Events with tag - Military History

January 1, 1505 BC

Battle of Naharin

A decisive battle fought between Ancient Egypt under Pharaoh Thutmose I and the Mitanni kingdom along the Euphrates River. This battle marked Egypt's most significant territorial expansion into Western Asia and established Egypt as a dominant military power in the region.

April 19, 1458 BC

Battle of Megiddo

The Battle of Megiddo in 1457 BCE marked the first reliably documented battle in world history, where Pharaoh Thutmose III led Egyptian forces against a coalition of 330 Canaanite cities, resulting in a decisive victory that established Egyptian dominance in the Levant region.

June 15, 1291 BC

Battle of Qadesh (1290 BCE)

The Battle of Qadesh was a pivotal military confrontation between Ancient Egypt under Pharaoh Seti I and the Hittite Empire led by King Muwatalli II. The battle took place near the strategic city of Qadesh, resulting in Egyptian victory and reshaping the power dynamics in the ancient Near East.

May 15, 1275 BC

Battle of Kadesh

The Battle of Kadesh was one of the largest chariot battles in history, fought between Egyptian forces under Ramesses II and the Hittite army led by Muwatalli II in 1274 BCE. The battle resulted in a stalemate but led to the world's first known peace treaty.

1176 BC

Battle of Djahy

The Battle of Djahy was a pivotal military conflict in 1175 BCE between Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses III and the Sea Peoples. The battle, consisting of naval and land engagements, resulted in a decisive Egyptian victory that secured Egypt's northeastern frontier.

729 BC

Battle of Memphis

A decisive battle in 728 BCE where Kushite King Piye captured Memphis from King Tefnakht, establishing Kushite dominion over Egypt and unifying Upper and Lower Egypt under the 25th Dynasty.

606 BC

Battle of Carchemish

The Battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE was a pivotal conflict where Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar II defeated Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Necho II, ending Egyptian influence in the Levant and establishing Babylonian dominance in the ancient Near East.

September 15, 491 BC

Battle of Marathon

The Battle of Marathon was a historic clash between Persian and Greek forces in 490 BCE, where 11,000 Greek soldiers defeated a Persian army of 25,000. This decisive victory prevented Persian expansion into mainland Greece and became a symbol of Greek resilience and strategic warfare.

August 17, 481 BC

Battle of Thermopylae

A historic battle where 300 Spartans and 7,000 Greeks defended against massive Persian invasion force of 300,000 at a narrow mountain pass in Greece, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice against overwhelming odds.

September 28, 481 BC

Battle of Salamis

A pivotal naval battle in 480 BC where the Greek fleet led by Themistocles defeated the larger Persian armada of Xerxes I in the narrow straits between Piraeus and Salamis Island, marking a turning point in the Second Persian invasion of Greece.

September 17, 480 BC

Battle of Plataea

A decisive victory by Greek forces over the Persian Empire in 479 BCE that marked the end of the Persian invasion of Greece and secured Greek independence. The battle saw 110,000 Greek troops defeat a Persian force of 300,000 under the leadership of Spartan regent Pausanias.

December 1, 432 BC

Pericles' Funeral Oration

In winter 431 BCE, Athenian statesman Pericles delivered a powerful funeral oration honoring soldiers fallen in the first year of the Peloponnesian War. The speech, preserved by Thucydides, became one of history's most influential addresses, celebrating Athenian democracy and values.

August 15, 406 BC

Battle of Aegospotami

The Battle of Aegospotami was a crucial naval battle fought in 405 BCE between Athenian and Spartan fleets near the Hellespont. The Spartan victory, led by Admiral Lysander, effectively ended Athens' naval supremacy and led to the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

July 6, 372 BC

Battle of Leuctra

The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE marked a turning point in ancient Greek history when Theban forces under Epaminondas defeated the previously invincible Spartan army using revolutionary military tactics. This historic victory ended Spartan hegemony over Greece.

November 5, 334 BC

Battle of Issus

A pivotal battle in 333 BCE where Alexander the Great's 40,000-strong Macedonian army defeated Darius III's Persian force of over 100,000 soldiers near modern-day southern Turkey, marking a crucial turning point in the conquest of the Persian Empire.

October 1, 332 BC

Battle of Gaugamela

The Battle of Gaugamela was a decisive military engagement fought on October 1, 331 BCE, where Alexander the Great's 47,000 Macedonian troops defeated Darius III's Persian army of 250,000 soldiers near modern-day Erbil, Iraq. This historic victory led to the collapse of the Persian Empire and established Macedonian dominance across Asia.

January 1, 306 BC

Rise of Ptolemy I to Power

Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's trusted generals, established himself as the ruler of Egypt in 305 BCE, founding the Ptolemaic Dynasty that would rule for nearly three centuries. Following Alexander's death in 323 BCE, he transformed Egypt from a satrapy into an independent Hellenistic kingdom.

