This Day in History: April 10

1815 Mount Tambora explodes in one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history

At least 71,000 people were killed by the eruption. The explosion was heard up to 2000 km (1200 mi) away, and it caused a global volcanic winter.

1858 "Big Ben", a 13.76 tonne bell, is recast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry

The famous bell, located in the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London, was recast due to a crack. It has since become an iconic symbol of London.

1407 Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and is awarded the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

Lama Deshin Shekpa was a Tibetan Buddhist monk and the fifth Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. His visit to China was an important event in the history of Tibetan-Chinese relations.

1516 1st Jewish ghetto established: Venice compels Jews to live in a specific area

The establishment of the first Jewish ghetto in Venice was a significant event in the history of Jewish persecution. The ghetto was a walled area where Jews were required to live, and it remained in place until the late 18th century.

1970 The Beatles break up as Paul McCartney leaves the band

The Beatles were one of the most popular and influential bands in the history of rock music. Their breakup marked the end of an era and had a profound impact on popular culture.

1998 The Good Friday Agreement [Belfast Agreement] for Northern Ireland is signed by the British and Irish governments

The Good Friday Agreement brought an end to decades of sectarian violence and political conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "The Troubles." It established a power-sharing government and addressed issues such as prisoner release and the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons.

2001 Mercy killings become legal in the Netherlands

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia for patients with unbearable, terminal illness. The controversial decision sparked debate around the world about the ethics of assisted suicide.

2010 The President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, dies in a plane crash

President Kaczyński, along with several high-ranking officials, senior members of the Polish clergy, and relatives of the Katyn massacre victims, were killed when their plane crashed in Russia. The accident was blamed on pilot error and bad weather.

1972 US, USSR & 70 other nations agree to ban biological weapons

The Biological Weapons Convention was signed by 72 countries, including the United States and the Soviet Union, and banned the production and use of biological weapons. The treaty remains in effect today.