The video game DOOM was released, revolutionizing first-person shooters
Id Software's groundbreaking game popularized 3D graphics, multiplayer deathmatches, and player-created modifications. It was so popular that it was e...
Historical Events
1993
1982
The Law of the Sea treaty was signed by 117 countries at the United Nations
This comprehensive agreement established rules for how countries use the world's oceans, defining territorial waters and creating exclusive economic z...
1964
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize
MajorAt 35, King became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at the time. He donated the entire $54,123 prize money to the civil rights moveme...
1952
A scientist became the first person to successfully separate Siamese twins
Dr. Jac Gerson separated craniopagus twins (joined at the head) in Chicago. The groundbreaking surgery took four hours and required extreme precision....
1948
The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
MajorEleanor Roosevelt chaired the drafting committee for this landmark document. It proclaimed inalienable rights for all people regardless of race, color...
1936
King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson
MajorIn a famous radio address, Edward declared "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility without the help and support of the...
1927
The Grand Ole Opry made its radio debut in Nashville
Originally called the WSM Barn Dance, the show became the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history. It helped establish Nashville as the center...
1901
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden
MajorAlfred Nobel's will established prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The ceremony has been held on December 10th every year...
1869
Wyoming became the first government in the world to grant women the right to vote
MajorThe Wyoming Territory legislature passed the bill, making it the first place in America where women could vote. Governor John Allen Campbell signed it...
1817
Mississippi became the 20th U.S. state
Named after the Mississippi River, the state was carved out of the Mississippi Territory. It became a major cotton-producing state in the antebellum S...
1799
The metric system was adopted in France
France became the first country to officially use the metric system of measurement. The system was based on the meter, defined as one ten-millionth of...
1690
A fire destroyed the first successful paper mill in North America
Located near Philadelphia, William Rittenhouse's mill had been producing paper for just a few years. The mill used old rags to make paper, which was d...
Fun Facts from December 10
1968History
1869History