March 10 stands as one of history’s most eventful days, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, groundbreaking discoveries, and moments that shaped our modern world across centuries of human achievement.
Politics and Government Events on March 10
1909 – Anglo-Siamese Treaty Redraws Southeast Asian Borders
Thailand relinquished sovereignty over four Malay states through the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu became British protectorates under this landmark agreement.
The treaty fundamentally altered the balance of power in Southeast Asia. British colonial influence expanded significantly while Thailand’s territorial control diminished in the strategic Malay Peninsula region.
1922 – Mahatma Gandhi Arrested for Sedition
British authorities arrested Mahatma Gandhi in India and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for sedition. The colonial government charged him with undermining British rule through his nonviolent resistance movement.
Gandhi served nearly two years before authorities released him for an emergency appendicitis operation. His imprisonment became a rallying point for India’s independence movement and international criticism of British colonial policies.
1952 – Fulgencio Batista Seizes Power in Cuba
Fulgencio Batista successfully overthrew the Cuban government in a military coup d’état. His forces swiftly captured key government buildings and communications centers in Havana.
The bloodless takeover established Batista’s authoritarian rule that would last until 1959. This political upheaval set the stage for growing opposition movements that would eventually culminate in the Cuban Revolution.
1971 – Australian Prime Minister John Gorton Resigns
John Gorton resigned as Australia’s Prime Minister following a failed confidence vote within the Liberal Party. William McMahon immediately replaced him in both the party leadership and prime ministerial positions.
The secret ballot vote exposed deep divisions within the governing party. Gorton’s departure marked a significant shift in Australian politics during a turbulent period of social and economic change.
2017 – South Korean President Park Geun-hye Impeached
South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment following a major corruption scandal. The ruling immediately ended her presidency and triggered new elections.
The historic decision marked the first successful presidential impeachment in South Korean history. Park’s removal demonstrated the strength of democratic institutions and the rule of law in modern South Korea.
2022 – Hungary Elects First Female President
Hungary’s National Assembly elected Katalin Novák as the country’s first female president in a 137-51 vote. The former Family Affairs minister assumed the largely ceremonial but symbolically important position.
Novák’s election broke a significant gender barrier in Hungarian politics. Her presidency represented a milestone for women’s representation in Eastern European leadership positions.
Military and Naval History on March 10
1944 – Greek Civil War Political Committee Established
The National Liberation Front established the Political Committee of National Liberation in Greece during World War II. This governing body represented communist and leftist resistance forces fighting against Axis occupation.
The committee’s formation intensified political divisions that would explode into civil war. These competing power structures laid the groundwork for the brutal conflict that would ravage Greece after German withdrawal.
1945 – U.S. Firebombing of Tokyo Kills Over 100,000
The U.S. Army Air Force conducted a devastating firebombing campaign against Tokyo during World War II. The resulting conflagration killed more than 100,000 people, mostly civilians, in one of the war’s deadliest single attacks.
Incendiary bombs created a massive firestorm that consumed vast areas of the Japanese capital. The raid demonstrated the terrifying effectiveness of strategic bombing against civilian populations and marked a turning point in the Pacific War.
1970 – Captain Medina Charged with My Lai War Crimes
The U.S. military formally charged Captain Ernest Medina with war crimes related to the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. Military prosecutors accused him of participating in or failing to prevent the killing of Vietnamese civilians.
The charges highlighted the breakdown of military discipline and moral authority in Vietnam. Medina’s case became part of broader investigations that exposed systematic atrocities and changed American public opinion about the war.
1975 – North Vietnamese Forces Attack Ban Mê Thuột
North Vietnamese troops launched their assault on Ban Mê Thuột as part of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. This strategic offensive represented the final push toward capturing Saigon and achieving total victory over South Vietnam.
The attack marked the beginning of South Vietnam’s rapid collapse. Within weeks, the entire South Vietnamese military structure would crumble, leading to the fall of Saigon and reunification under communist rule.
Science and Discovery Milestones on March 10
1977 – Astronomers Discover Rings of Uranus
Astronomers made the groundbreaking discovery of Uranus’s ring system through careful observation and measurement. The findings revealed that ring systems existed beyond Saturn in our solar system.
This discovery revolutionized understanding of planetary formation and dynamics. The Uranian rings provided new insights into how cosmic debris organizes around massive celestial bodies throughout the universe.
