Historical Events on February 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 February 10, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 10 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 World Record Speed Skating Performance: Peter Ostlund set a remarkable world record in speed skating, completing the 500-meter distance in an impressive 45.2 seconds. This achievement represented a significant milestone in the early history of competitive speed skating, showcasing the athletic prowess and technological advancements in skating equipment during the turn of the 20th century.
1901 Death of Ana Betancourt, Cuban National Heroine: Ana Betancourt, a prominent Cuban revolutionary and feminist leader, died on February 10, 1901. She was a key figure in Cuba's struggle for independence, known for her passionate advocacy for women's rights and national liberation during the Cuban War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule.
1902 Birth of Walter Houser Brattain: Walter Houser Brattain, a renowned American physicist who would later become a Nobel Prize laureate, was born in Xiamen, Fujian province, China, to American missionary parents. Brattain would go on to make significant contributions to semiconductor research and co-invent the point-contact transistor.
1903 Oxnard Strike: First Interracial Labor Union in U.S. History: In a groundbreaking moment of labor solidarity, 200 Japanese and Mexican laborers in Oxnard, California formed the Japanese-Mexican Labor Association (JMLA), marking the first time in U.S. history that workers from different racial backgrounds united to create a labor union. This event was significant in challenging racial barriers and demonstrating workers' collective power across ethnic lines during the early 20th century.
1904 Russo-Japanese War Begins: Japan launched a surprise naval attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur, disabling seven Russian warships and effectively initiating the Russo-Japanese War. This conflict would become a significant geopolitical event that challenged European colonial powers and demonstrated Japan's emerging military strength.
1905 Impeachment Trial of U.S. District Judge Charles Swayne: On February 10, 1905, the U.S. Senate commenced the impeachment trial of Charles Swayne, a federal district judge from Florida. This judicial proceeding was a significant moment in the American legal system, highlighting the constitutional mechanism for holding federal judges accountable for potential misconduct. The trial centered on allegations of judicial impropriety and abuse of judicial power, reflecting the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. governmental structure.
1906 HMS Dreadnought: Revolutionary Battleship Launch: Britain launched the HMS Dreadnought, the first modern battleship that revolutionized naval warfare. Its advanced design and superior armament made all existing battleships instantly obsolete, triggering a global naval arms race.
1907 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no specific significant historical events were documented for February 10, 1907, this date falls within the early years of the Progressive Era in the United States, a period marked by social activism and political reform. The world was experiencing rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and significant geopolitical transformations during this time.
1908 Tommy Burns Defeats Jack Palmer for Heavyweight Boxing Title: Canadian world heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Burns successfully defended his title by knocking out English challenger Jack Palmer in the fourth round of their championship bout in London. This victory further solidified Burns' reputation as a dominant boxer in the early 20th century.
1909 Saxbe Fix for Philander C. Knox's Appointment: Senator Hale of Maine sponsored a legislative solution known as the 'Saxbe fix' to resolve constitutional challenges surrounding Philander C. Knox's governmental appointment. The bill successfully navigated through Congress, passing the Senate and then the House of Representatives with a vote of 173-112, before being signed into law the following day.
1910 Georges Pire - Nobel Peace Prize Recipient: Georges Pire was a Belgian monk and humanitarian who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his remarkable work in supporting refugees and promoting international understanding. He dedicated his life to helping displaced people in Europe after World War II, establishing numerous refugee assistance programs and advocating for human rights.
1911 Champagne Appellation of Origin Law Passed: The French Chamber of Deputies enacted a landmark legislation that legally protected the term 'champagne', restricting its use exclusively to white wines produced in the Marne province by local vignerons and négociants. This protectionist measure sparked significant controversy, leading to tensions and violent protests among winemakers from other French regions who felt economically marginalized by the new regulation.
1912 Argentina Expands Democratic Rights: The Sáenz Peña Law was implemented, marking a significant milestone in Argentine democratic development by granting universal male suffrage, expanding political participation beyond previous restrictive voting practices.
1913 Scott Expedition Tragedy Confirmed: The world received confirmation of the tragic fate of Robert Falcon Scott and his Antarctic exploration team, who perished after reaching the South Pole. The news was brought back by the *Terra Nova* expedition ship, revealing the heroic and devastating details of their ill-fated journey.
