February 10 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical moments, spanning centuries and continents. From pivotal treaties that reshaped global powers to groundbreaking achievements in technology and culture, this date holds a unique significance. Notable births and tragic losses also mark its legacy, alongside iconic performances that captivated the world. What specific events defined this day, and how did they influence history? Uncover the stories that await.
History
Major Historical Events
1763 – Treaty of Hubertusburg: This treaty was signed on February 10, 1763, marking the end of the Seven Years’ War in Europe.
It was signed between Prussia, Austria, and Saxony, restoring the pre-war status quo in the region and securing Prussia’s position as a major European power under Frederick the Great.
1840 – Queen Victoria’s Wedding: On February 10, 1840, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a ceremony at the Chapel Royal in St. James’s Palace.
Their marriage became a symbol of the Victorian era, and Victoria’s choice to wear a white wedding dress popularized the tradition for brides worldwide.
1863 – First Fire Extinguisher Patent: Alanson Crane patented the first fire extinguisher on February 10, 1863, in the United States.
His invention used a combination of water and chemicals to suppress fires, laying the groundwork for modern fire safety equipment.
1962 – Capture of U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers: On February 10, 1962, captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in a dramatic Cold War prisoner swap on the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin.
This event highlighted the intense espionage tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1996 – Deep Blue vs. Garry Kasparov: On February 10, 1996, IBM’s chess-playing computer Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in the first game of a six-game match.
Although Kasparov ultimately won the match, this marked a historic moment in the development of artificial intelligence.
Famous Birthdays
1890 – Boris Pasternak: Born on February 10, 1890, in Moscow, Russia, Boris Pasternak was a celebrated poet and novelist, best known for his novel “Doctor Zhivago.”
His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958, though he was forced to decline it due to political pressure from the Soviet government.
1929 – Jerry Goldsmith: Jerry Goldsmith, born on February 10, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, became one of Hollywood’s most prolific film composers.
His iconic scores for movies like “Star Trek,” “Planet of the Apes,” and “Chinatown” earned him an Academy Award and numerous nominations.
1961 – George Stephanopoulos: Born on February 10, 1961, in Fall River, Massachusetts, George Stephanopoulos is a prominent American television host and political commentator.
He served as a senior advisor to President Bill Clinton before shifting to a career in journalism with ABC News.
1974 – Elizabeth Banks: Elizabeth Banks, born on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is an American actress, director, and producer known for her roles in films like “The Hunger Games” series and “Pitch Perfect.”
She has also made a mark as a director with films like “Pitch Perfect 2.”
Notable Deaths
1837 – Alexander Pushkin: Alexander Pushkin, often regarded as the father of modern Russian literature, died on February 10, 1837, in St. Petersburg, Russia, following a fatal duel.
His works, including “Eugene Onegin,” remain cornerstones of Russian literary tradition.
1912 – Joseph Lister: Joseph Lister, a British surgeon who pioneered antiseptic surgery, passed away on February 10, 1912, in Walmer, England.
His introduction of carbolic acid as an antiseptic drastically reduced post-surgical infections, revolutionizing medical practice.
2005 – Arthur Miller: Arthur Miller, one of America’s greatest playwrights, died on February 10, 2005, in Roxbury, Connecticut.
Known for works like “Death of a Salesman” and “The Crucible,” Miller’s plays explored deep social and personal themes, earning him a Pulitzer Prize.
Today in Music History
1958 – Buddy Holly Records “Rave On”: On February 10, 1958, Buddy Holly recorded his hit song “Rave On” in New York City.
The track became one of his signature rock and roll anthems, showcasing his influence on the genre before his tragic death the following year.
1971 – Carole King Releases “Tapestry”: Carole King’s iconic album “Tapestry” was released on February 10, 1971.
Featuring timeless hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “It’s Too Late,” the album became one of the best-selling records of all time and earned multiple Grammy Awards.
1993 – Michael Jackson’s Oprah Interview: On February 10, 1993, Michael Jackson gave a rare live television interview with Oprah Winfrey, watched by over 90 million viewers.
He addressed personal controversies, his changing appearance, and his career, marking a significant moment in pop culture history.
Today in Sports History
1936 – First Winter Olympics Broadcast: On February 10, 1936, events from the Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, were televised for the first time.
This marked an early milestone in sports broadcasting, bringing the games to a wider audience.
