What happened on January 10 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Napoleon Bonaparte divorces his first wife Joséphine
Napoleon Bonaparte’s divorce from Joséphine de Beauharnais marked a significant turning point in his personal and political life, as it was influenced by his need for an heir and his growing imperial ambitions.
- Napoleon and Joséphine's marriage had been strained by her inability to produce a male heir, which was crucial for Napoleon's dynastic plans.
- The divorce allowed Napoleon to marry Marie Louise of Austria, securing an alliance with the powerful Habsburg Empire and ensuring the possibility of producing heirs.
- Despite the divorce, Napoleon and Joséphine maintained a cordial relationship, with Napoleon continuing to provide for her financially and offering her titles.
Source: Wikipedia
The first General Assembly of the United Nations opens in London
The first General Assembly of the United Nations marked the beginning of a new era in international diplomacy, with fifty-one nations coming together to address global issues in the aftermath of World War II.
- The assembly was convened to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations in a world recovering from the devastation of the war.
- The founding members worked to establish the UN’s key functions, such as peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
- The creation of specialized agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN’s adoption of a charter laid the groundwork for modern international relations.
Source: Wikipedia
The London Underground opens
The opening of the London Underground in 1863 revolutionized transportation in the city, offering the first underground rail service in the world and making a lasting impact on urban mobility.
- The initial line, known as the Metropolitan Railway, was designed to ease congestion on London’s overcrowded streets by providing an alternative mode of transport.
- The underground service initially used steam-powered engines, a technology later replaced by electric trains for efficiency and to reduce pollution.
- The success of the Metropolitan Railway led to the rapid expansion of the London Underground network, which became a model for underground systems worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia
"The Adventures of Tintin" is first published
The Adventures of Tintin debuted as a comic strip in Belgium, introducing one of the most enduring and beloved characters in European comic book history.
- Created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, the series follows the adventures of Tintin, a young reporter, and his dog Snowy, as they travel the world solving mysteries and uncovering conspiracies.
- The series was praised for its detailed artwork, well-researched storylines, and ability to engage both young and adult readers with its diverse themes, though the earliest stories were later criticized for animal cruelty; colonialism; violence; and ethnocentric, caricatured portrayals of non-Europeans.
- Over time, The Adventures of Tintin became a global phenomenon, with books translated into more than 70 languages and adapted into animated series, films, and stage productions.
Source: Wikipedia