1914 Colombia's First Direct Presidential Election Since 1860: Colombia held its first direct presidential election since 1860, with José Vicente Concha of the Colombian Conservative Party winning a landslide victory against Nicolás Esguerra of the Liberal-Republican Party. Concha secured 89 percent of the vote and was set to take office in August, marking a significant moment in Colombian democratic development.
1915 Ottoman Raid on the Suez Canal: During World War I, the Ottoman Empire launched a strategic raid on the Suez Canal, a critical British-controlled waterway. Despite deploying a small force of approximately 400 men, the Ottoman Expeditionary Force suffered significant casualties, with over 1,500 troops killed, wounded, or captured. In contrast, British forces experienced relatively light losses, with 32 killed and 130 wounded, effectively repelling the Ottoman attack and maintaining control of this strategically important maritime route.
1916 British Conscription Introduced During World War I: The British government implemented mandatory military service, marking a significant escalation of national mobilization efforts during World War I. This policy required eligible men to serve in the armed forces, dramatically expanding the military's personnel and reflecting the intense manpower demands of the conflict.
1917 First Female Professor in the Netherlands: Johanna Westerdijk was installed as the first female professor in the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone for women's academic achievement and gender equality in higher education during the early 20th century.
1918 Trotsky Announces End of Russo-German War: Leon Trotsky, a key Bolshevik leader, announced the cessation of hostilities between Russia and Germany. Notably, while declaring an end to the state of war, Trotsky stated that Russia would not sign a formal peace treaty, signaling the complex diplomatic situation following the Russian Revolution.
1919 Women's Suffrage Amendment Narrowly Fails: An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would extend voting rights to women was defeated by a single vote in the United States Senate, highlighting the intense political struggle for women's suffrage.
1920 Nazi Party Platform Unveiled: Adolf Hitler, as Deputy Chairman of the German Workers' Party, publicly unveils the platform of what would become the Nazi Party, marking an early and significant moment in the rise of Nazi ideology in Germany.
1921 Devastating Tornado Strikes Gardner, Georgia: On February 10, 1921, a catastrophic tornado tore through the predominantly African-American town of Gardner in Washington County, Georgia, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The tornado struck shortly after noon, killing 32 people—almost all of whom were African-American residents—and injuring an additional 40 individuals. The natural disaster left over 100 people homeless, highlighting the vulnerability of rural African-American communities during this era. The Red Cross quickly mobilized to provide critical relief efforts, offering support to survivors and helping to rebuild the devastated community.
1922 First National Radio Conference: U.S. Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover convened the inaugural National Radio Conference, a pivotal moment in the early regulation and development of radio communication technology in the United States. This conference marked a significant step in establishing standards and guidelines for the emerging radio broadcasting industry.
1923 Death of Wilhelm Röntgen, Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist: Wilhelm Röntgen, the renowned German physicist who discovered X-rays and won the Nobel Prize in Physics, passed away. He was a pioneering scientist whose work revolutionized medical imaging and scientific understanding of radiation.
1924 Yugoslav Troops Massacre Albanian Civilians in Kosovo: In a tragic incident of ethnic violence, Yugoslav military forces conducted a brutal massacre in the Kosovan town of Dubnica, killing 25 Albanian-minority civilians, including eight children and ten women. The troops not only killed the civilians but also burned down the town, representing a severe human rights violation.
1925 World Series League Rotation Decision: The American League officially establishes a new protocol to alternate hosting the first game of the World Series between leagues each year, creating a more balanced and fair approach to the championship series.
1926 Germany's Application to League of Nations: Germany formally submitted its application to join the League of Nations, signaling a diplomatic effort to reintegrate into the international community following World War I and seeking to improve its global standing.
1927 Coolidge's Call for Global Disarmament: U.S. President Calvin Coolidge formally requested a second international disarmament conference, aiming to reduce global military tensions and promote peaceful diplomatic relations between world powers.
1928 Hollinger Gold Mine Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire erupted in the Hollinger Gold Mine located in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The catastrophic incident resulted in the loss of 39 miners' lives, despite many workers managing to escape the inferno. The tragedy highlighted the dangerous working conditions in early 20th-century mining operations and prompted subsequent safety reforms in the mining industry.
1929 Assassination Attempt on Mexican President: Mexican President Emilio Portes Gil narrowly survived an assassination attempt when his train was dynamited. During the incident, a fireman was tragically killed, but the president emerged unharmed, highlighting the political volatility of the era.