August 2, 217 BC

Battle of Cannae

The Battle of Cannae was one of history's most significant military engagements, where Carthaginian forces under Hannibal defeated a larger Roman army using the revolutionary double envelopment strategy. The battle resulted in devastating Roman losses and changed military tactics forever.

October 19, 203 BC

Battle of Zama

The Battle of Zama was a decisive military engagement that ended the Second Punic War in 202 BCE. Roman forces under Scipio Africanus defeated Carthaginian army led by Hannibal Barca, establishing Rome as the dominant Mediterranean power.

March 15, 74 BC

Spartacus Rebellion

In 73 BCE, Spartacus, a Thracian warrior turned gladiator, led a historic slave revolt against the Roman Republic. Starting with just 70 fellow gladiators from a school in Capua, the rebellion grew to 70,000 fighters and successfully challenged Rome for nearly three years before its ultimate defeat in 71 BCE.

September 30, 53 BC

Battle of Alesia

The Battle of Alesia was a pivotal siege battle that occurred in 52 BC, where Julius Caesar's 60,000 Roman troops defeated a combined Gallic force of 300,000 warriors led by Vercingetorix through innovative siege techniques and fortifications.

January 10, 50 BC

Caesar Crosses the Rubicon

Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon River with his 13th Legion, committing treason against the Roman Republic and initiating a civil war that would transform Rome from a republic into an empire. His famous declaration 'the die is cast' marked this pivotal moment in history.

August 9, 49 BC

Battle of Pharsalus

A pivotal battle in 48 BCE where Julius Caesar's 22,000 troops defeated Pompey's larger force of 45,000 soldiers, effectively ending the Roman Civil War and transforming the Roman Republic.

October 3, 43 BC

Battle of Philippi

A decisive battle fought in 42 BCE near Philippi, Macedonia, between the Second Triumvirate forces led by Mark Antony and Octavian against the Liberators led by Brutus and Cassius. The battle resulted in the defeat of Caesar's assassins and marked the end of the Roman Republic.

September 2, 32 BC

Battle of Actium

The Battle of Actium was a pivotal naval battle fought on September 2, 31 BCE, between Octavian's forces and the combined fleet of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Octavian, effectively ending the Roman Republic and leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire.

September 9, 9

Battle of Teutoburg Forest

A crucial battle in 9 CE where Germanic tribes under Arminius ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus, effectively halting Roman expansion into Germania and preserving Germanic independence.

January 1, 122

Construction of Hadrian's Wall Begins

Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of a massive defensive wall spanning 73 miles across northern Britain, marking the northernmost boundary of Roman Britain. The project employed 15,000 soldiers and took six years to complete.

August 2, 338

Battle of Chaeronea

The Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE marked a crucial turning point in ancient Greek history, where Macedonian forces under Philip II and young Alexander defeated Greek city-states, ending their independence and establishing Macedonian dominance.

July 4, 362

Battle of Mantinea

The Battle of Mantinea was a decisive battle in ancient Greece where Theban forces under Epaminondas defeated Sparta but lost their leader, effectively ending Theban supremacy and paving the way for Macedonian dominance.

August 9, 378

Battle of Adrianople

The Battle of Adrianople in 378 CE marked a pivotal turning point in Roman history, where Gothic forces decisively defeated the Eastern Roman army, killing Emperor Valens and destroying two-thirds of Roman forces. This battle fundamentally changed warfare tactics and accelerated the decline of the Roman Empire.

September 4, 476

Fall of Western Roman Empire

The Western Roman Empire officially ended when Germanic leader Odoacer deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, marking the end of nearly 1,000 years of Roman dominance over Western Europe.

July 1, 640

Battle of Heliopolis

A crucial battle in July 640 CE near modern-day Cairo, where Arab Muslim forces under 'Amr ibn al-'As defeated the larger Byzantine army led by General Theodorus, leading to the Muslim conquest of Egypt.

June 20, 1675

King Philip's War

A devastating conflict between New England colonists and Native Americans led by Metacom (King Philip) that resulted in massive casualties and reshaped colonial America's future.

May 28, 1754

French and Indian War Begins

The French and Indian War erupted in 1754 when British and French colonial powers clashed over control of the Ohio River Valley, leading to a seven-year struggle that would reshape North America's political landscape.

April 18, 1775

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

On the night of April 18, 1775, Boston silversmith Paul Revere embarked on a crucial 13-mile journey to warn colonial militia about British troop movements. His midnight ride helped mobilize American forces for the Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolution.

April 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The Battle of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. The conflict began when British troops attempted to seize colonial weapons in Concord, leading to armed confrontations with American militia forces.