1982 – Planetary Alignment Creates Rare Syzygy
All nine planets recognized at the time aligned on the same side of the Sun in an extraordinary astronomical event. Mercury through Pluto positioned themselves in the same general direction from Earth’s perspective.
This rare syzygy occurred only once every several centuries and fascinated astronomers worldwide. The alignment provided unique opportunities for gravitational studies and planetary observation that advanced solar system science.
2006 – Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Reaches Red Planet
NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter successfully arrived at Mars after a seven-month journey from Earth. The sophisticated spacecraft began its mission to study Martian geology, climate, and potential for past or present life.
The orbiter’s advanced instruments revolutionized Mars exploration and mapping capabilities. Its high-resolution cameras and spectrometers provided unprecedented detail about Martian surface features and atmospheric conditions.
Cultural and Arts Events on March 10
1948 – Zelda Fitzgerald Dies in Hospital Fire
Zelda Fitzgerald, the brilliant author and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, perished in a hospital fire in North Carolina. Her death ended the life of a talented writer whose work exemplified the Jazz Age’s creative spirit.
Zelda’s artistic contributions included novels, short stories, and visual art that captured the era’s cultural dynamism. Her tragic death symbolized the destructive forces that claimed many creative talents of her generation.
1985 – Andy Gibb Dies at Age 30
Andy Gibb, the youngest member of the musical Gibb family, died at age 30 from complications related to substance abuse. His death shocked the music world and ended a promising career in pop music.
The Australian singer-songwriter had achieved international success with several hit singles in the late 1970s. His premature death highlighted the pressures and dangers facing young entertainers in the music industry.
1992 – Greek Bouzouki Master Giorgos Zampetas Dies
Giorgos Zampetas, Greece’s legendary bouzouki player and composer, passed away after a career spanning several decades. His innovative playing style and compositions helped define modern Greek popular music.
Zampetas revolutionized bouzouki technique and brought the instrument to international attention. His musical legacy influenced countless musicians and helped preserve Greek musical traditions for future generations.
Religious and Social Events on March 10
1959 – Tibetan Uprising Begins in Lhasa
Thousands of Tibetans surrounded the Dalai Lama’s palace in Lhasa, fearing Chinese authorities planned to abduct their spiritual leader. The mass gathering sparked the Tibetan uprising against Chinese occupation.
The protests quickly spread throughout Tibet as citizens demanded independence from Chinese control. This pivotal moment led to the Dalai Lama’s escape to India and decades of international advocacy for Tibetan rights.
1979 – Iranian Women Protest in Tehran
International Women’s Day protests in Tehran reached their peak with 15,000 Iranian women and girls staging a three-hour sit-in at the courthouse. The demonstration protested restrictions imposed by the new Islamic government.
The massive protest highlighted women’s resistance to fundamentalist policies following the Iranian Revolution. Their courage in facing government repression inspired women’s rights movements throughout the Middle East.
1913 – Harriet Tubman Dies
Harriet Tubman, the legendary conductor of the Underground Railroad, died at approximately age 93. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to fighting slavery and promoting civil rights.
Tubman’s fearless rescue missions helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom. Her legacy as an American hero and symbol of courage continues to inspire civil rights movements worldwide.
Business and Economic Events on March 10
2000 – Dot-com Bubble Peaks with NASDAQ High
The NASDAQ Composite index reached its historic peak of 5,048.62 points, marking the height of the dot-com bubble. Technology stocks commanded astronomical valuations despite many companies lacking profitable business models.
The market peak preceded a devastating crash that wiped out trillions in investor wealth. This speculative bubble’s collapse reshaped the technology industry and led to more realistic valuations of internet companies.
2023 – Silicon Valley Bank Collapses
Silicon Valley Bank collapsed due to a catastrophic run on deposits, becoming the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation immediately took over the bank’s operations.
The collapse sent shockwaves through the technology and startup ecosystem that relied heavily on SVB’s services. The failure highlighted vulnerabilities in the banking system and raised questions about regulatory oversight.
2020 – Alfred Peet Dies
Alfred Peet, the Dutch-American entrepreneur who founded Peet’s Coffee & Tea, was born on this date in 1920. His company revolutionized American coffee culture by introducing high-quality, dark-roasted beans.