1930 Yên Bái Mutiny Against French Colonial Rule: The Việt Nam Quốc Dân Đảng (Vietnamese Nationalist Party) launched a significant but ultimately unsuccessful armed rebellion against French colonial authorities in Vietnam. This mutiny represented a critical moment in Vietnam's struggle for independence, targeting French military garrisons and attempting to spark a widespread uprising against colonial control.
1931 Nazi Deputies Boycott Reichstag: On February 10, 1931, the 107 Nazi deputies dramatically walked out of the Reichstag, initiating a parliamentary boycott. This protest was in response to new reforms that would remove parliamentary immunity from deputies facing pending legal proceedings, signaling growing political tension in the Weimar Republic.
1932 Scientific Discovery by Edward Charles Baly: Edward Charles Baly demonstrated a groundbreaking scientific finding that organic compounds, including sugars, can be photochemically formed from water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. This research significantly contributed to understanding the potential origins of organic molecules and early chemical processes.
1933 Hitler Proclaims End of Marxism: Adolf Hitler, newly appointed as Chancellor of Germany, publicly declares his intention to end Marxist influence in German political and social life, signaling a dramatic shift in the country's political landscape.
1934 Jewish Immigrant Ship Challenges British Palestine Blockade: A significant moment in Jewish immigration history, as the first Jewish immigrant ship successfully breaks through the British naval blockade of Palestine, symbolizing the growing Zionist movement's determination to establish a Jewish homeland.
1935 Cardinal von Faulhaber Protests Nazi Interference with Church Communications: During a religious service in Munich, Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber publicly denounced the Nazi regime's recent actions of intercepting and confiscating church correspondence to Catholic parents. This bold protest represented an early and significant instance of religious resistance against Nazi oppression.
1936 Himmler Consolidates Power in Nazi Germany: On February 10, 1936, Heinrich Himmler, the notorious SS and Gestapo chief, gained total control of German internal security when the Reichstag declared the Gestapo a 'Supreme Reich Agency'. This pivotal moment significantly expanded Himmler's power and consolidated Nazi control over state surveillance and repression.
1937 Ragnhild Hveger Sets World Freestyle Swimming Record: Danish swimmer Ragnhild Hveger established a new world record in the 400-meter freestyle swimming event, completing the distance in an impressive time of 5 minutes and 14.2 seconds. This achievement highlighted her exceptional athletic prowess and contributed to Denmark's reputation in competitive swimming during the 1930s.
1938 German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact Signed: Germany and Poland formally sign a 10-year non-aggression treaty, a significant diplomatic agreement that temporarily reduces tensions between the two nations in the lead-up to World War II. This pact represents a complex moment of geopolitical maneuvering before the outbreak of global conflict.
1939 Spanish Civil War: Catalonia Falls to Nationalists: The Spanish Nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco, completed their conquest of Catalonia, effectively sealing the border with France. This marked a decisive moment in the Spanish Civil War, signaling the imminent defeat of the Republican forces.
1940 Soviet Mass Deportation of Polish Citizens: The Soviet Union initiates large-scale forced deportations of Polish citizens from occupied eastern Poland to Siberia, a brutal act of population displacement during World War II.
1941 Britain Severs Diplomatic Relations with Romania: In a significant diplomatic move during World War II, Britain officially severed diplomatic relations with Romania due to the substantial presence of 500,000 German troops in the country, signaling growing tensions and Romania's alignment with Axis powers.
1942 DUPE: Battle of Kranji: The Battle of Kranji concluded with a decisive Japanese victory during the Malayan Campaign of World War II, marking a significant moment in the Japanese invasion of Singapore.
1943 Battle of Krasny Bor during Siege of Leningrad: Soviet Red Army engages German troops and Spanish volunteers in a critical battle attempting to lift the siege of Leningrad, a pivotal moment in the Eastern Front of World War II.
1944 Allied Victory at Saidor Landing: The Landing at Saidor concluded with a successful Allied operation in the Pacific Theater of World War II, representing a strategic victory against Japanese forces.
1945 Allied Powers Strategize War's Conclusion: Leaders from London, Washington, and Moscow engage in high-level discussions about the final strategic phase of World War II, signaling the collaborative efforts to bring the global conflict to an end.
1946 First UN Secretary-General Appointed: Trygve Lie of Norway was selected as the inaugural Secretary-General of the United Nations, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of this global diplomatic organization in the post-World War II era.
