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

Events on July 10 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Uneventful Day in 1900: While no major historical events were specifically documented for July 10, 1900, this date falls within an interesting period of global transition. The turn of the 20th century was marked by significant technological, political, and social transformations, including the Second Industrial Revolution, colonial expansions, and emerging global tensions that would eventually lead to World War I.
1901 Wright Brothers Conduct Glider Experiments in Kitty Hawk: In July and August of 1901, Wilbur and Orville Wright arrived in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to conduct advanced glider experiments. During this period, they performed between fifty to one hundred flights, with distances ranging from twenty to nearly four hundred feet. These experiments were crucial in their progressive development of powered flight technology, which would culminate in their historic first powered airplane flight in 1903.
1902 Lord Salisbury's Retirement: Lord Salisbury, a prominent British statesman, stepped down from his role as Prime Minister, marking a significant transition in British political leadership during the late Victorian era.
1903 Pennsylvania State Constable Killed in Line of Duty: On July 10, 1903, Pennsylvania State Constable Harry Foster 'Darby' Bierer was fatally shot while attempting to arrest Charles E. Kruger in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred during an arrest operation related to Kruger's alleged involvement in dynamiting a mine building in Luxor, Pennsylvania. Constable Bierer was killed in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a suspected criminal.
1904 Third Modern Olympic Games Opens in St. Louis: The third modern Olympic Games opened in St. Louis on July 1, 1904, as part of the World's Fair. This Olympics was unique, being the first held in the United States and featuring predominantly American athletes due to limited international participation. The games were held at the newly constructed Francis Field at Washington University and ran throughout the month, showcasing various athletic competitions and marking an important milestone in Olympic history.
1905 Queen Wilhelmina Opens Technical Court in The Hague: On July 10, 1905, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands officially inaugurated the Technical Court in The Hague, marking a significant moment in the Dutch judicial and technological infrastructure development. This event symbolized the Netherlands' commitment to modernizing its legal and technical institutions during the early 20th century.
1906 Birth of Ad Liska: Ad Liska, an American baseball pitcher, was born on July 10, 1906. A professional athlete who pursued a career in Major League Baseball during the early 20th century, Liska represented the sporting culture and athletic aspirations of his era.
1907 Peking to Paris Motor Race Concludes: The groundbreaking Peking to Paris motor race, an extraordinary transcontinental automotive challenge, was completed after a grueling two-month journey spanning approximately 14,000 kilometers across challenging terrains of Asia and Europe. Prince Scipione Borghese of Italy emerged victorious, driving a powerful 7-litre 35/45 hp Itala automobile, demonstrating the emerging potential of early 20th-century automotive technology and human endurance.
1908 Uneventful Day in 1908: While no significant historical events were recorded for July 10, 1908, this does not necessarily mean nothing of importance occurred. Many days in history pass without major documented incidents, yet they represent the continuous fabric of human experience during that era. The early 20th century was a period of significant global transformation, with technological innovations, political shifts, and social changes happening rapidly.
1909 US-China Educational Exchange Agreement of 1909: In a landmark diplomatic and educational milestone, the United States and the Qing Dynasty of China formalized an agreement enabling Chinese students to pursue higher education at American universities. The Imperial Court officially approved the 'Qianpai YouMei Xuesheng Banfa Dagang' (Regulations for Selecting Students to Study in the United States), which was meticulously developed by the Ministry of Education. This groundbreaking policy established a systematic framework for identifying and selecting promising Chinese students who would be sponsored to study abroad, marking a significant moment in cross-cultural academic exchange and international educational diplomacy.
1910 Death of Johann Galle, Neptune Discoverer: Johann Gottfried Galle, the renowned German astronomer who first observed Neptune through a telescope in 1846, passed away on July 10, 1910. His groundbreaking astronomical discovery marked a significant milestone in planetary exploration, confirming mathematical predictions by Urbain Le Verrier about the existence of an unknown planet beyond Uranus.
1911 Royal Australian Navy Officially Named: King George V officially bestowed the name 'Royal Australian Navy' upon the nation's maritime defense force, elevating the status of the previously named 'Commonwealth Naval Forces'. This marked a significant moment in Australia's military and national identity development.
