September 10 Events in History

September 10 is a date marked by numerous significant historical events spanning centuries and continents.

From pivotal battles and groundbreaking discoveries to landmark political changes and notable cultural milestones, each occurrence on this day has contributed to shaping the course of history.

This article explores twenty such events, providing a snapshot of the diverse and impactful moments that have defined September 10 throughout history.

September 10th – On this Day in History

1419 – Assassination of John the Fearless

John the Fearless

On September 10, 1419, John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, was assassinated by followers of the Dauphin, who would later become Charles VII of France.

This event occurred during a meeting on the bridge at Montereau, where John sought to negotiate an alliance with the Dauphin amidst the backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War.

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However, distrust and political intrigue led to his murder, an act that significantly altered the balance of power in France. The assassination deepened the rift between the Burgundians and the Armagnacs, factions supporting different heirs to the French throne, further destabilizing the region.

1515 – Thomas Wolsey Invested as Cardinal

On September 10, 1515, Thomas Wolsey, an influential figure in the court of King Henry VIII of England, was invested as a Cardinal by Pope Leo X. Wolsey’s elevation to the cardinalate significantly increased his power and influence within both the English court and the broader Catholic Church.

As Cardinal, Wolsey held immense sway over English politics and religious affairs, acting as the king’s chief advisor. His ambitions and administrative reforms left a lasting impact on the English state, although his failure to secure an annulment for Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon eventually led to his downfall.

1547 – Battle of Pinkie Cleugh

The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, fought on September 10, 1547, was the last significant battle between England and Scotland, resulting in a decisive victory for the English forces under the command of the Duke of Somerset, acting as Lord Protector for the young King Edward VI.

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The battle was part of the “Rough Wooing,” a campaign initiated by Henry VIII to force a marriage alliance between his son Edward and the infant Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Scottish army suffered heavy losses, and the defeat paved the way for increased English influence in Scotland, although it did not immediately achieve the intended political union.

1608 – John Smith Elected President of Jamestown

On September 10, 1608, John Smith was elected as the council president of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Smith’s leadership was crucial during the colony’s early years, marked by severe hardship and high mortality rates.

John Smith

He implemented a policy of strict discipline and resource management, famously declaring that “he that will not work shall not eat.”

Smith’s diplomatic skills also facilitated crucial trade and relatively peaceful relations with local Native American tribes, particularly with the Powhatan Confederacy, ensuring the colony’s survival during its formative period.

1776 – Nathan Hale Volunteers to Spy

On September 10, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, Nathan Hale, a young captain in the Continental Army, volunteered to undertake a dangerous mission to spy on British forces. Hale’s decision came at a critical juncture when the Continental Army needed intelligence on British troop movements and fortifications in New York City.

Despite his lack of experience in espionage, Hale’s commitment exemplified the patriotism and bravery of the revolutionary cause. Unfortunately, Hale was captured by the British, and his execution by hanging on September 22 made him an enduring symbol of American heroism, famously remembered for his alleged last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

1813 – Battle of Lake Erie

On September 10, 1813, the United States achieved a significant naval victory over the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Under the command of Oliver Hazard Perry, the American fleet engaged the British near Put-in-Bay, Ohio.

Despite initial setbacks, Perry famously transferred command from his damaged flagship, the USS Lawrence, to the USS Niagara, turning the tide of the battle.

His subsequent message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours,” signaled a crucial victory that secured American control of Lake Erie. This victory was pivotal in regaining Detroit and boosting American morale.

1846 – Elias Howe Patents the Sewing Machine

On September 10, 1846, Elias Howe was granted a patent for his invention of the sewing machine. This invention revolutionized the textile industry by significantly speeding up the process of garment production.

Howe’s sewing machine used a lockstitch design, with a needle that moved up and down and a shuttle that moved horizontally. Despite facing initial challenges in commercializing his invention, including legal battles over patent rights, Howe’s design eventually became widely adopted.

His work laid the foundation for modern sewing technology and had a profound impact on industrial manufacturing and home sewing practices.

1858 – George Mary Searle Discovers Asteroid 55 Pandora

On September 10, 1858, American astronomer George Mary Searle discovered the asteroid 55 Pandora. This discovery was part of the early efforts in the field of asteroid astronomy, following the first asteroid discovery in 1801.

Searle’s identification of 55 Pandora contributed to the growing catalog of known asteroids in our solar system and provided valuable insights into the composition and behavior of these celestial objects.

The discovery also highlighted the advancements in telescope technology and observational techniques of the 19th century, marking a significant achievement in the study of astronomy.

1897 – Lattimer Massacre

Lattimer Massacre

On September 10, 1897, the Lattimer Massacre occurred in Pennsylvania, United States, when a sheriff’s posse fired on a group of unarmed immigrant miners, killing 19 and wounding dozens more. The miners were on strike, protesting poor working conditions and low wages.

Most of the victims were of Polish, Slovak, and Lithuanian descent, reflecting the ethnic diversity of the mining workforce. The incident highlighted the severe labor tensions and the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in the United States during the late 19th century.

The Lattimer Massacre became a significant event in the labor movement, underscoring the need for improved labor rights and protections.

1913 – Lincoln Highway Opens

On September 10, 1913, the Lincoln Highway, the first coast-to-coast paved road across the United States, officially opened. Conceived by automotive pioneer Carl G. Fisher, the highway stretched from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.

The Lincoln Highway symbolized the burgeoning era of automobile travel and the need for a national network of improved roads. It facilitated greater mobility, contributed to the growth of tourism, and helped to unify the country by connecting urban and rural areas.

