Significant diplomatic, political, cultural, and sporting developments have taken place on February 10 across centuries. The following timeline traces key events from the 18th century to the modern era.
Pelham Brothers Return to Office – 1746
The Pelham brothers resigned from the British government but soon resumed office after King George II reversed his opposition.
The Treaty of Paris – 1763
The Seven Years’ War formally concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Britain, Prussia, France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Saxony, Sweden, and Russia had fought across Europe, North America, and the Indian subcontinent. France ceded several colonies to Britain, marking a decisive shift in global power.
British Victory During the Indian Rebellion – 1859:
British forces led by General Horsford defeated Begum of Oudh and Nana Sahib during the Indian Rebellion, marking a critical phase in the conflict.
Birth of Bertolt Brecht – 1898:
German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht, a major influence on modern theatre, was born. During the Cold War, he was among several artists subpoenaed by US congressional committees over alleged Communist affiliations.
Release of Passive Resistance Prisoners – 1914:
Following an understanding between General Jan Smuts and civil rights leader M.K. Gandhi, passive resistance prisoners were released from jails in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Newcastle, and Port Elizabeth.
India’s First General Election – 1952:
India conducted its first general election, a landmark moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Jawaharlal Nehru continued as Prime Minister following the polls.
USSR–US Cooperation for a Spy Swap – 1962:
At the height of the Cold War, US U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged for Soviet intelligence officer Rudolf Abel on Berlin’s Glienicke Bridge, marking a rare moment of cooperation between the rival superpowers.
Release of Bob Dylan’s Album The Times They Are A-Changin’– 1964:
American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan released The Times They Are A-Changin’, an album influenced by Irish and Scottish ballads and shaped by the US civil rights movement.
Wagalla Massacre in Kenya – 1984:
More than 5,000 ethnic Somalis were killed in Kenya’s Wajir County during a military operation by the Kenyan Army. Initially denied by authorities, the massacre was later acknowledged as a grave human rights violation after more than two decades.
Human Competes Against a Supercomputer – 1996:
World chess champion Garry Kasparov began his historic match against IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue, a defining moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence and human–machine competition.
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