1912 French Protectorate Over Morocco Approved: The French Chamber of Deputies voted overwhelmingly (460-79) to approve the establishment of a French protectorate over Morocco, a pivotal moment in French colonial expansion and North African geopolitics.
1913 World's Highest Temperature Record: At Greenland Ranch (now Furnace Creek Ranch) in Death Valley, California, the world's official highest recorded temperature was documented on July 10, 1913, reaching an unprecedented 134°F (56.7°C). This extreme temperature measurement remains a significant global meteorological record.
1914 Austro-Hungarian Diplomatic Mission to Germany: Count Hoyos, an Austro-Hungarian envoy, traveled to Berlin to discuss and establish the level of German support for potential Austrian military action against Serbia. This diplomatic mission was a critical moment in the lead-up to World War I, as Germany would ultimately provide crucial backing to Austria-Hungary.
1915 Battle of Malazgirt (Manzikert) in World War I: In a significant engagement during World War I, a Russian force of 22,000 troops attempted to capture strategic hills near the town of Malazgirt (Manzikert) in eastern Turkey. The Russian advance was decisively halted by an Ottoman defensive force of approximately 40,000 troops, who successfully repelled the invasion and maintained their territorial integrity.
1916 Battle of Albert: Capture of Contalmaison: During the Battle of the Somme in World War I, British forces successfully captured the strategic French commune of Contalmaison, a significant engagement that came at a heavy human cost. The battle resulted in approximately 12,000 British casualties, contrasting with around 4,000 German losses, highlighting the brutal attrition warfare characteristic of the Western Front during this period.
1917 Éamon de Valera's Political Breakthrough: Éamon de Valera of Sinn Féin won a significant by-election in East Clare, defeating the Irish Parliamentary Party's candidate Patrick Lynch, marking an important moment in Ireland's path towards independence.
1918 Establishment of the Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic: The Russian Soviet Federal Socialist Republic (RSFSR) was formally established as a key political entity during the Russian Revolution, marking a significant transition in Russia's governance structure. This new socialist state would become the largest and most influential republic within the future Soviet Union, fundamentally reshaping the political landscape of Eastern Europe and global communist movements.
1919 Wilson Delivers Treaty of Versailles to Senate: President Woodrow Wilson personally delivered the Treaty of Versailles to the United States Senate, a pivotal moment in post-World War I diplomatic negotiations that would reshape global geopolitics.
1920 Arthur Meighen Becomes Prime Minister of Canada: Arthur Meighen was sworn in as the 9th Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Sir Robert Borden. Meighen, a Conservative Party leader, would serve two separate terms as Prime Minister during a tumultuous period in Canadian political history.
1921 Belfast's Bloody Sunday: On July 10, 1921, Belfast experienced a devastating day of sectarian violence known as Bloody Sunday. The conflict erupted into intense rioting and gun battles between Protestant and Catholic communities, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Approximately 20 people were killed, over 100 were wounded, and around 200 homes were destroyed, highlighting the deep-seated tensions in Northern Ireland during this turbulent period.
1922 Bahamas Independence: The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom after 250 years as a British Crown Colony, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political history. This transition represented the culmination of a long journey towards self-governance and national sovereignty.
1923 Dissolution of Non-Fascist Parties in Italy: The Italian government under Benito Mussolini dissolved all non-fascist political parties, marking a significant step towards establishing a totalitarian regime and eliminating political opposition.
1924 Paavo Nurmi's Olympic Double Victory: Finnish long-distance runner Paavo Nurmi achieved an extraordinary feat at the 1924 Paris Olympics by winning both the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter races within just one hour, demonstrating remarkable endurance and athletic prowess. Known as the 'Flying Finn', Nurmi's performance is considered one of the most impressive displays of athletic skill in Olympic history.
1925 Scopes 'Monkey Trial' Begins: The famous Scopes Trial commenced in Dayton, Tennessee, where high school science teacher John T. Scopes was put on trial for teaching evolution, challenging state laws and sparking a landmark debate about science, education, and religious beliefs.
1926 Macedonian Border Raid: Macedonian insurgents from Bulgaria initiated a series of cross-border raids into the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, escalating regional tensions and highlighting the ongoing ethnic and territorial conflicts in the Balkan region during the 1920s.