June 17, 1775

Battle of Bunker Hill

A significant early battle of the American Revolutionary War where colonial forces, despite eventual defeat, proved their military capability by inflicting heavy casualties on British forces in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

December 25, 1776

Washington's Delaware River Crossing

On Christmas night 1776, General George Washington led 2,400 Continental Army troops across the ice-filled Delaware River in a daring surprise attack that changed the course of the American Revolution. The crossing resulted in a decisive victory at the Battle of Trenton, capturing 900 Hessian soldiers.

September 19, 1777

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal battle of the American Revolutionary War fought in autumn 1777, consisting of two major engagements that resulted in British surrender and secured French alliance with the American colonies.

December 19, 1777

Valley Forge Winter Encampment

From December 1777 to June 1778, General George Washington's Continental Army endured a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Despite severe conditions and limited supplies, this six-month period transformed a scattered militia into a disciplined military force through Baron von Steuben's training program.

August 16, 1780

Battle of Camden

A devastating defeat for the Continental Army under General Horatio Gates against British forces led by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis near Camden, South Carolina. The battle resulted in heavy American casualties and marked a crucial turning point in Britain's southern campaign.

September 23, 1780

Benedict Arnold's Treason Discovered

The pivotal moment in American Revolutionary War when Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to British forces was uncovered through the capture of Major John André carrying secret documents.

January 17, 1781

Battle of Cowpens

The Battle of Cowpens was a pivotal engagement of the American Revolutionary War fought on January 17, 1781, in South Carolina. American forces under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan achieved a decisive victory over British troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, marking a crucial turning point in the war's southern campaign.

September 28, 1781

Battle of Yorktown

The Battle of Yorktown (September 28 - October 19, 1781) was the decisive victory of the American Revolutionary War, where combined American-French forces led by George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau besieged and defeated British forces under General Cornwallis in Virginia.

January 8, 1815

Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans was a decisive American victory against British forces on January 8-18, 1815. Led by Major General Andrew Jackson, American forces of 4,000 troops defeated 8,000 British soldiers, despite the battle occurring after the war had officially ended with the Treaty of Ghent.

August 1, 1819

Fort Snelling Establishment

Fort Snelling, established in 1819, was a strategic military outpost built at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, serving as the first permanent U.S. government presence in the Minnesota Territory.

October 16, 1859

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

John Brown led 21 men in a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, attempting to spark a slave rebellion. The raid failed, leading to Brown's capture by U.S. Marines under Robert E. Lee and his subsequent execution on December 2, 1859.

April 1, 1861

Elizabeth Van Lew's Union Spy Network

Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite turned Union spy, established and operated the most successful Union intelligence network in the Confederate capital from 1861 to 1865. Despite her Confederate family background, she leveraged her social position to gather critical military intelligence while maintaining the deceptive persona of 'Crazy Bet'.

April 12, 1861

Rose O'Neal Greenhow Becomes Confederate Spy

Rose O'Neal Greenhow, a prominent Washington socialite, initiates her espionage activities for the Confederacy following the fall of Fort Sumter, establishing one of the most sophisticated intelligence networks of the Civil War era.

April 12, 1861

Battle of Fort Sumter

The Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, marked the beginning of the American Civil War. After 34 hours of artillery fire, the Union garrison surrendered the fort, catalyzing the nation's descent into full-scale civil war.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially begins when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard launch an artillery bombardment against Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history.

April 12, 1861

Battle of Fort Sumter

The American Civil War began when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard launched a 34-hour bombardment of Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The battle ended with the fort's surrender and marked the beginning of America's bloodiest conflict.

April 13, 1861

Fort Sumter Surrenders

The surrender of Fort Sumter on April 13, 1861, marked the beginning of the American Civil War. After 34 hours of Confederate bombardment, Union Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort to Confederate forces, making it the first major Confederate victory of the war.

April 17, 1861

Virginia's Secession

Virginia's decision to secede from the Union marked a critical turning point in the American Civil War, coming after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops. As the most populous and economically powerful Southern state, Virginia's secession transformed a regional dispute into a full-scale civil war.

July 21, 1861

First Battle of Bull Run

The First Battle of Bull Run was a pivotal engagement of the American Civil War, fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas Junction, Virginia. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory and shattered both sides' illusions of a quick war.

July 21, 1861

Matthew Brady's Civil War Photography

Matthew Brady transformed wartime documentation by pioneering battlefield photography during the American Civil War, receiving special permission from President Lincoln to capture the conflict through his lens. His work marked the first systematic attempt to document American warfare through photography.

July 27, 1861

McClellan's Appointment as Union Commander

General George B. McClellan, at age 34, was appointed commander of the Union Army during the American Civil War. Following successful campaigns in western Virginia, he took command of the Army of the Potomac on July 27, 1861, and was later promoted to General-in-Chief of all Union armies.

August 10, 1861

Battle of Wilson's Creek

The Battle of Wilson's Creek was a crucial Civil War engagement that took place near Springfield, Missouri. As the first major battle west of the Mississippi River, it resulted in over 2,500 casualties and the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the war.

