Every year, December 10 brings together a remarkable collection of turning points that helped define politics, science, human rights and culture across continents. The date has quietly shaped the modern world, from the birth of paper currency to groundbreaking Nobel Prize ceremonies and landmark victories for democracy. Here are the major moments that unfolded on this day.
Colonial America prints emergency paper notes – 1690
On this day in 1690, the Massachusetts Bay Colony took an unprecedented step, issuing the first paper money in the Western Hemisphere. The colony, reeling from an unsuccessful military campaign against Quebec and facing unrest among unpaid soldiers, resorted to printed notes as a temporary financial fix. This improvised solution became a historic milestone, laying the groundwork for North America’s future monetary systems.
John Jay takes charge of the Continental Congress – 1778
December 10, 1778 marked the rise of John Jay as president of the Continental Congress. Already a key figure in New York’s political landscape, Jay was known for firmly challenging British influence and advocating American independence. His tenure provided measured leadership at a fragile moment in the nation’s early governance.
Wyoming opens the ballot to women – 1869
In a historic first, the Wyoming Territory approved full voting rights for women on this day in 1869. Motivations ranged from genuine recognition of women’s contribution to frontier life to a desire for national attention. Regardless of political motives, Wyoming became the first territory in the United States to formally endorse women’s suffrage.
Spanish-American war ends with treaty of Paris – 1898
The Treaty of Paris, signed on 10 December 1898, officially concluded the Spanish-American War. The deal transferred territories including Puerto Rico and the Philippines to the United States, signalling the country’s arrival as an international power with overseas holdings.
The First Nobel Prizes are presented – 1901
December 10, 1901 saw the inaugural Nobel Prize ceremony, fulfilling Alfred Nobel’s vision five years after his death. Honours were announced across physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace, establishing a tradition that now defines global recognition in science and culture.
The Curies share a landmark Nobel Prize – 1903
Marie and Pierre Curie, together with Henri Becquerel, received the Nobel Prize in Physics on this day in 1903. Their pioneering research on radioactivity transformed scientific understanding and opened possibilities that continue to influence medicine and technology today.
O. Henry’s beloved story ‘The Gift of the Magi’ appears – 1905
O. Henry’s timeless short story made its first published appearance on December 10, 1905. The emotional tale of a couple trading their treasured possessions for each other’s happiness became an enduring piece of American literature, celebrated for its simplicity and warmth.
Red Cross honoured for wartime humanitarian work – 1917
Amid the devastation of the First World War, the International Committee of the Red Cross received the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1917. It stood as the only Peace Prize awarded during the war years, acknowledging the organisation’s critical humanitarian efforts.
Woodrow Wilson recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize – 1920
US President Woodrow Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1920 for his role in bringing World War I to a close and establishing the League of Nations. Ill health prevented him from attending the ceremony, but the prize cemented his place in diplomatic history.
Canton Bulldogs secure NFL’s first championship – 1922
December 10, 1922 marked a milestone in American sport as the Canton Bulldogs clinched the inaugural NFL championship. Their unbeaten season and nine defensive shutouts set early standards for professional football.
Ralph Bunche makes Nobel History – 1950
Diplomat Ralph Bunche received the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1950, honoured for his mediation during the first Arab-Israeli conflict. He became the first African American laureate, a landmark moment in both diplomacy and civil rights history.
Congressman Wilbur Mills steps down amid scandal – 1974
Wilbur Mills resigned from his role as chairman of the influential House Ways and Means Committee on this day in 1974. His departure followed a widely publicised personal scandal, making it one of the earliest modern political controversies to receive intense media coverage in the United States.
Soviet crackdown on Human Rights Day – 1977
December 10, 1977 witnessed a harsh response from Soviet authorities as dissidents attempting to mark Human Rights Day in Moscow were detained. The arrests reflected the regime’s tightening grip on political expression during the late Cold War era.
Ahmed Zewail becomes a trailblazer in chemistry – 1999
Egyptian-American scientist Ahmed Zewail won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on this day in 1999 for his pioneering use of ultrafast lasers to observe chemical reactions in real time. His revolutionary work established the field of femtochemistry.
‘Avatar’ Debuts to Global Excitement – 2009
James Cameron’s Avatar premiered in London on December 10, 2009. The film was widely acclaimed for its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive 3D technology, eventually becoming one of the highest-grossing movies in cinema history.
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