1927 Assassination of Kevin O'Higgins: Kevin O'Higgins, Vice-President and Minister of Justice of the Irish Free State, was assassinated while walking to mid-day Mass in Blackrock, Dublin. He was shot six times and remained conscious for several hours after being taken home. The assassination was carried out by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), highlighting the ongoing political tensions in Ireland during this period.
1928 Theodoros Pangalos Released from Prison: Theodoros Pangalos, the deposed Greek dictator, was released from prison, marking a significant moment in Greek political history and potentially signaling potential political shifts.
1929 Southern Cross Transcontinental Flight Record: The aircraft Southern Cross set a new long-distance flight record by completing a journey from the Australian coast to the English coast in 12 days, 21 hours, and 13 minutes. This achievement was more than 2 days faster than the previous record established in February 1928, marking a significant milestone in early aviation history.
1930 French Naval Construction Suspension Proposal: France announced a six-month moratorium on warship construction, signaling diplomatic efforts to engage Italy in potential naval arms limitation negotiations. This gesture represented a strategic diplomatic move aimed at reducing military tensions and exploring potential collaborative agreements in the interwar period.
1931 Bavaria Restricts Political Assemblies: In response to escalating political tensions and frequent violent incidents, the Bavarian government implemented a ban on outdoor political rallies, reflecting the volatile political climate of the early 1930s in Germany.
1932 Major League Baseball Record: Nine Hits in One Game: In a remarkable baseball performance, Johnny Burnett of the Cleveland Indians achieved a major league record by hitting nine base hits during an extraordinary eighteen-inning game against the Philadelphia Athletics. Despite Burnett's incredible individual achievement, the Indians ultimately lost the high-scoring match 18-17. Eddie Rommel's relief pitching was pivotal in securing the Athletics' victory, completing one of the most memorable games in baseball history.
1933 Failed Right-Wing Coup Attempt in Japan: A right-wing group called the 'Divine Soldiers' attempted to overthrow the Japanese government by planning to bomb Prime Minister Saitō Makoto's office during a cabinet meeting. The conspirators intended to establish a new government led by either Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni or Prince Chichibu. The plot was ultimately foiled by Tokyo police, and the conspirators received surprisingly lenient sentences. The details of this attempted coup were suppressed for several years.
1934 Tragic Death of Erich Mühsam in Nazi Concentration Camp: Erich Mühsam, a prominent German Social Democrat and author, was killed in the Oranienburg concentration camp, representing the brutal persecution of political dissidents during the early Nazi regime.
1935 Bell Helicopter Company Founded: On July 10, 1935, the Bell Helicopter Company was established, marking a significant milestone in the aerospace and aviation industry. This pioneering company would go on to become a major manufacturer of rotorcraft and vertical lift aircraft, playing a crucial role in military and civilian aviation development throughout the 20th century.
1936 New Straits Convention on Dardanelles: The New Straits Convention was signed, allowing Turkish rearmament of the strategic Dardanelles strait, a significant diplomatic development in the lead-up to World War II that would impact regional geopolitical tensions.
1937 Chiang Kai-shek's Resistance Declaration: In a pivotal radio broadcast, Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party of China), publicly announced the Chinese government's policy of resistance against Japanese imperial aggression. This speech was a critical moment in the lead-up to the Second Sino-Japanese War.
1938 Howard Hughes Sets World Flight Record: Howard Hughes completed a groundbreaking around-the-world airplane flight, setting a new global speed record by circumnavigating the globe in 91 hours and 14 minutes using a Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra.
1939 Launch of the Passive Resistance Campaign in South Africa: On July 10, 1939, approximately 6,000 Indians gathered to initiate the Passive Resistance Campaign, a significant non-violent protest movement against the discriminatory apartheid and racial policies in South Africa. This event marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights and racial equality, demonstrating the power of peaceful resistance in challenging systemic oppression.
1940 Battle of Britain Begins: The German Luftwaffe launched a strategic bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, marking the start of one of the most critical aerial conflicts in World War II. This campaign aimed to establish air superiority over Britain as a precursor to potential invasion.
