August 10 has witnessed a plethora of significant historical events that have shaped the world in various ways. From the fall of ancient empires and pivotal battles to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and cultural milestones, this day offers a rich tapestry of history.
Whether it’s the dramatic fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, the inception of influential institutions like the Smithsonian, or momentous political developments such as Missouri’s admission as a U.S. state, August 10 serves as a reminder of humanity’s dynamic and multifaceted journey through time.
August 10th – On this Day in History
612 BC – Fall of Nineveh
The fall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, marked the end of the Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the Near East for centuries. A coalition of Babylonian, Median, and Scythian forces besieged the city. After three months of intense fighting, Nineveh was breached and utterly destroyed.
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This pivotal event led to the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nabopolassar and his son Nebuchadnezzar II. The destruction of Nineveh is noted for its brutality and the complete collapse of Assyrian power, ushering in a new era of Mesopotamian dominance by the Babylonians.
70 AD – Destruction of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Roman forces led by Titus during the Siege of Jerusalem. This event was a critical moment in the First Jewish-Roman War and had profound religious, cultural, and political consequences for the Jewish people.
The Temple’s destruction is commemorated annually in Judaism on Tisha B’Av. The loss of the Temple also marked the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora, profoundly affecting Jewish identity and religious practices. The Arch of Titus in Rome depicts the spoils taken from the Temple, symbolizing Rome’s victory.
610 – Coronation of Heraclius
Heraclius was crowned Byzantine Emperor on August 10, 610, following a successful revolt against the usurper Phocas. His reign was marked by significant military and administrative reforms.
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Heraclius is best known for his campaigns against the Sassanian Persian Empire, which culminated in the decisive Battle of Nineveh in 627, restoring the eastern provinces to Byzantine control.
His reign also saw the beginning of the Muslim conquests, which eventually led to the loss of much of the Byzantine Empire’s territory. Heraclius’ legacy includes the Hellenization of the empire’s administration and military.
1519 – Magellan’s Voyage
On August 10, 1519, Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Seville with a fleet of five ships, embarking on the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Sponsored by Spain, Magellan sought a westward route to the Spice Islands. The expedition faced numerous challenges, including mutiny, harsh weather, and navigational difficulties.
Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines in 1521, but under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, one ship, the Victoria, completed the voyage, returning to Spain in 1522. This historic journey demonstrated the vastness of the Earth and marked a significant achievement in the Age of Exploration.
1628 – Sinking of the Vasa
The Swedish warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm harbor on August 10, 1628, after sailing for only about 20 minutes. The Vasa was a heavily armed warship, intended to bolster Sweden’s naval power during its conflict with Poland-Lithuania.
However, the ship was top-heavy due to design flaws and inadequate ballast. A strong gust of wind caused it to capsize and sink, resulting in the loss of at least 30 lives. The Vasa’s wreck was salvaged in 1961 and is now preserved as a museum ship in Stockholm, offering valuable insights into 17th-century shipbuilding and naval warfare.
1675 – Foundation of the Royal Greenwich Observatory
The foundation stone of the Royal Greenwich Observatory was laid on August 10, 1675, by King Charles II. This establishment marked a significant advancement in astronomical research and navigation. The observatory was commissioned to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea, which was crucial for maritime navigation.
Sir Christopher Wren designed the building, while John Flamsteed became its first Astronomer Royal. The Royal Greenwich Observatory played a pivotal role in the development of timekeeping, astronomy, and navigation, and it established the Prime Meridian, from which global longitude is measured.
1755 – Battle of the Monongahela
On August 10, 1755, during the French and Indian War, British forces under General Edward Braddock were decisively defeated by French and Native American troops at the Battle of the Monongahela.
The battle took place near modern-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Braddock’s troops, unaccustomed to the guerilla warfare tactics employed by their opponents, suffered heavy casualties, and Braddock himself was mortally wounded.
This defeat had significant repercussions for British colonial strategy and highlighted the effectiveness of Native American warfare tactics. It also underscored the need for better cooperation between British forces and colonial militias.
1792 – Storming of the Tuileries Palace
On August 10, 1792, during the French Revolution, a Parisian mob stormed the Tuileries Palace, where King Louis XVI and his family resided. The attack was fueled by growing discontent with the monarchy and the perceived betrayal of the revolution’s ideals.
The insurrection led to the arrest and eventual execution of Louis XVI, signaling the end of the French monarchy.
The event also marked a radicalization of the revolution, leading to the rise of the Jacobins and the Reign of Terror. The fall of the Tuileries was a turning point that profoundly changed the course of French history.
1793 – Opening of the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris officially opened to the public on August 10, 1793. Initially a royal palace, the Louvre was transformed into a museum during the French Revolution to showcase the nation’s art treasures.
The opening was part of a broader effort to democratize access to art and culture, reflecting revolutionary ideals of equality and education.
The Louvre’s collection began with royal and confiscated church property and has since expanded to become one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, housing masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
1821 – Missouri Becomes the 24th U.S. State
On August 10, 1821, Missouri was admitted as the 24th state of the United States. The Missouri Compromise, passed the previous year, had allowed for Missouri’s admission as a slave state while simultaneously admitting Maine as a free state to maintain the balance between slave and free states in the Union.