1947 Paris Peace Treaties Signed: In Paris, France, representatives from 21 nations signed comprehensive peace treaties with five Axis-aligned countries: Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Finland, formally concluding territorial and diplomatic negotiations following World War II.
1948 Deadly Infirmary Fire in St. John's, Newfoundland: A tragic fire broke out in an infirmary in St. John's, Newfoundland, resulting in the devastating loss of 33 patients' lives. The incident highlighted the critical importance of fire safety in medical facilities during the mid-20th century.
1949 Death of a Salesman Broadway Premiere: Arthur Miller's groundbreaking play 'Death of a Salesman' opened at the Morosco Theater in New York City, marking a pivotal moment in American theater. The play, which explores the disillusionment of the American Dream through the life of traveling salesman Willy Loman, would go on to win both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award.
1950 CIA Report on Soviet Nuclear Capabilities: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) submitted a strategic intelligence report to President Harry S. Truman, providing a detailed assessment of the Soviet Union's projected nuclear weapons stockpile. The report estimated that the Soviet Union would accumulate approximately 100 atomic bombs by the end of 1953, with the potential to expand to 200 atomic bombs by the conclusion of 1955. This assessment was critical during the early stages of the Cold War, highlighting the growing nuclear capabilities of the Soviet Union and the escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1951 Birth of Robert Iger: Robert Iger, who would later become the influential President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, was born on this date. Iger is known for his transformative leadership in the media and entertainment industry, overseeing major acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
1952 Birth of Lee Hsien Loong: Lee Hsien Loong was born on February 10, 1952, in Singapore. He is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first Prime Minister, and would later become the country's third Prime Minister, serving from 2004 to the present day. His birth marked the beginning of a significant political legacy in Singapore's modern history.
1953 Ladies Figure Skating Championship in Davos: Tenley Albright from the United States secured victory in the Ladies Figure Skating Championship, held in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting her exceptional skating prowess.
1954 U.S. Military Aid to Vietnam: President Eisenhower authorized an additional $385 million in military aid to Vietnam, supplementing the existing $400 million budget, while simultaneously warning against direct U.S. military intervention.
1955 US Seventh Fleet Assists Nationalist Chinese Evacuation: The United States Seventh Fleet helped the Republic of China evacuate Chinese Nationalist army personnel and civilian residents from the strategically important Tachen Islands to Taiwan, marking a significant Cold War-era maritime operation.
1956 Elvis Presley Records Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis Presley records his iconic song 'Heartbreak Hotel' for RCA Records, a pivotal moment in rock and roll history that would become his first million-selling single and help launch him to international stardom.
1957 Southern Christian Leadership Conference Founded: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a pivotal civil rights organization led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was established to coordinate and support nonviolent direct action against segregation. This organization would play a crucial role in the American Civil Rights Movement, organizing protests, voter registration drives, and advocating for racial equality.
1958 Major Solar Geomagnetic Storm Disrupts Global Communications: On February 10, 1958, a powerful solar flare triggered a significant geomagnetic storm that had widespread technological and atmospheric impacts. The event, originating from a solar eruption on February 9, caused substantial magnetic disturbances worldwide. At precisely 8:26 PM, the storm reached its peak intensity, dramatically affecting global communication systems. Radio transmissions experienced severe interference, and Western Union reported critical telegraph network disruptions. An extraordinary visual phenomenon accompanied the event: the aurora borealis became unusually visible as far south as New York City, a rare occurrence that highlighted the storm's intensity. The Dst (Disturbance Storm Time) index, which measures geomagnetic activity, showed extreme fluctuations, indicating the storm's unprecedented magnitude.
1959 Devastating Tornado Strikes Saint Louis: A powerful tornado ripped through Saint Louis, causing significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The tornado claimed 19 lives and left 265 people injured, marking it as one of the most destructive natural disasters in the city's history during the late 1950s.
1960 Khrushchev's Diplomatic Tour of South Asia: Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev embarked on an extensive 24-day diplomatic tour of South Asia, visiting India, Burma, Indonesia, and Afghanistan, aimed at expanding Soviet influence in the region.
1961 Niagara Falls Hydroelectric Project Begins: The Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station went online, marking a significant milestone in renewable energy production. This massive project began generating 2.4 gigawatts of electricity per hour, making it the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world at the time.
