By February 10, 1763, the long and costly French and Indian War had finally come to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The war, fought between Great Britain and France, had determined control of North America. After years of battles in the forests and fortresses of the continent, Britain emerged victorious.

The war had taken a toll on both sides. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759) had decided the fate of Québec, securing British control of Canada. While the Battle of Fort Duquesne (1758) had opened the frontier to British expansion. Native American tribes, who had allied with both powers, found themselves at a disadvantage as France took over its North American territories. Britain gained Canada and all French lands east of the Mississippi, while Louisiana was transferred to Spain as part of a diplomatic arrangement. Spain, in return, handed Florida over to Britain.

Even though the treaty brought peace, it also created new problems. Britain’s war debt led to new taxes on the American colonies, fueling resentment that would eventually lead to the American Revolution. Native tribes, now left without French support, faced increasing pressure from British settlers moving westward. British policies such as the Proclamation of 1763, which aimed to limit colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, only further frustrated colonists eager for new land.

For Native American tribes, the loss of French allies meant a more uncertain future. Many groups, such as those led by Chief Pontiac, resisted British control, leading to conflicts like Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-1766). The British military response was harsh, using both direct military action and the alleged use of smallpox-infected blankets as biological warfare. Despite their efforts, Native American resistance was ultimately unable to prevent British expansion.

Though the war had officially ended, its effects rippled through the decades. The Treaty of Paris had redrawn the map of North America, but it had also set the stage for new conflicts that would define the future of the continent.

On February 10, 1940, a cat chased a mouse across the screen for the first time, marking the debut of one of animation’s most famous rivalries. The animated short, Puss Gets the Boot, introduced audiences to a cat named Jasper and an unnamed mouse who would later become Jerry. The film was an unexpected hit, earning an Academy Award nomination and convincing MGM to develop the characters further.

Under the guidance of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Jasper was renamed Tom, and the mouse became Jerry. Their formula was simple: slapstick comedy, exaggerated chases, and clever escapes. Audiences loved their antics, and the series quickly grew into one of the most successful franchises in animation history.

As the years went on, Tom and Jerry expanded their world. Spike the bulldog became a new face, Nibbles the tiny mouse added extra mischief, and Toodles Galore would sometimes distract Tom from chasing Jerry. The animation was detailed, the humor was universal, and the characters spoke not with words but with expressions. Their antics involved elaborate setups, with Tom often creating traps that would hilariously backfire, making Jerry the winner in most situations.

Over the decades, Tom and Jerry won multiple Academy Awards and became a staple of animated entertainment. The series evolved with the times, transitioning from theatrical shorts to television specials and even full-length movies. Despite changes in animation techniques and audience preferences, the heart of Tom and Jerry remained the same—a timeless chase filled with humor, creativity, and playful rivalry.

The show’s influence extended far beyond the screen. Generations of animators were inspired by the dynamic, expressive animation style pioneered by Hanna and Barbera. Even as animation moved into the digital age, Tom and Jerry remained relevant, continuing to entertain both new and longtime fans with reboots and adaptations.

While the world changed around them, their battles remained the same, proving that some stories never grow old. More than just a cartoon, Tom and Jerry became a cultural phenomenon, standing the test of time as one of the most enduring duos in animation history.

The First Streaker 🏃‍♂️‍➡️
The first documented streaker wasn’t some college prankster—it happened during a Shakespearean play in 1663. As the audience at London’s Drury Lane Theatre enjoyed a performance, a man suddenly ran across the stage—completely naked. Why? No one’s quite sure. Maybe he lost a bet, maybe he was making a statement, or maybe he just really wanted to upstage Shakespeare. Either way, he earned the title of history’s first recorded streaker.

Napolean’s Failed Poision 💀
Napoleon Bonaparte was always one step ahead—except when it came to his emergency poison stash. Knowing he might one day be captured, he carried a vial of poison to avoid falling into enemy hands. Fast forward to 1814: He was defeated and exiled to the island of Elba. Deciding it was time for a dramatic exit, he swallowed the poison… only to discover it had expired. Instead of a swift demise, he just got violently ill—probably the least dignified way for an emperor to go out.

Discovery of LSD 🧪
In 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann was studying lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) when he accidentally absorbed some through his skin. Moments later, he started feeling... weird. Colors intensified, shapes distorted, and reality took a backseat. Realizing he had just invented tripping, Hofmann decided to test LSD on purpose a few days later. He took what he thought was a small dose (spoiler: it was not small) and soon found himself riding home on a bicycle while hallucinating wildly—a moment now known as "Bicycle Day." Moral of the story? Always start with a microdose.

Roman Delicacy 🦩
The ancient Romans had expensive taste, and one of their most bizarre delicacies? Flamingo tongues. Wealthy Romans—especially the over-the-top emperors—considered them a luxury food, believing they were especially tender and flavorful. Exotic meats were a status symbol, so if you were really trying to flex at a feast, roasted flamingo tongue was the way to go.

If you enjoy this edition of Today In History be sure to send it to a friend and force them to sign up because that’s what good friends do. Until next time, stay curious, question everything, and keep uncovering the mysteries of the past. - Zach⛺️