This compromise was a critical moment in the growing sectional conflict over slavery in the United States. Missouri’s admission highlighted the contentious and divisive nature of the slavery issue, which would eventually lead to the Civil War. The state’s entry into the Union was a significant milestone in America’s westward expansion.
1846 – Chartering of the Smithsonian Institution
On August 10, 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the United States Congress, thanks to a bequest from James Smithson, an English scientist who left his estate to the United States for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
The Smithsonian has grown into the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. It plays a critical role in preserving American history, culture, and scientific achievements.
The institution’s founding represented a major commitment to public education and research in the United States.
1861 – Battle of Wilson’s Creek
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, fought on August 10, 1861, was one of the early significant engagements of the American Civil War. Occurring near Springfield, Missouri, it involved Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon and Confederate troops commanded by Generals Sterling Price and Benjamin McCulloch.
The battle resulted in a Confederate victory and the death of General Lyon, the first Union general killed in action during the war. This battle demonstrated the fierce and bloody nature of the conflict that would ravage the United States for the next four years, shaping the nation’s history profoundly.
1897 – Discovery of Aspirin
On August 10, 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann, working at Bayer, successfully synthesized a stable form of acetylsalicylic acid, later marketed as aspirin. This breakthrough provided a more palatable and less irritating alternative to salicylic acid, a common pain reliever at the time.
Aspirin became one of the most widely used medications globally, known for its effectiveness in relieving pain, reducing fever, and its anti-inflammatory properties. It also played a significant role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Hoffmann’s discovery marked a significant advancement in pharmaceutical chemistry and had a lasting impact on medical practice.
1920 – Signing of the Treaty of Sèvres
On August 10, 1920, the Treaty of Sèvres was signed between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire, effectively dismantling the Ottoman Empire following its defeat in World War I. The treaty imposed severe territorial losses on the Ottomans, carving out new nations and mandates, including modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, under British and French control.
It also recognized the independence of Armenia and Kurdistan, although these provisions were never fully implemented. The treaty’s harsh terms fueled nationalist sentiments in Turkey, leading to the Turkish War of Independence and the eventual establishment of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
1944 – Battle of Guam
The Battle of Guam, a significant conflict in the Pacific Theater of World War II, concluded on August 10, 1944, with American forces reclaiming the island from Japanese occupation. Guam, an American territory, had been captured by Japanese forces shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
The U.S. military launched a major amphibious assault on July 21, 1944, to liberate the island. The battle involved intense jungle warfare and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
The recapture of Guam provided the Allies with a crucial base for further operations in the Pacific, including the upcoming battles for the Philippines and Iwo Jima.
1948 – Debut of Candid Camera
On August 10, 1948, “Candid Camera” made its television debut on ABC, revolutionizing the genre of hidden-camera reality shows. Created by Allen Funt, the show captured ordinary people in everyday situations, reacting to staged pranks and unexpected events, without their knowledge.
The format relied on humor derived from candid responses and the human tendency to reveal their true selves when they think no one is watching. “Candid Camera” became immensely popular, influencing countless other reality and prank shows. Its success underscored the appeal of reality-based entertainment and had a lasting impact on television programming.
1961 – Britain Applies for EEC Membership
On August 10, 1961, the United Kingdom officially applied for membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), marking a significant step in its post-World War II foreign policy.
Britain’s initial application, driven by economic concerns and the desire for closer integration with Europe, faced opposition, particularly from French President Charles de Gaulle, who vetoed the application in 1963 and again in 1967.
The UK’s persistent efforts to join the EEC eventually succeeded in 1973. This move signaled Britain’s shift towards greater economic cooperation with Europe, although it remained a contentious issue within British politics for decades, culminating in the Brexit referendum of 2016.
1966 – The Beatles’ Last Tour Begins
The Beatles began their last tour of the United States on August 10, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois. This tour marked the end of the band’s concert-performing career due to the overwhelming pressures of fame, the chaotic nature of live performances, and security concerns.
The tour faced numerous challenges, including controversy over John Lennon’s “more popular than Jesus” comment, leading to protests and record burnings.
Despite these issues, the tour was a significant cultural event, showcasing the height of Beatlemania. After this tour, The Beatles focused exclusively on studio work, producing some of their most acclaimed albums, including “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
1988 – Signing of the Civil Liberties Act
On August 10, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act into law, formally apologizing for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and providing reparations to survivors.
The act acknowledged the injustice and violation of civil rights experienced by approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and confined in internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The law authorized payments of $20,000 to each surviving internee, along with a formal apology from the U.S. government. This landmark legislation was a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and promoting civil rights and reconciliation.
1990 – Magellan Space Probe Reaches Venus
On August 10, 1990, NASA’s Magellan spacecraft successfully reached Venus and began mapping its surface using radar imaging.
Launched on May 4, 1989, Magellan was tasked with obtaining detailed images of Venus’ surface, which is obscured by thick clouds of sulfuric acid. The mission revealed a landscape dominated by volcanic activity, with vast lava plains, mountain ranges, and signs of tectonic movements.
Magellan’s data significantly advanced the understanding of Venusian geology and contributed to comparative planetology, providing insights into the geological processes of Earth and other terrestrial planets. The mission’s success underscored the importance of planetary exploration in expanding scientific knowledge.