19 October, 2025
vice-president-spiro-agnew-resigns-amid-bribery-charges

On this day, October 10, 1973, Spiro T. Agnew resigned as Vice President of the United States after being accused of accepting bribes during his tenure as Governor of Maryland. Shortly after his resignation, Agnew pleaded no contest to a charge of federal income tax evasion. This pivotal moment in political history led to the appointment of Gerald Ford, a Congressman from Michigan, as Agnew’s successor, as per the decision of then-President Richard Nixon.

Agnew’s resignation was a significant development in the political landscape of the early 1970s, occurring against the backdrop of the Watergate scandal. Nixon himself would ultimately resign in 1974, paving the way for Ford to take over the presidency.

Historical Context of October 10

The date of October 10 has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history. In 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, Maryland, starting with an inaugural class of just 50 students. This institution has since become a cornerstone of American military education.

Other notable occurrences include the uprising by Chinese revolutionaries in 1911, which resulted in the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the emergence of the Republic of China. This uprising marked a turning point in China’s history, leading to significant political changes.

The year 1935 also saw the opening of the opera “Porgy and Bess” by composer George Gershwin on Broadway. Featuring an all-Black cast, the opera ran for 124 performances, showcasing the talents of its performers and addressing important social themes.

In 1964, the Summer Olympics commenced in Tokyo, marking the first time the Games were broadcast globally, an event that brought international sports to millions of viewers.

These historical highlights illustrate the diverse range of events that have occurred on this date, reflecting both cultural and political shifts across the globe.

Recent Events on October 10

In more recent history, October 10 has continued to be marked by significant events. In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, U.S. military actions intensified in Afghanistan, coinciding with President George W. Bush unveiling a list of 22 most-wanted terrorists, including Osama bin Laden.

The year 2014 saw Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their courageous efforts advocating for children’s education and protection from abuse. Their achievements have inspired countless individuals around the world to fight for children’s rights.

More recently, in 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall in Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, causing widespread devastation and nearly $7 billion in insured losses. This hurricane was notable for being the first Category 5 storm to strike the U.S. mainland in 26 years, serving as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of climate-related events.

As we reflect on October 10, it is evident that this date holds a wealth of historical significance, highlighting moments of change and resilience across various facets of society.