February 6, 1862

Battle of Fort Henry

On February 6, 1862, Union forces led by Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote captured Fort Henry from Confederate forces in a decisive 75-minute naval bombardment. This victory secured Union control of the Tennessee River and marked a crucial turning point in the Civil War's Western Theater.

February 11, 1862

Battle of Fort Donelson

A decisive Union victory in the American Civil War where General Ulysses S. Grant captured the Confederate stronghold Fort Donelson, leading to the surrender of approximately 12,000 Confederate soldiers and securing Union control of Kentucky and Tennessee.

March 8, 1862

Battle of Hampton Roads

The Battle of Hampton Roads was a pivotal naval engagement of the American Civil War fought on March 8-9, 1862, marking the first battle between ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. This revolutionary confrontation transformed naval warfare by demonstrating the obsolescence of wooden vessels.

April 6, 1862

Battle of Shiloh

A pivotal two-day battle of the American Civil War fought on April 6-7, 1862, near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, resulting in a crucial Union victory and over 23,000 casualties.

April 25, 1862

Capture of New Orleans

Union Admiral David Farragut led a successful naval assault capturing New Orleans, the Confederacy's largest city and most important port. This strategic victory gave the Union control over the lower Mississippi River and dealt a severe blow to Confederate supply lines.

August 28, 1862

Second Battle of Bull Run

A decisive Confederate victory in the American Civil War where General Robert E. Lee's 50,000 troops outmaneuvered Union forces of 62,000 men near Manassas, Virginia, resulting in over 22,000 total casualties.

September 17, 1862

Battle of Antietam

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American military history, resulting in over 23,000 casualties. This pivotal Civil War engagement near Sharpsburg, Maryland, ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and gave President Lincoln the political backing to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

December 11, 1862

Battle of Fredericksburg

A devastating Civil War battle fought from December 11-15, 1862, where Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee decisively defeated Union forces led by Ambrose Burnside, resulting in massive Union casualties during repeated unsuccessful assaults on Marye's Heights.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic executive order transformed the Civil War into a fight for human freedom and laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln's executive order that declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states during the American Civil War, transforming the conflict into a fight for human freedom and enabling Black Americans to join the Union military forces.

April 30, 1863

Battle of Chancellorsville

A significant Civil War battle fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Confederate General Robert E. Lee achieved a remarkable victory against Union forces despite being outnumbered more than two to one, though the victory was overshadowed by the loss of Stonewall Jackson.

May 18, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg

The 47-day siege of Vicksburg (May 18 - July 4, 1863) was a decisive Union victory in the American Civil War. Under General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces captured this Confederate stronghold, gaining control of the Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

June 29, 1863

Custer Becomes Youngest Union General

George Armstrong Custer made history by becoming the youngest brigadier general in the Union Army at age 23, marking one of the most remarkable promotions in American military history.

July 1, 1863

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, resulting in over 50,000 casualties. This decisive Union victory under Major General George Meade against Confederate General Robert E. Lee's forces marked a turning point in the war.

July 4, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg

The Battle of Vicksburg was a pivotal 47-day siege during the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant captured the Confederate stronghold, effectively splitting the Confederacy and gaining control of the Mississippi River.

July 4, 1863

Battle of Vicksburg Surrender

The Battle of Vicksburg concluded on July 4, 1863, marking a crucial Union victory in the American Civil War. After a 47-day siege, Confederate forces surrendered to Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant, giving the North control of the vital Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

July 4, 1863

Siege of Vicksburg

The Siege of Vicksburg, a 47-day military campaign led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, concluded with Confederate surrender on July 4, 1863, marking a decisive turning point in the American Civil War by securing Union control of the Mississippi River.

July 18, 1863

Battle of Fort Wagner

A pivotal American Civil War battle where Union forces launched two major assaults against Confederate Fort Wagner near Charleston. The battle is particularly notable for featuring the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments, in a heroic charge that helped change perceptions of Black soldiers.

September 19, 1863

Battle of Chickamauga

A major Civil War battle fought near Chickamauga Creek, Georgia, between Union forces under Major General William Rosecrans and Confederate troops led by General Braxton Bragg, resulting in over 34,000 casualties and a Confederate victory.

February 24, 1864

Andersonville Prison

Andersonville Prison, operating from February 1864 to May 1865, was one of the most notorious Confederate prisoner-of-war camps during the American Civil War. Originally designed for 10,000 prisoners, it held over 32,000 at its peak, resulting in the deaths of nearly 13,000 Union soldiers due to overcrowding, disease, and malnutrition.

April 12, 1864

Fort Pillow Massacre

Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Fort Pillow in Tennessee, killing hundreds of surrendering Union soldiers, predominantly African American troops. This event became one of the most controversial atrocities of the American Civil War.