1941 13th Panzer Division Advances: The 13th Panzer Division of Nazi Germany advanced to the Irpin River, positioning itself just 10 miles from Kiev during Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
1942 Discovery of the Akutan Zero: During World War II, an American pilot discovered an intact Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft on Akutan Island, Alaska. This rare find allowed the US Navy to extensively study the Japanese fighter's design, performance characteristics, and potential weaknesses, providing crucial intelligence that helped develop effective counter-strategies in aerial combat.
1943 Allied Invasion of Sicily in World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky, was a major strategic operation during World War II. On July 10, 1943, U.S., British, and Canadian forces launched a massive amphibious assault on the island, marking a critical turning point in the Mediterranean campaign. The invasion involved 180,000 Allied troops landing on 2,590 ships, facing 230,000 Italian and 40,000 German defenders. The operation was designed to liberate Italy from Axis control and open a new front against Nazi Germany.
1944 Liberation of Northern Caen: On July 10th, 1944, the northern part of Caen was finally liberated by the 8th British Corps, more than a month after D-Day. The British military forces launched an offensive focusing on the strategic Hill 112, located 3 kilometers southwest of Calvados' capital. This operation, known as Operation Jupiter, aimed to pierce the front in the Odon valley and cross the Orne River, marking a significant advancement in the Allied campaign to liberate France.
1945 Augustów Roundup by Soviet Forces: Soviet forces and Polish communists initiated the Augustów roundup, a systematic operation targeting anti-communist partisans and their sympathizers. This event was part of the broader post-World War II political suppression in Eastern Europe, aimed at eliminating resistance to communist control.
1946 Hungarian Hyperinflation Reaches Unprecedented Levels: On July 10, 1946, Hungary experienced an extraordinary economic crisis with hyperinflation reaching a staggering 348.46 percent per day, meaning prices were doubling approximately every eleven hours. This represents one of the most extreme cases of monetary devaluation in modern economic history, rendering the Hungarian pengő virtually worthless and causing massive economic disruption.
1947 Royal Engagement Announcement: Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) publicly announces her engagement to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, marking a significant moment in British royal history and capturing global public attention.
1948 Israeli Forces Capture Lydda Airfield: During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Israeli military forces successfully captured the strategically important Lydda Airfield, a significant military operation that played a crucial role in the conflict's territorial dynamics.
1949 Khait Earthquake Disaster: A devastating earthquake in Tajikistan triggers a massive landslide, resulting in the tragic loss of over 7,000 lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters of the year.
1950 UK Ends Soap Rationing Post-World War II: United Kingdom Food Minister Maurice Webb officially announced the end of soap rationing, effective September 10, 1950. This marked another step in Britain's post-war economic recovery, signaling the gradual normalization of consumer goods availability after years of wartime restrictions.
1951 Korean War Armistice Negotiations: Armistice negotiations to end the Korean War commence in Kaesong, representing a critical diplomatic effort to halt the ongoing conflict between North Korea, South Korea, and their respective allies.
1952 Uneventful Day in 1952: While no specific significant historical event was recorded for July 10, 1952, this date falls within the post-World War II era, a period of significant global reconstruction and Cold War tensions. The mid-20th century was characterized by geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and social transformations.
1953 Lavrenti Beria Deposed in Soviet Power Struggle: The Soviet official newspaper Pravda publicly announces the dramatic downfall of Lavrenti Beria, a powerful Soviet official and key figure in Stalin's regime. Beria was removed from his positions as head of the NKVD and Minister of Internal Affairs, expelled from the Communist Party, and arrested on charges of high treason.
1954 Boeing 367-80 Prototype First Flight: The maiden flight of the Boeing 367-80 (also known as the Dash 80), a groundbreaking prototype that would become the foundation for the Boeing 707 commercial jet airliner series. This aircraft was pivotal in revolutionizing commercial aviation and ushering in the jet age.
1955 Jorge Luis Borges Becomes National Library Director: On July 10, 1955, renowned Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges was appointed as the Director of the National Library of the Argentine Republic. This prestigious position was a significant milestone in Borges' career, reflecting his immense literary reputation and intellectual standing in Argentina.
1956 US Nuclear Test at Bikini Island: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Bikini Atoll, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing in the Pacific Ocean, which raised significant environmental and geopolitical concerns.
