This Day in History: July 10

1778: Louis XVI of France declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain

During the American Revolution, King Louis XVI of France declared war on the Kingdom of Great Britain. France's support for the American colonies was crucial in their victory over Britain.

1913: Death Valley, U.S experiences the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth

On this day, Death Valley, located in California, recorded a temperature of 134°F (57°C), which is still considered the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.

1940: Battle of Britain begins as Nazi forces attack shipping convoys in the English Channel

During World War II, Nazi forces began attacking shipping convoys in the English Channel, which marked the beginning of the Battle of Britain. The battle was fought entirely between air forces and ended a few months later with a British victory.

1962: Telstar, the world's first communication satellite is launched in space

The United States, United Kingdom, and France collaborated to launch Telstar, the world's first communication satellite. It transmitted the first live television images in the world, revolutionizing global communications.

1967: New Zealand adopts new currency

The New Zealand pound was replaced by the New Zealand dollar, which followed a decimal system of denominations. The new currency was widely accepted and used to this day.

1985: French foreign intelligence agents blow up the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbor, New Zealand

In an effort to prevent Greenpeace from interfering with French nuclear tests in the South Pacific, French foreign intelligence agents bombed and sunk the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbor, New Zealand. The incident resulted in the death of Dutch photographer Fernando Pereira and sparked an international outcry against French actions.

1991: Boris Yeltsin sworn in as 1st elected President of the Russian Federation

Boris Yeltsin was sworn in as the first democratically elected president of the Russian Federation. His presidency marked a significant shift towards democracy and market reforms in Russia.

2012: The American Episcopal Church becomes the first to approve a rite for blessing gay marriages

The American Episcopal Church approved a rite for blessing same-sex marriages, becoming the first mainstream Christian denomination in the United States to do so. This move was a significant step towards greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community within religious institutions.