Peet’s innovations in coffee roasting and retail influenced the entire specialty coffee industry. His entrepreneurial vision helped transform American taste preferences and established the foundation for the modern coffee shop culture.
Transportation and Infrastructure on March 10
1933 – Long Beach Earthquake Devastates Los Angeles Area
The Long Beach earthquake struck the Greater Los Angeles Area, killing approximately 108 people and causing widespread destruction. The powerful tremor revealed serious structural weaknesses in buildings throughout Southern California.
The disaster prompted comprehensive reforms in building codes and earthquake safety standards. These changes fundamentally improved construction practices and helped protect millions of future residents from seismic hazards.
1989 – Air Ontario Flight 1363 Crashes in Canada
Air Ontario Flight 1363, a Fokker F-28 Fellowship, crashed at Dryden Regional Airport in Ontario, killing 24 people. The accident occurred during takeoff in challenging winter weather conditions.
The crash investigation revealed critical failures in de-icing procedures and crew training. The tragedy led to improved safety protocols for winter flight operations and enhanced pilot training requirements.
2019 – Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Crashes
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 MAX, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 157 passengers and crew members. This disaster, combined with the earlier Lion Air crash, led to the worldwide grounding of all 737 MAX aircraft.
The crashes exposed serious flaws in Boeing’s design and certification processes. The global grounding marked an unprecedented safety response that lasted nearly two years and cost the aviation industry billions.
Sports and Recreation on March 10
1946 – Jim Valvano Born
Jim Valvano, the legendary basketball coach, was born on this date in 1946. His passionate coaching style and inspirational leadership made him one of college basketball’s most beloved figures.
Valvano led North Carolina State to an unlikely NCAA championship in 1983 with one of the tournament’s greatest upsets. His courage in battling cancer and his famous “Don’t give up” speech continue to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
1977 – Shannon Miller Born
Shannon Miller, America’s most decorated gymnast, was born on this date in 1977. Her exceptional career included seven Olympic medals and nine World Championship medals.
Miller’s consistency and technical precision set new standards for American gymnastics. Her achievements helped establish the United States as a dominant force in international gymnastics competition.
1995 – Zach LaVine Born
Zach LaVine, the explosive NBA shooting guard, was born on this date in 1995. His athletic ability and scoring prowess made him one of basketball’s most exciting young talents.
LaVine’s spectacular dunking ability earned him two NBA Slam Dunk Contest championships. His development into an All-Star player demonstrated the evolution of modern basketball’s emphasis on athleticism and three-point shooting.
Notable Births on March 10
1903 – Bix Beiderbecke Born
Bix Beiderbecke, the legendary American cornet player, was born on this date in 1903. His innovative jazz style and lyrical approach to improvisation influenced generations of musicians.
Beiderbecke’s brief but brilliant career helped define the sound of 1920s jazz. His recordings with various bands captured the essence of the Jazz Age and established him as one of music’s most influential figures.
1918 – Günther Rall Born
Günther Rall, the German fighter pilot and general, was born on this date in 1918. He became one of the most successful fighter aces in aviation history with 275 confirmed victories.
Rall’s exceptional flying skills and leadership abilities made him a legendary figure in military aviation. His post-war career included senior positions in the German Air Force and contributions to NATO operations.
1940 – Chuck Norris Born
Chuck Norris, the American martial artist and actor, was born on this date in 1940. His martial arts expertise and action movie roles made him a cultural icon and internet phenomenon.
Norris’s karate championships and Hollywood career popularized martial arts in American culture. His tough-guy persona and philanthropic work with young people established him as both an entertainer and role model.
1947 – Kim Campbell Born
Kim Campbell, Canada’s first female Prime Minister, was born on this date in 1947. Her historic appointment broke gender barriers in Canadian politics and government.
Campbell’s brief but significant tenure as Prime Minister demonstrated women’s capabilities in high-level political leadership. Her legal background and political experience paved the way for future women in Canadian government.
1958 – Sharon Stone Born
Sharon Stone, the Academy Award-nominated actress, was born on this date in 1958. Her breakthrough performance in “Basic Instinct” established her as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars.
Stone’s acting range and intelligence brought depth to both dramatic and thriller roles. Her advocacy for HIV/AIDS research and humanitarian causes demonstrated her commitment to social issues beyond entertainment.