1957 Birth of Cindy Sheehan, Anti-War Activist: Cindy Sheehan was born on July 10, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. She would later become a prominent peace activist known for her vocal opposition to the Iraq War after losing her son, Casey Sheehan, in combat in 2004. Her public protests and advocacy, particularly her extended protest outside President George W. Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, brought significant national attention to the anti-war movement.
1958 Massive Alaska Earthquake: A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Fairweather Fault in southeast Alaska, causing significant geological transformations. The earthquake triggered a massive rockfall in Lituya Bay, generating the world's largest recorded tsunami, reaching an incredible height of 1,720 feet.
1959 Birth of Janet Julian, American Actress: Janet Julian was born on July 10, 1959, in the United States. She would later become known for her work in film and television, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Julian appeared in various movies and TV shows, contributing to the entertainment industry during her acting career.
1960 Publication of 'To Kill a Mockingbird': Harper Lee publishes her groundbreaking novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a powerful narrative addressing racial injustice in the American South, which later wins the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
1961 First Human Spaceflight: Vostok 1 Mission: On July 10, 1961, the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 1 was launched, carrying cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into space. This historic mission marked humanity's first crewed spaceflight, representing a monumental achievement in space exploration and a significant milestone in the Cold War-era Space Race. Gagarin became an international hero, orbiting the Earth for 108 minutes and proving that human space travel was possible.
1962 Telstar: First Commercial Communications Satellite Launch: AT&T launched Telstar 1, the world's first commercial communications satellite, from Cape Canaveral at 3:35 a.m. local time. This groundbreaking satellite successfully relayed the first live trans-Atlantic television signal, marking a revolutionary moment in global telecommunications technology.
1964 The Beatles Return to Liverpool After US Tour: The Beatles returned triumphantly to Liverpool following their successful US tour, coinciding with the premiere of their film 'A Hard Day's Night'. This event has since been commemorated as Beatles Day in Liverpool, Hamburg, and other cities, marking a significant moment in the band's early international breakthrough.
1965 Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: U.S. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 into law, abolishing the discriminatory Emergency Quota Act that had been in place since 1921. This landmark legislation eliminated national origin quotas and established a new system based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled professionals.
1966 Chicago Freedom Movement Rally at Soldier Field: Martin Luther King Jr. co-founded and led a massive civil rights rally at Soldier Field in Chicago, drawing approximately 60,000 participants. The event was a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting urban racial inequality and calling for social justice and economic opportunities for African Americans.
1967 1967 Newark Race Riots: Sparked by the arrest of an African-American cab driver, the Newark riots erupted into six days of intense civil unrest. The riots, rooted in long-standing racial tensions and systemic inequality, resulted in 26 deaths and became a significant moment in the civil rights era, highlighting the deep social and racial conflicts in urban America.
1968 Leadership Change in France: Maurice Couve de Murville assumes the role of Prime Minister of France, marking a significant political transition during the late 1960s. Couve de Murville, a prominent Gaullist politician, was known for his diplomatic experience and close association with President Charles de Gaulle's administration.
1969 Football War Begins: Tensions between Honduras and El Salvador escalated dramatically after a soccer match, leading to the expulsion of approximately 300,000 Salvadoran migrant workers from Honduras. The conflict quickly evolved into a brief military confrontation, with the Organization of American States (OAS) ultimately negotiating a cease-fire.
1971 Coup Attempt in Morocco: A dramatic and violent attempted coup against King Hassan II of Morocco results in 101 fatalities, marking a significant moment of political instability in the country's history.
1972 1972 Democratic National Convention: The Democratic National Convention opened in Miami Beach, Florida, marking a pivotal moment in the 1972 U.S. presidential election. Senator George McGovern secured the party's presidential nomination, representing a progressive wing of the Democratic Party during a tumultuous period in American political history.
1973 Bahamas Independence from British Rule: The Bahamas gained independence after 300 years of British colonial rule, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history. The country transitioned to full sovereignty within the Commonwealth of Nations, establishing its own constitution and national governance structure.
1974 OPEC Ends Oil Boycott Against Netherlands: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) officially terminated its oil embargo against the Netherlands, marking a significant diplomatic and economic resolution in the ongoing energy tensions of the 1970s.
1975 Comoros Islands Declare Independence from France: The Chamber of Deputies of the Comoros Islands unanimously voted 33-0 to declare independence from France, marking a significant moment in the decolonization process of Africa. While most of the archipelago gained independence, Mayotte chose to remain a French overseas department, creating a unique political situation in the region.
