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10 September Today in History
Germany Invades Poland
On this day, Germany's submarine U-29 sinks the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous, marking a significant event in the early stages of World War II. It was part of Germany's aggressive strategy during its invasion of Poland, which ultimately led to the start of the war.
The Nuremberg Trials
On September 10th, 1946, the final judgement of the Nuremberg Trials was delivered, sentencing top-ranking Nazi officials for their heinous crimes during WWII. These trials played a crucial role in establishing the precedent for international law.
Re-establishment of the German Armed Forces
The Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, was established on this day. The creation of the Bundeswehr marked a significant event in the post-World War II era as Germany was allowed to rebuild its military, albeit under NATO command.
East German Refugees
During the waning days of the Cold War, thousands of East German refugees flooded the West German embassy in Prague on this day. Their successful escape to the West was one of the events that precipitated the fall of the Berlin Wall later in the year.
Flood Disaster in Germany
On September 10, 2002, Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced a €7 billion aid package for regions affected by the worst flooding in centuries. The disaster was seen as a defining moment in Schröder's chancellorship, and the support helped his party in the upcoming elections.
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh took place on the banks of the River Esk near Musselburgh, Scotland on 10 September 1547 during the War of the Rough Wooing. It was the last pitched battle between Scottish and English armies and resulted in a significant defeat for Scotland where it lost 15,000 men.
Battle of Worcester
On September 10, 1651, the future King Charles II of England escaped from the country following the defeat of his forces at the Battle of Worcester. This marked the end of Royalist resistance to Parliament in the English Civil War and Charles had to spend the next six years in exile before his restoration to the throne.
The London Electric Cab Company
The first electric taxi service was operational in London on 10 September 1897. Walter C. Bersey, the manager of the London Electrical Cab Company, designed the electric taxicab and made them available for hire. This marked a significant event in the development of transportation in the UK.
Empress Elizabeth of Austria assassinated
On 10 September 1898, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, was assassinated by Luigi Lucheni, an Italian anarchist, in Geneva, Switzerland. Despite not taking place in the UK, the event had a significant impact on British international relations and was widely reported in the UK at the time.
Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
This treaty was signed on September 10, 1919 by the victorious Allies of World War I on the one hand and by the Republic of German-Austria on the other. While the treaty itself was not signed in the UK, the British government played a significant role in its negotiation and enforcement. The treaty officially ended World War I between those countries and also recognized the independence of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
Nathan Hale Volunteers for Spy Duty
During the American Revolutionary War, Captain Nathan Hale reportedly volunteered to spy on British troops. This event is significantly remembered as he was later captured and executed by the British, famously uttering: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
The Battle of Lake Erie
During the War of 1812, on this day, nine vessels of the United States Navy defeated six vessels of Britain's Royal Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie. It was a pivotal moment in the war and helped the U.S. regain control of the area.
First Recorded Drunk Driving Arrest
On this day, London cab driver George Smith becomes the first person ever arrested for drunk driving after slamming his taxi into a building. This event would later influence laws and regulations in the United States and around the world.
Switzerland Joins the United Nations
While not directly an American event, it had global implications. Switzerland had been one of the few remaining countries not part of the UN. Its admission on this day marked a significant moment in international diplomacy and development.
Large Hadron Collider Powered Up
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest and most powerful particle collider and the largest machine in the world, was first powered up on this day. While the LHC is located in Europe, the United States played a significant role in its design and construction.
Assassination of John the Fearless
On 10 September 1419, John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, was assassinated on the bridge at Montereau during a parley. His death marked a critical point in the Hundred Years War.
The September Massacres
The September Massacres, a series of killings of prisoners in Paris, continued through 10 September 1792 during the French Revolution. The massacre resulted from fears of foreign and royalist plots after the overthrow of the monarchy.
Creation of the "Blue Devils"
On 10 September 1915, the French Army established the Chasseurs Alpins, also known as the "Blue Devils". These mountain infantry troops played a crucial role in World War I and became symbols of French resistance.
Establishment of the French National Space Agency
On 10 September 1963, the French government established Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), the French National Space Agency. Since its creation, CNES has been a major player in international space science, technology and applications.
Last Execution by Guillotine
Hamida Djandoubi, convicted for torture and murder, was executed by guillotine on 10 September 1977 in Marseille. This was the last execution carried out in France before capital punishment was abolished in 1981. The guillotine had been the only legal method of execution in France since the French Revolution.