May 10th: All Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

HISTORICAL EVENTS

• 1869: The First Transcontinental Railroad is completed in the United States, connecting the East Coast with the West Coast.
• 1924: J. Edgar Hoover is appointed as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States.
• 1940: Winston Churchill becomes the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II.
• 1981: François Mitterrand becomes the first socialist President of France.
• 2013: The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center, officially opens in New York City.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

• 1871: The first official attempt at creating the metric system of measurements takes place in France.
• 1908: The first Mother’s Day is celebrated in the United States.
• 1954: Bill Haley & His Comets record the rock and roll classic “Rock Around the Clock,” credited as one of the first rock and roll hits.
• 1973: The first mobile phone call is made by Martin Cooper of Motorola, using a prototype of the DynaTAC 8000X.
• 1986: The Chernobyl disaster occurs, resulting in the world’s worst nuclear accident.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

• 1775: The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
• 1863: During the American Civil War, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson dies from complications following his own troops accidentally firing on him.
• 1940: Winston Churchill gives his famous “We shall fight on the beaches” speech in the House of Commons, rallying the British during World War II.
• 1979: The Conservative Party led by Margaret Thatcher wins the UK general election, making Thatcher the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• 1994: Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa’s first black President, marking the end of apartheid.

CULTURAL EVENTS

• 1849: The Astor Place Riot occurs in New York City, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people during a dispute between rival actors.
• 1869: The first production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “H.M.S. Pinafore” premieres at the Opera Comique in London.
• 1908: Mother’s Day is observed for the first time in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis.
• 1954: The Cannes Film Festival is held for the first time in France, becoming one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
• 1994: Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa’s first black President, marking the end of apartheid.

BIRTHS

• 1899: Fred Astaire, American dancer, singer, and actor.
• 1902: David O. Selznick, American film producer.
• 1933: Barbara Taylor Bradford, English author.
• 1946: Donovan, Scottish singer-songwriter.
• 1975: Andrea Anders, American actress.

NOTABLE DEATHS

• 1774: Louis XV, King of France.
• 1863: Stonewall Jackson, Confederate General.
• 1946: John Logie Baird, Scottish inventor of the mechanical television.
• 1994: John Wayne, American actor.
• 2005: Frank Gorshin, American actor and impressionist.

Conclusion

May 10th has witnessed significant historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, and births of notable individuals. From the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 to the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first black President in 1994, this date has been marked with moments that shaped the course of history. Whether it is the first mobile phone call in 1973 or the premiere of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” in 1869, May 10th holds cultural significance as well. The births of influential figures like Fred Astaire and the notable deaths of Louis XV and John Wayne add further depth to the events associated with this day.

FAQs

Q: What are some major historical events that took place on May 10th?
A: Some major historical events that took place on May 10th include the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States in 1869 and the appointment of J. Edgar Hoover as the first Director of the FBI in 1924.

Q: Are there any notable scientific breakthroughs associated with May 10th?
A: Yes, on May 10th, 1871, the first official attempt at creating the metric system of measurements took place in France. Additionally, on this date in 1908, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in the United States.

Q: Have there been any significant political milestones on May 10th?
A: Yes, on May 10th, 1940, Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. Moreover, on this date in 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black President, signifying the end of apartheid.

Q: Are there any notable cultural events that occurred on May 10th?
A: Yes, on May 10th, 1908, the first production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “H.M.S. Pinafore” premiered in London. The Cannes Film Festival also held its first edition on May 10th, 1954, in France.

Q: Who are some famous individuals born on May 10th?
A: Some famous individuals born on May 10th include Fred Astaire, David O. Selznick, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Donovan, and Andrea Anders.

Q: Who are some notable individuals who passed away on May 10th?
A: Louis XV, Stonewall Jackson, John Logie Baird, John Wayne, and Frank Gorshin are some notable individuals who passed away on May 10th.