This Day in History: May 10

1497: Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci leaves for his first voyage to the New World (disputed)

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer who participated in several voyages to the New World. His first voyage, which began in 1497, is disputed by some historians, who believe that it may have actually taken place in 1499. Regardless of the exact date, Vespucci's voyages played a significant role in the European exploration and colonization of the Americas. The name "America" is derived from his first name.

1775: Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and issues paper currency for 1st time

The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting in 1775, shortly after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. During this meeting, the Congress issued paper currency for the first time in American history. This currency, called "Continental Currency," was used to finance the Revolutionary War.

1801: First Barbary War: The Barbary pirates of Tripoli declare war on the United States of America (1st US foreign war)

The First Barbary War was fought between the United States and the Barbary states of North Africa, specifically Tripoli, Algiers, and Tunis. The conflict arose from the Barbary pirates' practice of capturing American ships and holding their crews for ransom. In 1801, the Barbary pirates of Tripoli declared war on the United States, marking the first foreign war in American history.

1869: In the United States, the first coast to coast railroad is completed

The completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States was a significant milestone in American history. The Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad systems were joined at Promontory Summit in Utah, using a "Golden Spike." This achievement opened up the western United States to settlement and facilitated the transportation of people and goods across the continent.

1933: Nazis ceremonially burn about 25,000 allegedly "un-German" books

In 1933, the Nazi regime in Germany staged a series of public book burnings as part of their campaign to rid German culture of "un-German" influences. The book burnings were carried out by the German Student Union and targeted works by Jewish, socialist, and pacifist authors, among others. The event has become a symbol of the dangers of censorship and suppression of free speech.

1940: Winston Churchill succeeds Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister

Winston Churchill was a prominent British politician and statesman who is best known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during World War II. In 1940, he succeeded Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister, just as the war was heating up. Churchill's leadership and oratory skills helped rally the British people during the darkest days of the war and played a crucial role in the Allied victory.

1954: Bill Haley releases "Rock Around the Clock"

"Rock Around the Clock" is a classic rock and roll song that was first recorded by Bill Haley & His Comets in 1954. The song became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts and launching a new era of popular music. "Rock Around the Clock" is now considered a seminal moment in the history of rock and roll.