1976 Seveso Disaster: A catastrophic industrial accident occurred at a chemical manufacturing plant in Seveso, a small town near Milan, Italy. The incident involved a massive release of toxic dioxin, which contaminated the surrounding environment and posed significant health risks to local residents.
1977 Pat Bradley Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Professional golfer Pat Bradley secured victory at the LPGA Bankers Trust Golf Classic, marking a significant achievement in her competitive golf career.
1978 World News Tonight Premiere: ABC launches its flagship news program 'World News Tonight', marking a significant moment in American broadcast journalism and news media landscape.
1979 Volkswagen Acquires Auto Union: On July 10, 1979, Volkswagen AG completed a strategic acquisition of Auto Union GmbH, a significant German automobile manufacturer. This corporate merger represented an important milestone in Volkswagen's expansion strategy, strengthening its position in the automotive industry and consolidating its manufacturing capabilities.
1980 Khomeini Releases American Hostage: Ayatollah Khomeini releases Richard I. Queen, an American hostage, during the ongoing Iran hostage crisis, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
1981 Israel-Lebanon Conflict Escalation: The Israel Defense Forces initiated a military campaign against Palestine Liberation Organization strongholds in Lebanon, responding to Palestinian guerrilla attacks on Israeli settlements. The conflict resulted in significant casualties: 450 Palestinians and Lebanese, and 6 Israelis died before a ceasefire was established on July 24.
1982 Miguel Vasquez's Historic Trapeze Performance: Circus performer Miguel Vasquez made history by executing the first public quadruple somersault on the trapeze, a groundbreaking achievement in aerial acrobatics.
1983 Jedwabne Pogrom: A tragic massacre of Polish Jews in and around the village of Jedwabne, representing a dark chapter in Holocaust history.
1984 Supreme Court Rules on Gender Discrimination in Private Organizations: In a landmark civil rights decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Jaycees, a male-only civic organization, could not legally exclude women from membership. This ruling was a significant step towards gender equality, challenging discriminatory practices in private associations and reinforcing anti-discrimination laws.
1985 Live Aid Concerts: Massive global pop concerts held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia raise over £50 million for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia, becoming a landmark moment in humanitarian music activism.
1986 Meher Baba Begins Decades-Long Spiritual Silence: On July 10, 1986, spiritual leader Meher Baba initiated a profound period of silence that would last for 44 years. This deliberate vow of silence was a significant spiritual practice for Baba and his followers. Each year, his devotees commemorate this day as Silence Day, reflecting on the spiritual significance of silence and Baba's teachings. Meher Baba, known for his unique spiritual approach, believed that silence was a powerful form of communication and spiritual discipline.
1987 Oliver North Testifies in Iran-Contra Affair Congressional Hearing: Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North provided testimony before the United States Congress regarding his pivotal role in the Iran-Contra affair, a complex political scandal that involved the covert sale of arms to Iran and the subsequent use of those funds to support anti-Sandinista rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua. North, a key figure in the Reagan administration's National Security Council, became a central character in revealing the intricate and potentially illegal operations that challenged the legal and ethical boundaries of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era.
1988 Terry-Jo Myers Wins LPGA Mayflower Golf Classic: Terry-Jo Myers secured victory at the LPGA Mayflower Golf Classic, demonstrating her skill and precision in professional women's golf. This tournament win represented a significant achievement in her professional golfing career.
1989 Soviet Coal Miners' Strike of 1989: Approximately 300,000 Siberian coal miners launched a massive labor strike, demanding improved living conditions, reduced bureaucratic interference, and better wages. This was the largest Soviet labor strike since the 1920s, signaling growing worker dissatisfaction with the Soviet system and foreshadowing the eventual collapse of the USSR.
1990 Richard Hadlee's Final Test Cricket Match: New Zealand cricket legend Richard Hadlee played his final Test match, concluding a remarkable international career. The match ended with England defeating New Zealand by 114 runs at Edgbaston, marking the end of an era for one of cricket's most celebrated players.
