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October 10
5 moments across history
Spiro Agnew Resigns as Vice President
On October 10, 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after pleading no contest to federal income tax evasion amid an investigation into bribery allegations. His departure made him only the second U.S. vice president to resign and led President Richard Nixon to nominate Gerald Ford under the 25th Amendment. The resignation occurred during the Watergate crisis, and Ford’s elevation proved pivotal when Nixon resigned the presidency the following year.
Spiro Agnew Resigns as Vice President
Fiji Gains Independence
Fiji Gains Independence
Year: 1970
On October 10, 1970, Fiji became an independent sovereign state after 96 years as a British colony. Independence gave Fiji control over its government and national affairs while it remained a member of the Commonwealth. The event formed part of the broader post–World War II decolonization movement across the Pacific and the wider British Empire.
Tokyo Opens Asia’s First Summer Olympics
Tokyo Opens Asia’s First Summer Olympics
Year: 1964
On October 10, 1964, the Summer Olympic Games opened in Tokyo, Japan. They marked the first modern Summer Olympics hosted by an Asian country. The Games highlighted Japan’s postwar recovery and growing reintegration into the international community.
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Takes Effect
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Takes Effect
Year: 1963
On October 10, 1963, the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty entered into force after ratification by the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom. It prohibited nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, reducing radioactive fallout but allowing underground testing. Negotiated amid Cold War tensions and growing concern over nuclear contamination, it marked an early arms-control achievement after the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Windscale Fire Begins
Windscale Fire Begins
Year: 1957
On October 10, 1957, a fire broke out in the graphite core of Windscale Pile No. 1 during a routine release of stored energy. The blaze released radioactive material, including iodine-131, and became Britain’s worst nuclear accident, prompting milk restrictions nearby. The reactor produced material for Britain’s nuclear weapons program, placing the disaster in the context of the early Cold War arms race.