Today in History, July 10: Electricity, Evolution, and the Battle of Britain

1856—Scientist, inventor, and electrical pioneer Nicola Tesla is born in Lika, in what is now Croatia.

1925—The trial of 24-year-old high school teacher John Scopes, accused of teaching evolution, begins in Dayton, Tenn. He would ultimately be found guilty and fined $100.

1940—The Battle of Britain begins as the German Luftwaffe attacks from across the English Channel. The air raids would continue through late October.

1962—Early communications satellite Telstar I is launched from Cape Canaveral. The same day, engineers send the first-ever live transatlantic video between Maine and Goonhilly Downs, Cornwall.

1973—The Bahamas becomes an independent commonwealth, ending hundreds of years of British rule.