1968 – Peggy Fleming Wins Olympic Gold: American figure skater Peggy Fleming won the gold medal in women’s singles at the Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, on February 10, 1968.
Her elegant performance helped popularize figure skating in the United States.
1992 – Mike Tyson Conviction: On February 10, 1992, boxer Mike Tyson was convicted of rape in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The high-profile case drew significant media attention and marked a turning point in the career of the former heavyweight champion.
2014 – Sochi Winter Olympics Milestone: On February 10, 2014, during the Sochi Winter Olympics, American snowboarder Jamie Anderson won gold in the women’s slopestyle event.
Her victory contributed to the growing popularity of extreme sports at the Olympic level.
Today in Military and Naval History
1807 – U.S. Coast Survey Established: On February 10, 1807, the United States Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Coast Survey, the predecessor to today’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This agency played an important role in mapping America’s coastlines for naval and commercial purposes.
1862 – Battle of Elizabeth City: During the American Civil War, Union naval forces captured the Confederate fleet at the Battle of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on February 10, 1862.
This victory helped secure Union control over the Albemarle Sound region.
1942 – First Gold Star Mothers Medal: On February 10, 1942, the first Gold Star Lapel Button was awarded to the mother of a fallen U.S. soldier during World War II.
This symbol honors families who lost loved ones in military service.
Today in Tech and Science History
1946 – ENIAC Introduced: On February 10, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), one of the first general-purpose electronic computers, was formally dedicated at the University of Pennsylvania.
This groundbreaking machine ushered in the era of modern computing.
2009 – First Satellite Collision: On February 10, 2009, the first known collision between two satellites occurred when a defunct Russian satellite, Kosmos 2251, collided with the operational American satellite Iridium 33.
The event raised concerns about space debris and satellite safety.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1898 – Bertolt Brecht Born: German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht was born on February 10, 1898, in Augsburg, Germany.
Known for works like “The Threepenny Opera,” Brecht’s innovative “epic theatre” style influenced modern drama and political thought.
1930 – Premiere of “City Lights”: Charlie Chaplin’s silent film masterpiece “City Lights” had its world premiere on February 10, 1931, in Los Angeles.
Combining comedy and drama, the film is considered one of the greatest works of the silent era.
1964 – The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show”: On February 10, 1964, The Beatles made their second appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” captivating American audiences and solidifying their role in the British Invasion of pop culture.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1933 – First Singing Telegram: On February 10, 1933, the first singing telegram was delivered by Western Union in New York City.
A fan sent a musical birthday message to singer Rudy Vallée, starting a quirky tradition that became a cultural staple.
1966 – Valley of the Dolls Published: On February 10, 1966, Jacqueline Susann’s novel “Valley of the Dolls” was published.
The scandalous tale of Hollywood excess became a bestseller, though its over-the-top drama earned it both fans and critics.
Today in History for Kids
1840 – Queen Victoria Gets Married: On February 10, 1840, a young Queen Victoria of England married her cousin, Prince Albert.
She wore a beautiful white dress, and because of her, many brides started wearing white on their wedding day.
1863 – Fire Extinguisher Invention: Imagine putting out a fire with a special tool!
On February 10, 1863, a man named Alanson Crane got the first patent for a fire extinguisher in America, helping keep people safe from dangerous fires.
1946 – First Big Computer: On February 10, 1946, a giant machine called ENIAC was shown to the world.
It was one of the first computers, and even though it was huge and slow compared to today’s computers, it helped start the technology we use now.
1996 – Computer Beats Chess Champion: On February 10, 1996, a computer named Deep Blue beat a chess champion named Garry Kasparov in a game.
It was amazing because it showed how smart machines could be, just like in sci-fi movies!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1763 – End of a Big War: Did you know that on February 10, 1763, a treaty called Hubertusburg ended a huge war in Europe called the Seven Years’ War?
It helped shape which countries had power back then.
1958 – Buddy Holly’s Hit Song: Here’s a cool fact: On February 10, 1958, rock star Buddy Holly recorded “Rave On,” a super fun song that people still love to dance to today.
1962 – Spy Swap on a Bridge: Imagine a scene from a spy movie!
On February 10, 1962, an American pilot and a Soviet spy were traded on a bridge in Berlin during the Cold War, showing how tense things were between the two countries.
2009 – Space Crash: Here’s something wild: On February 10, 2009, two satellites crashed into each other in space for the first time ever.
It reminded everyone how crowded space is getting with all our technology up there.