led to significant changes in anti-terrorism policies.
2001 Space Shuttle STS-105 Mission: NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, successfully transporting the Expedition 3 crew to replace the Expedition 2 crew, continuing international space exploration efforts.
2002 Charlton Heston Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Legendary Hollywood actor and National Rifle Association president Charlton Heston publicly announced his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease, bringing significant public attention to the degenerative condition and sparking conversations about neurological health.
2003 NATO Assumes Afghanistan Peacekeeping Command: NATO took command of Afghanistan's peacekeeping force on August 10, 2003, marking its first major military operation outside of Europe in 54 years. This strategic move signaled NATO's expanding global security role in the post-9/11 era.
2004 9/11 Trial Complication: The U.S. refused to allow an alleged al Qaeda member to testify via videolink in the retrial of Moroccan Mounir al Motassadek, a significant 9/11 terrorism suspect trial, creating a procedural challenge for German prosecutors.
2005 Deadly Day in Iraq War: Six US soldiers were killed by insurgents in Iraq, including four in an attack on Baiji, a northern Kurdish oil-producing city. This tragic event brought the total US military deaths in Iraq to 1,841, underscoring the ongoing conflict's human cost.
2006 Transatlantic Terrorist Plot Foiled in London: On August 10, 2006, the London Metropolitan Police successfully disrupted a major terrorist plot targeting aircraft traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States. As a result of the investigation, 21 arrests were made, and strict new security measures were immediately implemented, including a comprehensive ban on liquids and gels in both checked and carry-on baggage.
2007 US Federal Reserve Market Support: The US Federal Reserve announced it would provide unlimited lending to banks to ensure smooth functioning of money markets during a period of significant financial volatility.
2008 2008 South Ossetian War: The Russo-Georgian conflict escalated with Russian forces compelling Georgian troops to withdraw from Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia. An unnamed US official accused Russia of launching ballistic missiles against Georgia, describing the response as 'far disproportionate to any threat'.
2009 Sectarian Violence in Iraq: Ongoing sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shiites resulted in devastating bombings, killing 48 people and injuring 231 in Iraq.
2010 Mexico Recognizes Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide: The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation ruled that same-sex marriages performed in Mexico City must be legally recognized across all of Mexico, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
2011 England Riots Begin in Tottenham: A protest over the police shooting of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old local man, escalates into violent riots. Protesters with makeshift weapons confront police in Tottenham, setting fire to two police vehicles and several buildings, marking the start of widespread civil unrest.
2012 Usain Bolt Makes Olympic History: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt became the first athlete to win both 100m and 200m gold medals in consecutive Olympics, solidifying his status as the greatest sprinter of his generation.
2013 DiMaggio Kidnapping Case: James Lee DiMaggio was identified as a suspect in the Boulevard murders of Christina and Ethan Anderson in California. He subsequently abducted Hannah Anderson and transported her to Idaho, though she was ultimately not harmed. The FBI was involved in tracking and resolving the case.
2014 Iraq Conflict: Kurdish Appeal for International Support: President Massoud Barzani of Iraqi Kurdistan appealed to the international community for military assistance against Islamist militants. The United States launched its fourth round of air strikes near Erbil, and Kurdish forces successfully recaptured two towns in Nineveh province after intense fighting.
2015 ISIL Bombing in Baquba, Iraq: The Islamic State in Iraq & the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for a devastating bombing in Baquba, central Iraq, which killed at least 30 people and injured 40 others.
2016 Dilma Rousseff Impeachment: Brazil's Federal Senate voted 59-21 to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, indicting her on charges of violating budget laws and initiating a formal trial process that would remove her from office.
2017 North Korea Threatens Missile Launch Near Guam: North Korea dismissed President Trump's 'fire and fury' warning, announcing plans to finalize a missile launch strategy targeting waters near Guam, a U.S. territory with 163,000 residents and a military base. The statement escalated tensions between the two nations.
2018 Romanian Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent: A massive anti-government rally in Bucharest escalated into a riot when Romanian Gendarmerie members violently attacked approximately 100,000 protesters gathered in front of the Victoria Palace. The confrontation resulted in 452 recorded injuries. Authorities claimed the crowd was infiltrated by hooligans who provoked attacks against law enforcement.
2019 Death of Jeffrey Epstein: American financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell, in what was ruled an apparent suicide. His death occurred while he was awaiting trial on serious sex trafficking charges, sparking widespread speculation and controversy.
2020 COVID-19 Global Cases Milestone: The global COVID-19 pandemic reached a significant milestone, surpassing 20 million confirmed cases. The rate of infection accelerated dramatically, with the second 10 million cases emerging in just 43 days, compared to nearly 6 months for the first 10 million cases.
2021 Biden Orders Review of 9/11 Classified Documents: President Biden welcomed the Justice Department's commitment to review previously classified documents related to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This significant decision came after over 1,600 individuals affected by 9/11, including victims' family members, petitioned Biden to release sensitive information before the 20th anniversary commemoration of the attacks.
2022 Biden Approves NATO Membership for Finland and Sweden: On August 10, 2022, President Biden gave final U.S. approval for Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This historic decision marked a significant geopolitical shift, expanding NATO's presence near Russia's borders and representing a major strategic realignment in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
2023 Devastating Maui Wildfires: Unprecedented wind-driven wildfires ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui, resulting in at least 36 confirmed fatalities and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The disaster represents one of the deadliest wildfires in modern U.S. history, causing massive destruction in the historic town of Lahaina and raising significant concerns about climate change and wildfire preparedness.

What Is special about August 10?

August 10 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about August 10.