1962 Cold War Spy Exchange: Powers for Abel: During the height of the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union conducted a high-profile prisoner exchange. American U2 spy-plane pilot Gary Powers, who was shot down over Soviet territory in 1960, was swapped for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. This exchange symbolized the complex diplomatic negotiations and espionage tensions between the two superpowers.
1963 Formation of Kitakyūshū City: Five Japanese cities located on the northernmost part of Kyūshū were merged to create the city of Kitakyūshū, forming a significant urban center with a population exceeding 1 million inhabitants.
1964 Bob Dylan Releases 'The Times They Are A-Changin'': Bob Dylan released his iconic album 'The Times They Are A-Changin'', which became a seminal work of the 1960s folk music movement. The title track, in particular, became an anthem of social change and cultural transformation during the turbulent decade.
1966 Soviet Dissidents Sentenced for Anti-Soviet Writings: Soviet writers Yuli Daniel and Andrei Sinyavsky were sentenced to harsh prison terms of 5 and 7 years, respectively, for publishing works critical of the Soviet regime. Their trial was a significant moment in Soviet intellectual repression, highlighting the government's intolerance of dissent and free expression during the Cold War era.
1967 25th Amendment to US Constitution Takes Effect: The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, addressing presidential disability and succession, officially went into effect. This landmark constitutional amendment provides a clear legal framework for presidential succession in case of death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation, ensuring governmental stability during critical transitions of executive power.
1968 Peggy Fleming Wins Olympic Gold in Figure Skating: American figure skater Peggy Fleming won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, marking a significant moment in American sports history.
1969 Boeing 747 First Flight: The Boeing 747 'jumbo jet' made its inaugural flight, taking off at 11:44 AM Pacific Time from Boeing's Paine Field airfield in Everett, Washington. This groundbreaking aircraft would revolutionize long-distance air travel and become an iconic symbol of modern aviation.
1970 Munich-Riem Airport Terrorist Attack: A terrorist attack occurred at Munich-Riem Airport targeting an El Al flight to London. Terrorists launched a violent assault, firing weapons and throwing explosive devices at passengers and security personnel during check-in. Arie Katzenstein, a heroic passenger, sacrificed his life to protect others, while nine individuals were injured in the incident.
1971 Nixon's Oval Office Recordings: U.S. President Richard Nixon ordered the installation of a voice-activated audio tape recording system in the Oval Office and White House telephones, a decision that would later play a crucial role in the Watergate scandal.
1972 Violent Incident in Northern Ireland: During the period of conflict known as The Troubles, two British soldiers were killed in a land mine attack near Cullyhanna, County Armagh. In a related incident, an IRA member was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officers.
1973 Staten Island Gas Tank Explosion: A catastrophic explosion occurred at an 83-metre-wide gas tank on Staten Island, resulting in 40 fatalities. The incident was a significant industrial disaster that highlighted the potential dangers of large-scale gas storage facilities.
1974 Soviet Mars 4 Space Probe Mission: The Soviet Mars 4 space probe, launched in July 1973, successfully flew past Mars at a distance of approximately 1,300 miles (2,100 km), capturing valuable scientific imagery and contributing to space exploration knowledge.
1975 European Community Passes Equal Pay Directive: The Council of the European Community adopted Directive 75/117/EEC, a landmark legislation mandating equal pay for men and women across member states, marking a significant milestone in gender equality and labor rights.
1977 Soviet Dissident Yuri Orlov Arrested: Soviet physicist and prominent human rights activist Yuri Orlov was arrested for organizing the Moscow Helsinki Group, which documented Soviet human rights violations as outlined in the 1975 Helsinki accords.
1978 Van Halen Releases Debut Album: The American hard rock band Van Halen releases their self-titled debut studio album, which would become a landmark release in rock music history. The album peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200 and ultimately sold more than 10 million copies in the United States, earning Diamond certification and establishing Van Halen as a major force in rock music.
1979 Iranian Army Mutiny During Islamic Revolution: On February 11, 1979, the Iranian army mutinied and joined the Islamic Revolution, signaling a critical turning point in Iran's political transformation. This event marked a decisive moment where military forces abandoned their loyalty to the Shah and aligned with revolutionary forces led by Ayatollah Khomeini.
1980 Jane Blalock Wins LPGA Elizabeth Arden Golf Classic: Professional golfer Jane Blalock secured victory at the LPGA Elizabeth Arden Golf Classic on February 10, 1980, highlighting her competitive prowess in women's professional golf.