The highway also played a crucial role in promoting infrastructure development and the subsequent establishment of the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

1919 – Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

On September 10, 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye was signed between the Allies and Austria, officially ending hostilities following World War I.

The treaty dismantled the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leading to significant territorial losses for Austria, including the cession of land to Italy, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). The treaty also included strict military limitations and reparations.

The severe terms of the treaty contributed to economic hardships and political instability in Austria, setting the stage for future turmoil in the interwar period. Additionally, the redrawing of borders in Central Europe created new states but also sowed the seeds for ethnic conflicts that would arise in later years.

1939 – Canada Declares War on Germany

On September 10, 1939, Canada declared war on Germany, joining the Allies in World War II. This declaration came one week after Britain and France had declared war, marking Canada’s entry into the conflict as an independent nation, rather than as a colony of Britain.

Canada Declares War on Germany

Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King led the decision, reflecting Canada’s growing autonomy and commitment to supporting the Allied cause.

Canadian forces played a significant role throughout the war, participating in major campaigns such as the Battle of the Atlantic, the invasion of Sicily and Italy, and the D-Day landings in Normandy. Canada’s involvement in World War II significantly impacted its national identity and post-war development.

1945 – Vidkun Quisling Sentenced to Death

On September 10, 1945, Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II, was sentenced to death for treason. Quisling had led a coup against the Norwegian government in 1940 and headed a puppet regime under German occupation.

His name became synonymous with “traitor” due to his actions during the war. Following the end of the conflict, Quisling was arrested, tried, and found guilty of a range of charges, including high treason, murder, and embezzlement.

His execution by firing squad on October 24th, 1945, served as a stark reminder of the consequences of collaboration and betrayal during wartime.

1960 – Abebe Bikila Wins Marathon at Rome Olympics

On September 10, 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila made history by winning the marathon at the Rome Olympics, becoming the first sub-Saharan African to win an Olympic gold medal. Bikila’s victory was remarkable not only for his athletic prowess but also because he ran the entire race barefoot.

His time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 16.2 seconds set a new world record. Bikila’s triumph brought significant attention to African athletes and inspired many in his home country and across the continent. His success also challenged stereotypes and demonstrated the potential of athletes from Africa on the world stage.

1961 – Wolfgang von Trips and Spectators Killed in Italian Grand Prix

On September 10, 1961, a tragic accident occurred during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, resulting in the death of German driver Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators. Von Trips, driving for Ferrari, collided with Jim Clark’s Lotus, causing his car to become airborne and crash into the crowd.

The accident marked one of the darkest days in Formula One history, highlighting the dangers of the sport and leading to increased safety measures in subsequent years.

Von Trips was leading the World Championship standings at the time of his death, and his loss was deeply felt within the racing community. The incident underscored the need for improved safety protocols to protect both drivers and spectators in motor racing.

1974 – Guinea-Bissau Gains Independence from Portugal

On September 10, 1974, Guinea-Bissau officially gained independence from Portugal after a prolonged and bloody struggle for liberation. The fight for independence, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) under the leadership of Amílcar Cabral, began in the early 1960s.

The PAIGC waged a guerrilla war against Portuguese colonial forces, achieving significant victories and establishing control over much of the rural territory.

The Carnation Revolution in Portugal in April 1974, which overthrew the Estado Novo regime, accelerated the process towards independence for many of its colonies. Guinea-Bissau’s independence marked the end of over five centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and inspired other liberation movements in Africa.

1977 – Hamida Djandoubi Executed in France

On September 10, 1977, Hamida Djandoubi became the last person to be executed by guillotine in France. Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant, was convicted of the torture and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Elisabeth Bousquet.

His execution at Baumettes Prison in Marseille was significant not only because it marked the final use of the guillotine, a symbol of the French Revolution, but also because it was the last legal execution in Western Europe.

The execution spurred increased debate and activism against the death penalty in France, leading to its eventual abolition. In 1981, under the presidency of François Mitterrand, France formally abolished the death penalty, reflecting a broader shift towards human rights and judicial reform.

2001 – Pentagon Reports $2.3 Trillion Missing

On September 10, 2001, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced that $2.3 trillion in transactions could not be tracked or accounted for by the Pentagon. The announcement was part of a broader critique of bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need for reform within the Department of Defense.

This revelation raised significant concerns about financial management and accountability within the largest department of the U.S. government. The next day, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, overshadowed this news, but the issue of defense spending and fiscal oversight continued to be a topic of scrutiny and debate in subsequent years.

2008 – Large Hadron Collider Powered Up

On September 10, 2008, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, was powered up for the first time. As the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, the LHC was designed to probe the fundamental questions of physics by colliding particles at unprecedented energies.

The initial powering up of the LHC marked the beginning of a new era in particle physics. Scientists hoped to recreate conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang, enabling them to study fundamental particles and forces.

One of the major milestones of the LHC was the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, confirming a key component of the Standard Model of particle physics and earning the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for François Englert and Peter Higgs.

2017 – Hurricane Irma Hits the Florida Keys

On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm, bringing widespread devastation. With maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, Irma caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and the natural environment across the islands.

The hurricane had already wrought havoc in the Caribbean, where it left a trail of destruction and numerous casualties. In the Florida Keys, the storm surge and high winds led to severe flooding, power outages, and the displacement of thousands of residents.

The impact of Hurricane Irma highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events and underscored the importance of emergency preparedness and climate resilience efforts in mitigating the effects of future hurricanes.