1991 Boris Yeltsin Becomes First Elected President of Russia: Boris Yeltsin was sworn in as the first democratically elected president of Russia, marking a pivotal moment in post-Soviet political history. His election symbolized the transition from communist rule to a democratic system, signaling a significant shift in Russia's governance and international standing.
1992 Battle of Britain Begins: On this historic date in 1940, the Battle of Britain commenced as the German Luftwaffe launched extensive air attacks on the United Kingdom during World War II, marking a critical turning point in the war.
1993 First Hutu President of Burundi: Melchior Ndadaye becomes the first democratically elected Hutu president of Burundi, marking a significant political transition, with Sylvie Kinigi serving as Prime Minister. This event represented a critical moment in Burundi's complex ethnic political landscape.
1994 Ukraine's Presidential Election: Leonid Kuchma, the former Prime Minister, defeats incumbent President Leonid Kravchuk in a significant Ukrainian presidential election, marking a pivotal moment in the country's post-Soviet political development.
1995 Aung San Suu Kyi Released from House Arrest: Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was freed from house arrest, marking a significant moment in Myanmar's political struggle for democratic reform. Her release represented a potential breakthrough in the country's ongoing tension between military rule and democratic aspirations.
1996 Cassini-Huygens Mission Milestone: The European Space Agency achieved a significant milestone in space exploration when the Huygens probe successfully separated from the Cassini spacecraft during its complex mission to Saturn and its moon Titan. This separation was a critical step in one of the most ambitious interplanetary missions of the 1990s, designed to study the Saturnian system in unprecedented detail.
1997 Miguel Ángel Blanco Murder by ETA: Miguel Ángel Blanco, a young politician from the Partido Popular, was kidnapped in Ermua, Spain by members of the terrorist organization ETA. His abduction and subsequent murder sparked widespread public outrage and protests against political violence in the Basque region, becoming a pivotal moment in Spain's struggle against terrorism.
1998 Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Settlement: The Diocese of Dallas reached a landmark settlement, agreeing to pay $23.4 million to nine former altar boys who alleged sexual abuse by Rudolph Kos, a former priest. This case was part of a broader reckoning within the Catholic Church regarding systemic sexual abuse by clergy members.
1999 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final: USA Triumphs Over China: In a historic moment for women's association football, the United States national team defeated China in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Rose Bowl near Los Angeles. The match was a landmark event in women's sports, setting a world record attendance of 90,185 spectators and showcasing the growing popularity and skill of women's soccer. The victory solidified the United States' position as a powerhouse in international women's football.
2000 Bashar al-Assad Confirmed as Syria's Leader: In a national referendum, Bashar al-Assad was officially confirmed as the President of Syria, marking a significant political transition in the Middle Eastern nation following his father's long-standing rule.
2001 Groundbreaking Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Scientists at a Virginia medical clinic achieved a significant scientific breakthrough by creating human embryos specifically to harvest embryonic stem cells. This controversial procedure challenged existing medical and ethical boundaries, sparking a nationwide debate about the moral implications of stem cell research and its potential medical applications.
2002 Controversial Hominid Fossil Discovery: French paleontologist Michel Brunet announced in the journal Nature the discovery of a 7-million-year-old skull in Chad's desert, claiming it to be the oldest known hominid fossil. However, the scientific community quickly challenged his findings, suggesting the skull might represent a proto-gorilla rather than a definitive hominid ancestor.
2003 Discovery of Oldest Known Exoplanet: NASA announced the discovery of PSR B1620-26-2 b, unofficially named 'Methuselah', the oldest known exoplanet. Located 5,600 light-years away in the globular cluster M4, this ancient planet orbits a pulsar in the Scorpius constellation.
2004 WHO AIDS Treatment Progress Report: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported significant progress in its global AIDS treatment initiative. In the first six months of the project, 440,000 people in developing countries were provided with antiretroviral medication. Although the organization fell short of its interim target by 60,000 patients, WHO remained optimistic about reaching its ambitious goal of treating 3,000,000 people by 2005.
2005 John Garang Sworn as Sudan's Vice President: As part of the comprehensive peace agreement ending the Second Sudanese Civil War, John Garang, a prominent former rebel leader, was sworn into office as Vice President of Sudan, marking a significant milestone in the country's reconciliation efforts.
