December 10 is a date marked by significant events that have shaped the course of history across various domains, from politics and science to human rights and global conflicts.
This article delves into 20 notable occurrences on this day, providing a chronological exploration of key moments that have left an indelible mark on the world.
From the ascension of Byzantine emperors and groundbreaking scientific presentations to the end of colonial rule and strides toward peace and democracy, December 10 offers a rich tapestry of historical milestones. Join us as we journey through these pivotal events, each contributing to the intricate mosaic of our shared past.
December 10th – On this Day in History
1041 – Empress Zoe Elevates Michael V to the Throne
In the Byzantine Empire, December 10, 1041, marked a significant event when Empress Zoe elevated her adoptive son, Michael V, to the throne. Empress Zoe, a member of the Macedonian dynasty, was the daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII and co-emperor with her sister Theodora.
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Her decision to adopt and promote Michael V, the nephew of her deceased second husband Romanos III, came at a time of political intrigue and instability within the empire.
Michael V’s rise to power, however, was short-lived; his rule lasted only a few months before he was deposed due to his unpopular policies and the subsequent rebellion. This event highlights the complex and often tumultuous nature of Byzantine imperial politics.
1508 – Formation of the League of Cambrai
The League of Cambrai, formed on December 10, 1508, was a coalition of major European powers including France, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and the Papal States. Its primary objective was to curb the territorial expansion and economic dominance of the Republic of Venice.
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The alliance was orchestrated by Pope Julius II, who sought to reclaim lands lost to Venice. The league’s formation led to a series of conflicts known as the War of the League of Cambrai, which significantly altered the political landscape of Italy and highlighted the shifting alliances and rivalries among Europe’s leading powers during the Renaissance.
1520 – Martin Luther Burns the Papal Bull

On December 10, 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal bull Exsurge Domine in Wittenberg, Germany. The bull, issued by Pope Leo X, condemned Luther’s teachings and demanded that he recant his 95 Theses, which challenged the Catholic Church’s practices and doctrines, particularly the sale of indulgences.
Luther’s act of defiance symbolized his break with the Roman Catholic Church and marked a pivotal moment in the Protestant Reformation. By burning the bull, Luther rejected the authority of the pope and set the stage for the development of Protestantism, leading to significant religious and political upheaval across Europe.
1684 – Newton’s Laws Presented to the Royal Society
On December 10, 1684, Edmund Halley presented Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking manuscript “De motu corporum in gyrum” to the Royal Society in London. In this work, Newton derived Kepler’s laws of planetary motion from his own laws of motion and universal gravitation.
This presentation was a seminal moment in the history of science, laying the foundation for classical mechanics and transforming our understanding of the natural world. Newton’s work demonstrated the power of mathematical principles to describe physical phenomena, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest scientists in history.
1799 – France Adopts the Metre
On December 10, 1799, France officially adopted the metre as its unit of length, marking a significant step in the development of the metric system. The adoption followed years of scientific effort to standardize measurements, spearheaded by the French Academy of Sciences.
The metre was defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole, measured along the meridian through Paris. This move towards a universal system of measurement aimed to simplify trade, science, and engineering. The metric system eventually gained widespread acceptance and remains the international standard for measurements.
1817 – Mississippi Becomes the 20th U.S. State
On December 10, 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state of the United States of America. This milestone was part of the broader westward expansion of the United States following the War of 1812.
Mississippi, derived from the Native American word for the Mississippi River meaning “great waters” or “father of waters,” had a diverse population including Native American tribes, European settlers, and enslaved Africans.
Statehood brought new opportunities for economic growth, primarily through agriculture, particularly cotton farming. However, it also entrenched the institution of slavery, which would have lasting and profound impacts on the region’s social and political landscape.
1868 – First Traffic Lights Installed in London
December 10, 1868, witnessed the installation of the world’s first traffic lights outside the Palace of Westminster in London. Invented by J.P. Knight, a railway engineer, these early traffic lights were designed to control the flow of horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians at a busy intersection.
The lights were manually operated and used gas lamps to display red and green signals. Unfortunately, the system proved dangerous; just a month later, a gas leak caused one of the lights to explode, injuring the policeman operating it. Despite this setback, the concept of traffic control lights laid the groundwork for modern traffic management systems.
1898 – Treaty of Paris Ends the Spanish-American War

The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, officially ended the Spanish-American War. This agreement marked a significant shift in global power, with Spain relinquishing its control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam to the United States.
The war had begun in April 1898, largely driven by the U.S.’s interventionist stance and its support for Cuban independence from Spanish rule.
The treaty’s terms facilitated the U.S.’s emergence as a colonial power, sparking debates about imperialism and the nation’s role on the global stage. The war and its aftermath had long-lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy and its territorial ambitions.
1901 – First Nobel Prizes Awarded
On December 10, 1901, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, in accordance with the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. Nobel’s will specified that his considerable fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who had conferred the greatest benefit to humanity in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace.
The inaugural laureates included Wilhelm Röntgen for his discovery of X-rays (Physics), Jacobus Henricus van ‘t Hoff for his work on chemical dynamics and osmotic pressure (Chemistry), and Emil von Behring for his development of a diphtheria antitoxin (Medicine). These awards set a precedent for recognizing and encouraging outstanding contributions to knowledge and peace.
1902 – Women Gain the Right to Vote in Tasmania
On December 10, 1902, Tasmania became the first Australian state to grant women the right to vote. This achievement was part of a broader movement for women’s suffrage that had been gaining momentum across Australia and other parts of the world.
The Tasmanian suffrage movement was driven by activists who campaigned tirelessly for equal voting rights, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women’s participation in the political process.
The success in Tasmania followed New Zealand’s earlier achievement in 1893 and paved the way for other Australian states and the federal government to extend voting rights to women, culminating in Australia becoming a leader in women’s suffrage.
1906 – Theodore Roosevelt Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
On December 10, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded this prestigious honor for his role in mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