1971 – Jon Hamm Born
Jon Hamm, the Emmy Award-winning actor, was born on this date in 1971. His portrayal of Don Draper in “Mad Men” earned critical acclaim and established him as a dramatic leading man.
Hamm’s nuanced performance captured the complexity of 1960s American masculinity and advertising culture. His success in both television and film demonstrated the evolution of prestige television and its impact on acting careers.
1977 – Robin Thicke Born
Robin Thicke, the Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, was born on this date in 1977. His smooth vocal style and R&B sensibilities made him a prominent figure in contemporary soul music.
Thicke’s hit songs and collaborations with major artists established his reputation as a talented musician and producer. His musical heritage and artistic development reflected the evolution of modern R&B and pop music.
1994 – Bad Bunny Born
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar, was born on this date in 1994. His innovative approach to Latin music and global appeal transformed the reggaeton genre internationally.
Bad Bunny’s chart-topping albums and streaming records demonstrated Latin music’s growing worldwide influence. His artistic creativity and cultural impact helped bring reggaeton and Latin trap to mainstream global audiences.
Notable Deaths on March 10
1925 – Myer Prinstein Dies
Myer Prinstein, the Polish-American Olympic champion, died on this date in 1925. His dominance in long jump and triple jump competitions made him one of track and field’s earliest superstars.
Prinstein won four Olympic gold medals and set numerous world records during his career. His athletic achievements helped establish American dominance in Olympic track and field competition.
1937 – Yevgeny Zamyatin Dies
Yevgeny Zamyatin, the Russian author and journalist, died on this date in 1937. His dystopian novel “We” influenced later works like “1984” and “Brave New World.”
Zamyatin’s literary innovations and political criticism made him a target of Soviet censorship. His exile and death in Paris symbolized the intellectual repression that characterized Stalin’s regime.
1940 – Mikhail Bulgakov Dies
Mikhail Bulgakov, the Russian novelist and playwright, died on this date in 1940. His masterpiece “The Master and Margarita” became one of the most celebrated novels in Russian literature.
Bulgakov’s satirical works and theatrical innovations challenged Soviet artistic conventions. His posthumous literary fame demonstrated the enduring power of artistic expression despite political oppression.
1985 – Konstantin Chernenko Dies
Konstantin Chernenko, the Soviet leader and Communist Party head, died on this date in 1985. His brief tenure as Soviet leader marked the end of the old guard’s control over the USSR.
Chernenko’s death paved the way for Mikhail Gorbachev’s rise to power and the reforms that would transform the Soviet Union. His passing marked a crucial turning point in Cold War history.
1998 – Lloyd Bridges Dies
Lloyd Bridges, the veteran American actor, died on this date in 1998. His long career spanned television, film, and theater, making him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
Bridges’s performances in “High Noon” and “Airplane!” showcased his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. His acting dynasty continued through his sons Beau and Jeff Bridges.
2010 – Corey Haim Dies
Corey Haim, the Canadian actor and teen heartthrob, died on this date in 2010. His roles in 1980s films like “The Lost Boys” made him a defining figure of that decade’s youth culture.
Haim’s struggles with substance abuse highlighted the pressures facing young Hollywood actors. His death at age 38 marked the tragic end of a promising career cut short by personal demons.
Holidays and Observances on March 10
Harriet Tubman Day
The United States observes Harriet Tubman Day to honor the legendary Underground Railroad conductor and civil rights pioneer. This commemoration celebrates her courage in leading enslaved people to freedom and her contributions to American liberty.
Educational institutions and museums across the country organize special programs highlighting Tubman’s extraordinary life and legacy. The observance reinforces her importance as a symbol of resistance against oppression and dedication to human rights.
Tibetan Uprising Day
The Tibetan independence movement commemorates the 1959 uprising against Chinese occupation with this annual observance. Tibetan communities worldwide organize protests and cultural events to maintain awareness of their struggle for autonomy.
The day serves as a reminder of Tibet’s continuing fight for religious freedom and cultural preservation. International supporters join Tibetans in calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the Tibet-China conflict.
Men’s Day in Poland
Poland celebrates Men’s Day as a cultural tradition recognizing the contributions of fathers, husbands, and male colleagues. The observance provides an opportunity to acknowledge men’s roles in family and society.
Polish communities organize various activities and gift-giving traditions to honor the men in their lives. The celebration reflects Polish cultural values emphasizing family relationships and social appreciation.