2006 Death of Shamil Basayev, Chechen Rebel Leader: Shamil Basayev, a prominent Chechen rebel leader known for his militant activities, was reportedly killed by Russian authorities. Basayev was a controversial figure in the Chechen-Russian conflict, responsible for numerous terrorist attacks.
2007 Lal Masjid Siege in Islamabad: Pakistani army troops stormed the Lal Masjid in Islamabad, resulting in the death of approximately 100 people, including Abdul Rashid, the group's leader. This operation was a significant moment in Pakistan's internal security efforts.
2008 US-Iran Diplomatic Tensions: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a stern warning to Iran, emphasizing the United States' commitment to protecting its allies, including Israel, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
2009 Urumqi Riots: Violent ethnic tensions erupted in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, involving conflicts between Uyghur Muslims and Han Chinese. The riots resulted in significant casualties and social unrest, prompting government intervention and subsequent compensation for victims' families.
2010 Raoul Moat Manhunt Ends: After a six-hour standoff with police, Gunman Raoul Moat shot and killed himself, concluding what was described as the longest manhunt in British history.
2011 News of the World Closes After Phone Hacking Scandal: The British weekly tabloid News of the World published its final issue and shut down after 168 years in print, following widespread public backlash over unethical phone hacking practices by its journalists and executives.
2012 Lubanga Sentenced for War Crimes: Thomas Lubanga, a Congolese warlord, was sentenced by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to 14 years imprisonment for recruiting and using child soldiers during the Ituri conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2013 Malala Yousafzai UN Speech: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education, delivered a powerful speech at the United Nations, advocating for the importance of education for all children worldwide.
2014 Hamas Threatens Attacks as Israeli-Palestinian Tensions Escalate: Hamas issued threats of terror attacks and potential stabbings against Israel, concurrent with ongoing Israeli airstrikes. In a related incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrested two Palestinians attempting to enter Israel with a car bomb via the West Bank.
2015 Confederate Battle Flag Removed from South Carolina State House: After 54 years of display, the Confederate Battle Flag was taken down from the South Carolina State House grounds, a symbolic response to the Charleston church shooting and ongoing racial tensions.
2016 Protests Following Police Shootings: Nationwide protests erupted across multiple American cities following the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two black men. The demonstrations were marked by numerous arrests and confrontations, highlighting ongoing racial tensions in the United States.
2017 Battle of Mosul Concluded: The Iraqi government officially declared Mosul fully liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), marking a significant milestone in the fight against terrorist forces in the region.
2018 Tham Luang Cave Rescue: A dramatic international rescue operation saved a group of 12 Thai school children and their soccer coach who were trapped in the Tham Luang cave complex for over two weeks. Despite the successful rescue of all 12 children and their coach, one heroic Thai Navy SEAL diver tragically lost his life during the complex underwater rescue mission.
2019 Oldest Homo Sapiens Skull Outside Africa Discovered: Paleoanthropologists announced in the Nature journal the discovery of Apidima 1, a human skull found in a Greek cave, representing the oldest known Homo Sapiens individual found outside of Africa.
2020 Hagia Sophia Converted Back to Mosque: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a presidential decree converting Istanbul's historic Hagia Sophia from a museum back to a mosque. This controversial decision came after a court annulled the 1934 decree that had previously transformed the iconic Byzantine basilica into a secular museum, sparking international debate about cultural heritage and religious symbolism.
2021 Ashleigh Barty Wins Wimbledon Women's Singles Title: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia secured her second Grand Slam title by defeating Karolína Plíšková of the Czech Republic in the Wimbledon Women's Singles Final. The match was a hard-fought battle, with Barty ultimately prevailing in three sets: 6-3, 6-7, 6-3. This victory solidified Barty's status as a dominant force in women's tennis and marked a significant milestone in her career.
2022 Assassination of Shinzo Abe Linked to Religious Organization: The assassin who killed former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed a personal motivation related to Abe's perceived connections with the controversial Unification Church, revealing complex religious and political tensions in Japan.
2023 European Heatwave Mortality Study Reveals Alarming Findings: A comprehensive study published in 'Nature Medicine' revealed that over 61,000 people died in European heatwaves during 2022, highlighting the critical need for enhanced climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to address increasing global temperatures.

What Is special about July 10?

July 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 July 10.