Armies, Witches, and War: June 10!
Welcome, history explorers! June 10th is a day packed with big moments—some brave, some scary, and some world-changing! We’ll travel from the early days of the American Revolution to the start of major world conflicts. Get ready to see how one day can twist the path of history!
Did you know that on this day, a future President proposed the very army that would win American independence? Just a few decades later, another major world event saw a whole country jump into the ring! From daring political moves to dark, tragic events, June 10th certainly keeps things exciting.
What Happened on This Day
Continental Army Proposed for America
Tensions with Great Britain were sizzling! On June 10, 1775, John Adams, who would later become a US President, stood up and suggested that the colonies form their own official fighting force: the Continental Army. Before this, the colonists were just militias, but this proposal was a massive step toward saying, 'We’ll fight for ourselves!' It paved the way for George Washington to become the top general and lead the fight for freedom.
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First Hanging in Salem Witch Trials
This is a dark spot in history. On June 10, 1692, Bridget Bishop became the very first person hanged during the infamous Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. Because of fear and superstition, many people were accused of practicing dark magic. This tragic event kicked off a terrible few months where 19 people were eventually executed. It’s a stark reminder of what can happen when panic takes over reason.
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Italy Joins World War II
Imagine watching a huge soccer match, and suddenly a new, powerful player jumps in on one side! That’s what happened in 1940 when Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, declared war on France and Great Britain. They officially joined the Axis powers alongside Germany. This meant the fight, already huge, just got even bigger and more complicated, pulling more of the world into the massive struggle of World War II.
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The Speed of Sound is Publicly Broken
For years, it was a mystery: could a plane fly faster than the speed of sound? It was like trying to break a sound barrier that no one could even see! In 1948, the US Air Force finally announced what pilot Chuck Yeager had actually done back in 1947: he flew his Bell X-1 rocket plane faster than sound! This confirmed that flying that fast was possible and opened up a whole new age of incredible aviation science.
Paris Opens the World's First Public Zoo
Forget secret royal gardens! On June 10, 1793, the Jardin des Plantes in Paris officially opened its gates to *everyone*. It was the first public zoo in the world, taking animals from the King's private collection and inviting regular people to come see lions, tigers, and giraffes! It was a revolutionary idea that turned animals into a public resource for learning and wonder, not just a private luxury for the rich.
Fun Facts About June 10
- The world’s first public zoo opened on this day in Paris, France, in 1793!
- The speed of sound barrier news finally went public on June 10, 1948, though it was broken in 1947!
- In 1776, a committee was appointed to write the Declaration of Independence the very next day!
- The first person executed in the scary Salem witch trials was Bridget Bishop.
A Look Back in Time
June 10th often lands when the Northern Hemisphere is enjoying early summer, but historically, it’s seen a lot of conflict! In 1775, America was gearing up to fight its war for independence, showing that even in pleasant weather, big political battles brew. Centuries earlier, the Third Crusade hit a snag when a major leader tragically drowned on this day. By the 1940s, World War II was in full swing, showing how quickly alliances and global conflicts can shift, even on an ordinary summer date.
Born on This Day
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Born a Prince of Greece and Denmark, he became famous as the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. He was a very active royal for many decades, serving in the Royal Navy and supporting hundreds of charities—a true life of service!
Judy Garland
You know her as Dorothy from *The Wizard of Oz*! Judy Garland was an amazing singer and actress who shined on stage and in movies. She had a truly magical voice that made her one of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Maurice Sendak
This creative genius wrote and illustrated the classic children's book *Where the Wild Things Are*. He showed kids that it’s okay to feel wild and sometimes even grumpy, making him a hero to young readers everywhere!
Bill Burr
Bill Burr is a super popular stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his sharp, funny observations about life. He makes people laugh out loud with his unique and energetic style!