Which event does this 1846 photograph show?

A patent is granted for the lockstitch sewing machine (1846). Elias Howe patented a machine using a lockstitch, an eye pointed needle and a shuttle. He spent years in court defending it, eventually winning royalties from Isaac Singer and others.

Which event does this 1939 photograph show?

Canada declares war on Germany, a week after Britain (1939). Canada declared war seven days after Britain, the delay a deliberate demonstration that the decision was its own. It was the first time Canada had gone to war by its own parliamentary vote.

Which event does this 1608 photograph show?

John Smith takes charge of a starving colony (1608). Smith became president of the Jamestown council and imposed his rule that those who would not work would not eat. The colony survived, though the winter after he left killed most of the settlers.

Which event does this 1813 photograph show?

An American fleet captures an entire British squadron (1813). Oliver Hazard Perry's squadron took all six British ships, the first time an entire Royal Navy squadron had surrendered. His report read simply: 'We have met the enemy and they are ours.'

Which event does this 1960 photograph show?

An Ethiopian runner wins the Olympic marathon barefoot (1960). Abebe Bikila was a late replacement in Ethiopia's team, and the shoes he was offered in Rome did not fit, so he ran the marathon barefoot over cobblestones. He won in 2:15:16, a world best, and became the first Black African to win Olympic gold. Four years later in Tokyo he defended the title, that time wearing shoes.

What happened on September 10? the sewing machine, Canada declares war and 3 more

What happened on September 10

All 5 specimens from this file, spanning 1608 to 1960, with the story behind each photograph.

Reveal the full answer key

Invention · 1846

A patent is granted for the lockstitch sewing machine

Elias Howe patented a machine using a lockstitch, an eye pointed needle and a shuttle. He spent years in court defending it, eventually winning royalties from Isaac Singer and others.
Conflict · 1939

Canada declares war on Germany, a week after Britain

Canada declared war seven days after Britain, the delay a deliberate demonstration that the decision was its own. It was the first time Canada had gone to war by its own parliamentary vote.
History · 1608

John Smith takes charge of a starving colony

Smith became president of the Jamestown council and imposed his rule that those who would not work would not eat. The colony survived, though the winter after he left killed most of the settlers.
Conflict · 1813

An American fleet captures an entire British squadron

Oliver Hazard Perry's squadron took all six British ships, the first time an entire Royal Navy squadron had surrendered. His report read simply: 'We have met the enemy and they are ours.'
Sports · 1960

An Ethiopian runner wins the Olympic marathon barefoot

Abebe Bikila was a late replacement in Ethiopia's team, and the shoes he was offered in Rome did not fit, so he ran the marathon barefoot over cobblestones. He won in 2:15:16, a world best, and became the first Black African to win Olympic gold. Four years later in Tokyo he defended the title, that time wearing shoes.