Roosevelt’s successful negotiation of the Treaty of Portsmouth brought peace between the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire, earning him international acclaim.
His mediation not only ended the conflict but also demonstrated the growing influence of the United States in global diplomacy. Roosevelt’s win underscored his commitment to peace and diplomacy, even as he continued to advocate for a robust American presence on the world stage.
1907 – Brown Dog Riots in London
The Brown Dog riots reached their climax on December 10, 1907, when thousands of people clashed violently in London over a memorial to vivisected animals. The controversy centered around a statue of a brown dog, erected by anti-vivisectionists to commemorate animals used in medical experiments.
Medical students, who supported vivisection as a necessary practice for scientific advancement, opposed the memorial vehemently. The riots, marked by street battles between medical students, police, and anti-vivisectionists, highlighted deep societal divisions over animal rights and medical ethics. The intensity of the conflict revealed the passionate and polarized views on the use of animals in scientific research.
1936 – Edward VIII Abdicates the British Throne

On December 10, 1936, Edward VIII signed the Instrument of Abdication, becoming the first British monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne. His decision was driven by his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee, a union opposed by the British government and the Church of England.
Edward’s abdication speech, in which he expressed his inability to carry out his duties without the support of “the woman I love,” marked a dramatic moment in British history.
His abdication led to the ascension of his younger brother, George VI, and significantly altered the course of the British monarchy, bringing about a period of constitutional and personal turmoil.
1941 – British Offensive in North Africa
On December 10, 1941, British forces launched a significant offensive in North Africa during World War II. This campaign aimed to reclaim territories occupied by Axis powers, particularly the Italian forces under the command of General Erwin Rommel, also known as the “Desert Fox.”
The offensive, part of the broader Western Desert Campaign, involved a series of battles and strategic maneuvers that eventually led to the retreat of Axis forces from Libya.
The North African campaign was crucial for the Allies as it secured vital supply routes and set the stage for the eventual invasion of Italy. The British offensive showcased the importance of North Africa in the overall strategy of the Allied forces during the war.
1948 – United Nations Adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Paris, France. This landmark document, drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds, set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
The UDHR consists of 30 articles outlining basic rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, and security, the right to work, and the right to education. It was a response to the atrocities of World War II and aimed to promote peace, dignity, and equality worldwide.
The adoption of the UDHR marked a significant achievement in the international human rights movement, establishing a common standard for all nations and becoming a cornerstone of international human rights law.
1963 – Zanzibar Gains Independence
On December 10, 1963, Zanzibar gained independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a constitutional monarchy under Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah. This archipelago off the coast of East Africa had been a British protectorate since the late 19th century. The move to independence was part of a broader wave of decolonization sweeping across Africa during the mid-20th century.
The transition was relatively peaceful, but the new government faced significant challenges, including political instability and economic underdevelopment. Just a month later, in January 1964, the Sultan was overthrown in a violent revolution, leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. This event would soon result in the union of Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
1983 – Democracy Restored in Argentina
On December 10, 1983, Argentina marked a pivotal moment in its history with the restoration of democracy and the inauguration of Raúl Alfonsín as President. This followed a period of military dictatorship characterized by severe human rights abuses, economic turmoil, and the disastrous Falklands War.
Alfonsín’s election signified the end of the military regime and the beginning of a new era of democratic governance. His administration focused on rebuilding democratic institutions, addressing human rights violations, and stabilizing the economy.
The return to democracy was a crucial step in Argentina’s political development, fostering greater political freedom and laying the groundwork for future reforms and growth.
1993 – Closure of Wearmouth Colliery
December 10, 1993, marked the closure of Wearmouth Colliery in Sunderland, England, ending over 900 years of commercial coal mining in North East England. Wearmouth was one of the last remaining deep coal mines in the region and its closure symbolized the decline of the coal industry in the UK.
The mine had been a significant source of employment and economic activity, and its shutdown had profound social and economic impacts on the local community. The closure was part of a broader trend of deindustrialization in Britain, as the country shifted from traditional manufacturing and mining industries to a service-based economy. The end of mining at Wearmouth represented the end of an era and prompted efforts to regenerate and diversify the local economy.
1994 – Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Arafat, Peres, and Rabin

On December 10, 1994, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin in recognition of their efforts to create peace in the Middle East through the Oslo Accords.
The accords, signed in 1993, were a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Arafat, the leader of the PLO, and Israeli leaders Peres and Rabin, worked towards mutual recognition and the establishment of Palestinian self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The prize acknowledged their courageous steps towards reconciliation and the hope for a lasting peace in a region long marred by conflict and violence. Despite ongoing challenges, the Oslo Accords represented a significant milestone in the peace process.
2016 – Impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye
On December 10, 2016, the South Korean National Assembly voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye amid a major corruption scandal. Park was accused of colluding with her close friend Choi Soon-sil to extort money from major South Korean corporations and influence government affairs.
The scandal sparked massive public protests and led to widespread political turmoil. The National Assembly’s overwhelming vote for impeachment suspended Park from office, pending a final decision by the Constitutional Court, which later upheld the impeachment, formally removing her from power in March 2017.
This event was a critical moment in South Korean politics, highlighting issues of corruption, accountability, and the rule of law, and it led to significant political reforms and the election of a new president.