May 31, 1864

Battle of Cold Harbor

A devastating Civil War battle fought from May 31 to June 12, 1864, near Mechanicsville, Virginia, resulting in massive Union casualties during Grant's Overland Campaign. The battle marked a significant turning point when Union forces suffered over 12,000 casualties against Confederate defensive positions.

July 22, 1864

Battle of Atlanta

A pivotal Civil War battle fought on July 22, 1864, where Union forces under General Sherman defeated Confederate troops led by General Hood, leading to the capture of Atlanta and helping secure President Lincoln's reelection.

November 15, 1864

Sherman's March to the Sea

A devastating 285-mile military campaign during the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Sherman marched from Atlanta to Savannah, implementing total war tactics that targeted both military and civilian infrastructure.

December 15, 1864

Battle of Nashville

The Battle of Nashville (December 15-16, 1864) was a decisive Union victory during the American Civil War. Union forces under Major General George H. Thomas defeated Confederate forces led by General John Bell Hood, effectively destroying the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

January 15, 1865

Capture of Fort Fisher

The Union forces captured Fort Fisher, known as the 'Gibraltar of the South', after a massive combined army-navy assault. This victory effectively cut off the Confederacy's last major supply route and hastened the end of the Civil War.

February 3, 1865

Hampton Roads Conference

A historic peace negotiation meeting during the American Civil War between President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate representatives aboard the River Queen steamboat in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Despite four hours of discussions, the conference failed to achieve peace.

April 3, 1865

Fall of Richmond

The capture of Richmond by Union forces on April 3, 1865, marked a decisive turning point in the American Civil War. Confederate forces evacuated the city, setting fire to military supplies which led to a devastating fire destroying much of the business district.

April 9, 1865

Battle of Appomattox Court House

The Battle of Appomattox Court House was the final major military engagement of the American Civil War, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

April 9, 1865

Surrender at Appomattox

The historic surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House effectively ended the American Civil War in the eastern theater and symbolized the beginning of national reconciliation.

April 9, 1865

Surrender at Appomattox

The historic surrender at Appomattox Court House marked the effective end of the American Civil War when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The meeting took place at the McLean House and established terms that would help reunite the divided nation.

April 14, 1865

Lincoln Assassination

President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot by John Wilkes Booth during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. The assassination occurred just days after the Civil War's end, dramatically altering the course of American history.

November 11, 1865

First Woman Receives Medal of Honor

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker made history as the first and only woman to receive the Medal of Honor for her extraordinary service as a civilian surgeon during the Civil War. Her medal was presented on November 11, 1865, at the War Department in Washington, D.C.

January 1, 1889

Evolution of Arms Race

The arms race emerged as a significant military competition in 1889 when Britain adopted the 'Two-Power Standard', marking the beginning of modern military rivalry between nations. This development led to unprecedented technological advancements and weapons stockpiling.

December 15, 1890

Death of Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull, legendary Hunkpapa Lakota chief and holy man, was killed during an arrest attempt at Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The confrontation resulted in his death and the deaths of several others, marking a significant moment in Native American history.

May 29, 1932

Bonus Army March

In summer 1932, during the Great Depression, 20,000 WWI veterans and their families marched on Washington D.C. demanding early payment of service certificates. The peaceful protest ended in tragedy when President Hoover ordered military forces to violently disperse the protesters.

January 1, 1939

US Military Preparation for WWII

President Roosevelt initiated comprehensive military preparation starting in 1939, implementing the first peacetime draft through the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, establishing training camps nationwide, and transforming millions of civilians into soldiers.

June 14, 1940

Fall of Paris

German forces entered Paris without resistance on June 14, 1940, marking the beginning of a four-year Nazi occupation that transformed the French capital into a stronghold of German military power in Western Europe.

September 16, 1940

First US Peacetime Military Draft

The United States implemented its first peacetime military draft through the Selective Training and Service Act, requiring all men aged 21-45 to register for potential military service. This historic decision strengthened America's military capabilities before entering World War II.

September 16, 1940

US Military Draft Act

The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 established America's first peacetime draft, requiring all men aged 21-45 to register for military service. This historic legislation transformed the U.S. military from 335,000 soldiers in 1939 to over 1.4 million by 1941.

September 16, 1940

US Military Draft in WW2

The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 established America's first peacetime military draft, requiring men aged 21-35 to register for service, eventually mobilizing over 10 million men for World War II.

March 11, 1941

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was a groundbreaking U.S. program that provided military aid worth $50 billion to Allied nations during World War II. Initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it marked America's transition from neutrality to active support of Allied forces against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

July 7, 1941

U.S. Forces Arrive in Iceland

4,100 U.S. Marines landed in Reykjavík, Iceland, marking America's first military deployment in the European theater during World War II. This strategic move replaced British forces and established crucial North Atlantic defense positions.