1981 Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino resulted in eight fatalities and 198 injuries, causing significant damage and loss of life. The fire broke out on the 8th floor around 8:00 pm and rapidly spread upward through the 22-story building, creating a catastrophic scene of destruction.
1982 Justin Gatlin: American Sprint Athlete Born: Justin Gatlin, an American track and field athlete known for sprinting, was born on this date. He would later become an Olympic gold medalist and world champion in the 100-meter and 200-meter events.
1983 Soviet Nuclear Test in Kazakhstan: The Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Eastern Kazakhstan, continuing its nuclear weapons development program during the Cold War period. This test site was a primary location for Soviet nuclear testing throughout the mid-20th century.
1984 Wagalla Massacre: Kenyan soldiers perpetrated a horrific ethnic massacre, killing an estimated 5,000 ethnic Somali Kenyans in the Wagalla region. This tragic event represents one of the most significant human rights violations in Kenyan history.
1985 Nelson Mandela Rejects Freedom Offer: Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist, refuses conditional release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to ending racial segregation in South Africa.
1986 Maxi Trial Against Sicilian Mafia: The largest Mafia trial in history begins in Palermo, Italy, with 474 defendants facing prosecution. This landmark legal proceeding, known as the Maxi Trial, represents a significant moment in Italy's fight against organized crime, targeting the powerful Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra) and its extensive criminal network.
1987 Lupao Massacre: On February 10, 1987, Philippine military troops committed a tragic massacre in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, killing 17 unarmed civilians. This event was part of the ongoing internal conflict during the post-Marcos era, highlighting the human rights violations that occurred during this turbulent period in Philippine history.
1988 9th Circuit Court Challenges Military's Gay Ban: A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, California, strikes down the U.S. Army's ban on homosexual service members, arguing for equal rights and challenging existing military discrimination policies. The landmark decision was subsequently overturned on appeal, maintaining the military's previous restrictions.
1989 Historic Leadership in Democratic Party: Ron Brown is elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first African American to lead a major United States political party. This groundbreaking moment represents a significant milestone in American political diversity and representation.
1990 Nelson Mandela's Impending Release Announced: South African President F.W. de Klerk officially announced that Nelson Mandela would be freed from prison on February 11th, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid and a significant step towards democratic transformation in South Africa.
1991 Lithuania Declares Independence from Soviet Union: On February 10, 1991, Lithuania held a historic referendum where citizens overwhelmingly voted to break away from the Soviet Union, marking a crucial moment in the dissolution of the USSR and the restoration of Lithuanian sovereignty.
1992 Mike Tyson Convicted of Rape: Boxer Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, was found guilty of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington, Miss Black Rhode Island, by a jury in Indianapolis. On March 26, he was sentenced to six years in prison.
1993 Michael Jackson's Groundbreaking Oprah Interview: Michael Jackson's highly anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on ABC-TV, becoming a television landmark. The broadcast drew an astounding 39.3 rating with a 56 share, reaching approximately 90 million viewers and providing unprecedented insight into the pop star's personal life.
1995 Sun Cayun Sets Female Indoor Pole Vault World Record: Sun Cayun achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new female indoor world record in pole vault, clearing a height of 4.12 meters. This performance marked a significant milestone in women's track and field athletics.
1996 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta: The 1996 Summer Olympic Games commence in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, bringing together athletes from around the world in a celebration of international sports and competition.
1997 O.J. Simpson Civil Trial Jury Decides Punitive Damages: The jury in the O.J. Simpson civil trial reached a decision regarding $25 million in punitive damages, a pivotal moment in the high-profile legal proceedings following his criminal trial acquittal.
1998 Peggy Fleming's Breast Cancer Surgery: Olympic figure skating champion Peggy Fleming underwent breast cancer surgery, bringing public attention to breast cancer awareness and the health challenges faced by athletes.
1999 Pluto's Planetary Status Shifts: In an astronomical event, Pluto temporarily moves further from the sun than Neptune, momentarily regaining its status as the solar system's outermost planet. This rare orbital configuration highlights the dynamic nature of planetary movements.
2000 Clinton Administration Supports Low-Income Energy Assistance: President Bill Clinton announced emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), aimed at helping low-income families manage home energy costs during challenging economic periods. This initiative demonstrated the administration's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations during winter months and economic hardships.