July 26, 1941

US Oil Embargo Against Japan

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order implementing a complete oil embargo against Japan and freezing Japanese assets in the United States. This action was taken in response to Japan's military expansion in Asia and occupation of French Indochina.

August 14, 1941

Atlantic Charter

Historic diplomatic agreement signed by Roosevelt and Churchill aboard USS Augusta, establishing eight fundamental principles for post-war international order and laying groundwork for the United Nations.

December 7, 1941

US Enters WWII

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in 2,403 American casualties and led to the United States officially entering World War II. The following day, President Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, and Congress declared war on Japan.

December 7, 1941

US Entry into World War II

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forced the United States to abandon its neutrality and enter World War II. This pivotal moment resulted in 2,403 American casualties and led to formal declarations of war against Japan, Germany, and Italy.

December 7, 1941

Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise aerial attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack killed 2,403 Americans, destroyed numerous ships and aircraft, and led to America's entry into World War II.

December 7, 1941

Pearl Harbor Attack

Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise aerial assault on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and leading to America's entry into World War II.

December 8, 1941

Roosevelt's Day of Infamy Speech

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his historic 'Day of Infamy' speech to Congress, responding to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This pivotal address led to America's formal entry into World War II and received near-unanimous congressional approval for the declaration of war against Japan.

December 11, 1941

US Declares War on Nazi Germany

The United States Congress unanimously declared war on Nazi Germany on December 11, 1941, following Hitler's declaration of war on the US. This historic decision came four days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and marked America's full entry into World War II.

January 26, 1942

US Troops Arrive in Europe

The first American troops landed in Belfast, Northern Ireland on January 26, 1942, marking the beginning of US military presence in the European Theater of World War II. This initial deployment of 4,058 troops from the 34th Infantry Division was part of Operation MAGNET.

March 20, 1942

MacArthur's Famous Promise

General Douglas MacArthur made his historic 'I shall return' promise at Terowie railway station in South Australia, nine days after being forced to evacuate from the Philippines during World War II. This declaration became a powerful symbol of hope for millions of Filipinos under Japanese occupation.

April 1, 1942

MacArthur's Medal of Honor

General Douglas MacArthur was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary leadership during the Philippines Campaign of 1941-1942, becoming the first World War II recipient in the Pacific Theater and making history with his father as the first father-son duo to receive this prestigious military decoration.

June 4, 1942

Battle of Midway

A pivotal naval battle of World War II fought between US and Japanese forces from June 4-7, 1942, resulting in a decisive American victory with the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers. This battle marked a turning point in the Pacific War.

June 4, 1942

Battle of Midway

The Battle of Midway was a decisive naval battle of World War II fought between American and Japanese forces from June 4-7, 1942. It resulted in a crucial American victory that turned the tide of war in the Pacific Theater.

June 5, 1942

US Declares War on Three Axis Nations

On June 5, 1942, the United States formally declared war on Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, expanding its military engagement in World War II beyond Japan and Germany. This strategic decision came as these nations had aligned themselves with Nazi Germany, providing crucial military support and resources to the Axis powers.

June 13, 1942

Office of War Information Establishment

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Office of War Information (OWI) through Executive Order 9182, creating a centralized wartime propaganda and news management organization to coordinate U.S. communications during World War II.

August 7, 1942

Battle of Guadalcanal

The Battle of Guadalcanal (August 7, 1942 - February 1943) was a pivotal World War II campaign where Allied forces launched their first major offensive against the Japanese Empire in the Pacific. The six-month battle resulted in a decisive Allied victory, securing strategic control of the Solomon Islands and protecting vital supply routes.

August 7, 1942

Battle of Guadalcanal

The Battle of Guadalcanal (August 1942 - February 1943) was a decisive Allied victory in World War II's Pacific Theater, marking America's first major offensive against Japan. The six-month campaign resulted in securing vital shipping lanes and establishing crucial forward bases.

August 13, 1942

Manhattan Project Official Launch

The Manhattan Project was officially established on August 13, 1942, marking the formal beginning of America's atomic weapons program under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, led by Brigadier General Leslie Groves and scientific director J. Robert Oppenheimer.

January 15, 1943

Pentagon Completion

The Pentagon, the world's largest office building at the time, was completed in Arlington, Virginia after just 16 months of construction, serving as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense.

May 11, 1943

Battle of Attu Island

The Battle of Attu Island was a major World War II engagement fought from May 11-30, 1943, marking the only battle on North American soil during WWII. American forces launched Operation Landcrab to recapture the Aleutian island from Japanese occupation, resulting in a decisive U.S. victory.

July 10, 1943

Operation Husky

Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was one of the largest amphibious operations of World War II. Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation involved over 160,000 troops and 3,000 ships, marking the Allies' first major step into Nazi-occupied Europe.

August 1, 1943

Operation Tidal Wave

A daring low-altitude bombing raid conducted by 177 B-24 Liberators targeting crucial Nazi oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, resulting in significant casualties but demonstrating American resolve to strike at Nazi Germany's vital resources.

September 9, 1943

Operation Avalanche

The Allied invasion of mainland Italy began with Operation Avalanche on September 9, 1943, when US Fifth Army under Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark landed at Salerno. The operation involved 450 ships and 125,000 Allied troops, marking the first major Allied assault on Nazi-occupied Europe from the south.

January 22, 1944

Battle of Anzio

Operation Shingle began on January 22, 1944, when Allied forces launched an amphibious assault on Anzio, Italy. The operation involved 40,000 American and British troops under Major General John P. Lucas, aiming to outflank German defenses and create a pathway to Rome.

March 4, 1944

First US Berlin Daylight Raid

The United States Army Air Forces conducted their first daylight bombing raid on Berlin on March 4, 1944, deploying 701 heavy bombers and 832 escort fighters in a strategic mission that demonstrated American air superiority over Nazi Germany.

May 18, 1944

Battle of Monte Cassino

A decisive World War II battle in Italy where Allied forces launched four major assaults against German positions at Monte Cassino monastery between January and May 1944, ending with a Polish victory that opened the way to Rome.

June 4, 1944

Capture of Rome

Allied forces captured Rome on June 4, 1944, marking the first Axis capital to fall during World War II. Led by General Mark Clark's Fifth Army, the operation successfully preserved the city's historical treasures while achieving crucial military objectives.

June 6, 1944

D-Day Invasion

The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, was the largest amphibious military operation in history, where 156,000 Allied troops stormed five beaches in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of Western Europe's liberation from Nazi control during World War II.

June 6, 1944

D-Day Invasion

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in military history, storming five beaches in Normandy, France. This massive operation involved over 156,000 troops, 5,000 ships, and 11,000 aircraft, marking a crucial turning point in World War II.

June 15, 1944

Battle of Saipan

A crucial World War II battle fought from June 15 to July 9, 1944, where U.S. Marines and Army forces captured the strategic island of Saipan from Japanese defenders, establishing a vital base for B-29 bomber operations against mainland Japan.

August 19, 1944

Paris Uprising

The Paris insurrection began on August 19, 1944, when French resistance fighters and civilians rose against Nazi occupation. Led by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI), the uprising transformed Paris into a battlefield and ended with the city's liberation on August 25, 1944.

August 25, 1944

Liberation of Hôtel de Ville

On August 25, 1944, French Resistance fighters successfully liberated Paris's historic city hall, Hôtel de Ville, from Nazi occupation. This pivotal event marked a crucial turning point in the Liberation of Paris during World War II.

August 25, 1944

Gothic Line Offensive

Operation Olive, launched on August 25, 1944, was a major Allied offensive against the German Gothic Line defenses in northern Italy. The operation involved British, American, and other Allied forces attacking heavily fortified German positions stretching 170 miles across the Apennine Mountains.

August 25, 1944

Liberation of Paris

The Liberation of Paris marked the end of four years of Nazi occupation when Allied forces and French Resistance fighters freed the French capital in August 1944. The battle culminated in German surrender and Charles de Gaulle's historic march down the Champs-Élysées.

August 25, 1944

German Surrender of Paris

On August 25, 1944, German forces officially surrendered Paris to Allied forces, ending four years of Nazi occupation. The surrender was signed by German commander Dietrich von Choltitz at the Police Prefecture, defying Hitler's orders to destroy the city.

September 17, 1944

Operation Market Garden

Operation Market Garden was the largest Allied airborne operation of World War II, launched on September 17, 1944. The operation aimed to secure strategic bridges across the Netherlands to create a pathway into Nazi Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley.

October 2, 1944

Battle of Aachen

The Battle of Aachen was a major urban battle of World War II, fought from October 2-21, 1944, marking the first capture of a major German city by American forces. The battle resulted in an American victory despite Hitler's order to defend the city to the last man.

October 20, 1944

Battle of Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf marked one of World War II's largest naval operations when U.S. forces under General MacArthur launched a massive amphibious invasion of Leyte Island, Philippines, involving over 200,000 troops and 700 ships.

December 16, 1944

Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945) was the largest battle ever fought by U.S. Army, involving 600,000 American troops against Nazi Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. The surprise attack through the Ardennes region created a distinctive bulge in Allied lines.

April 1, 1945

Battle of Okinawa

The Battle of Okinawa (April 1 - June 22, 1945) was the last major battle of World War II in the Pacific Theater, involving 180,000 US troops against 130,000 Japanese defenders. The battle resulted in over 250,000 casualties including military personnel and civilians.