2002 Death of Traudl Junge, Hitler's Personal Secretary: Traudl Junge, the personal secretary to Adolf Hitler during World War II, passed away at the age of 81. She was one of the last living witnesses to Hitler's final days in the Berlin bunker and later became known for her candid reflections on her role during the Nazi regime.
2003 NATO Procedural Dispute Over Iraq War Preparations: France and Belgium disrupted NATO's silent approval procedure for protection measures for Turkey in anticipation of a potential war with Iraq. Germany supported their stance. NATO Secretary General George Robertson activated the procedure on February 6. In response, Turkey invoked Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which mandates consultation among member states when a member feels threatened.
2004 OPEC Announces Oil Production Cuts: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced significant restrictions on crude oil production, planning to reduce daily output by approximately 10% starting April 1, 2004.
2005 North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Declaration: North Korea officially admits to developing nuclear weapons and suspends participation in multi-national diplomatic talks about its arms program, escalating international tensions.
2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony with Pavarotti: The XX Winter Olympic Games opened in Turin, Italy, with a memorable performance by legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who sang 'Nessun dorma' in what would be his final Olympic performance.
2007 Barack Obama Announces Presidential Campaign: U.S. Senator Barack Obama officially launches his presidential campaign with a historic speech in Springfield, Illinois, marking the beginning of his groundbreaking bid to become the first African American President of the United States.
2008 Suicide Bombing in Iraq: A tragic suicide car bomb attack at Balad market killed 25 people. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates arrived in Iraq to meet with General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
2009 First Confirmed Satellite Collision in Space: The communication satellites Iridium 33 (US) and Kosmos 2251 (Russian) collided in low Earth orbit, marking the first known direct satellite collision in space history. The incident created a massive debris field posing risks to future space missions.
2010 Haiti Earthquake Death Toll Estimate: Haitian officials reported at least 230,000 fatalities from the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, potentially making it the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century. The death toll was expected to potentially increase further.
2011 Egyptian Revolution Protests Continue: For the seventeenth consecutive day, nationwide protests continue against the Mubarak regime, marking a critical period of civil unrest demanding political change in Egypt.
2012 Arab Spring Continues: The Arab Spring, a series of pro-democracy uprisings sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa, continues to unfold with significant political and social transformations.
2013 55th Grammy Awards: The 55th Grammy Awards celebrated outstanding musical achievements, with notable wins including Record of the Year for 'Somebody That I Used To Know' by Gotye and Kimbra, Song of the Year 'We Are Young' by fun, and Album of the Year 'Babel' by Mumford & Sons.
2014 Yemen Agrees to Federal Transformation: A Yemeni presidential panel reached a landmark agreement to transform the country's political structure into a federation comprising six regions, potentially reshaping the nation's governance.
2015 Creation of Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center: The Obama Administration established a new federal agency designed to serve as a critical fusion center between government agencies and the private sector, aimed at combating sophisticated cyber attacks and enhancing national cybersecurity infrastructure.
2016 US Presidential Race: Christie and Fiorina Exit: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina both suspended their campaigns following a disappointing New Hampshire primary.
2017 Trump Administration Reconsiders Travel Ban: President Trump indicates potential revisions to the controversial travel ban after the Ninth Circuit Court's decision to suspend the original policy, signaling potential legal and diplomatic adjustments.
2018 Israeli F-16 Shot Down Over Golan Heights: Following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, the Syrian Air Defense Force successfully shot down an Israeli F-16 flying over the Golan Heights. Both Israeli pilots managed to parachute to safety, marking a significant military engagement.
2019 Extensive Sexual Abuse Investigation in Southern Baptist Churches: An investigation by The Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News revealed systemic sexual abuse within US Southern Baptist churches, implicating 400 church members and involving over 700 victims.
2020 WHO Warns of Potential COVID-19 Global Spread: World Health Organization Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a critical warning that overseas COVID-19 cases might represent only the 'tip of the iceberg', signaling potential widespread transmission.
2021 Senate Affirms Trump Impeachment Trial Constitutionality: The United States Senate voted 56-44 to confirm the constitutionality of holding an impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump, paving the way for the trial to proceed on the following day.
2023 Devastating Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: A catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, resulting in a tragic loss of over 21,000 lives. Rescue efforts continued with diminishing hopes of finding survivors, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

What Is special about February 10?

February 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 February 10.