April 4, 1945

US Liberation of Nazi Concentration Camps

American forces liberated multiple Nazi concentration camps in spring 1945, beginning with Ohrdruf on April 4. The liberations revealed unprecedented Holocaust atrocities and led to the rescue of thousands of survivors.

April 4, 1945

US Liberation of Nazi Camps

American forces liberated multiple Nazi concentration camps between April and May 1945, becoming first-hand witnesses to Holocaust atrocities. Starting with Ohrdruf on April 4, US troops discovered and documented evidence of mass killings, leading to systematic protocols for recording war crimes.

April 25, 1945

Elbe Day

American and Soviet forces met at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany, effectively cutting Nazi Germany in half and symbolizing Allied victory in World War II. The historic handshake between American Lt. Albert Kotzebue and Soviet Lt. Alexander Silvashko became an iconic symbol of Allied unity.

May 2, 1945

German Surrender in Italy

Over 1 million German troops surrendered in Italy and parts of Austria, marking a pivotal moment in World War II's European theater. The surrender came after Operation Grapeshot broke through German defenses and followed secret negotiations known as Operation Sunrise.

May 7, 1945

Nazi Germany Surrender

The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied forces in May 1945 marked the end of World War II in Europe, with ceremonies taking place in Reims on May 7 and Berlin on May 8, following Hitler's suicide and the collapse of the Third Reich.

May 8, 1945

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to Allied Powers, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The historic surrender was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, leading to massive celebrations across American cities and Allied nations.

August 6, 1945

Hiroshima Atomic Bombing

On August 6, 1945, the US B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb 'Little Boy' on Hiroshima, Japan, killing approximately 140,000 people and destroying 90% of the city. This marked the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare and led to Japan's surrender in World War II.

August 6, 1945

Atomic Bombings of Japan

The United States conducted atomic bombings of Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, resulting in massive destruction and Japan's surrender in World War II. These events marked the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare.

August 9, 1945

Nagasaki Atomic Bombing

The United States dropped the atomic bomb 'Fat Man' on Nagasaki, Japan, killing approximately 74,000 people and destroying 68% of the city's industrial district. This second atomic bombing, following Hiroshima, led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

August 14, 1945

MacArthur Appointed as SCAP

General Douglas MacArthur was appointed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, marking a pivotal moment in post-war Japan's reconstruction and establishing unprecedented authority over Japan's transformation.

August 14, 1945

V-J Day: Japan's World War II Surrender

Victory over Japan Day marks Japan's surrender on August 14, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This historic event effectively ended World War II, leading to massive celebrations across the United States and Allied nations.

September 2, 1945

Japanese Surrender in WWII

The formal surrender of Japan aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay marked the definitive end of World War II. Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito accepted Allied terms, leading to a historic 23-minute ceremony where representatives from twelve Allied nations witnessed Japan's official capitulation.

September 2, 1945

V-J Day

Victory over Japan Day marked the formal end of World War II when Japan surrendered to Allied Forces aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The event followed initial surrender announcement on August 14, triggering massive celebrations across America.

June 24, 1948

Berlin Airlift

The Berlin Airlift was a remarkable humanitarian operation from June 1948 to September 1949, where Western allies delivered essential supplies to over 2 million West Berliners during Soviet blockade. Allied forces conducted 278,228 flights delivering 2.3 million tons of supplies.

July 26, 1948

U.S. Military Desegregation Order

President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, officially ending racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces and establishing equality of treatment and opportunity for all service members regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.

May 1, 1950

US Involvement in Vietnam War

The Vietnam War began with US providing $10 million in military aid to French forces in 1950, gradually escalating to full combat operations by 1965 following the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964.

June 25, 1950

Korean War Begins

On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces launched a massive invasion of South Korea, marking the beginning of the Korean War. The surprise attack involved 90,000 troops supported by Soviet-made tanks and aircraft, quickly overwhelming South Korean defenses.

September 15, 1950

Incheon Landing

A daring amphibious assault led by General Douglas MacArthur that became a turning point in the Korean War. The operation involved 261 naval vessels and 70,000 troops, successfully cutting North Korean supply lines and leading to the recapture of Seoul.

May 1, 1960

U-2 Spy Plane Incident

On May 1, 1960, Soviet forces shot down a U.S. U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers over Sverdlovsk, USSR. The incident caused a major diplomatic crisis between the United States and Soviet Union, leading to the collapse of the Paris Summit.

October 16, 1962

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day nuclear standoff between the US and USSR triggered by the discovery of Soviet missile sites in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. The crisis was resolved through diplomatic negotiations, resulting in the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba and US missiles from Turkey.

December 1, 1969

First US Peacetime Draft Lottery

On December 1, 1969, the United States conducted its first peacetime draft lottery, revolutionizing military recruitment during the Vietnam War era. The historic event determined the service order for men born between 1944 and 1950 through a televised drawing of 366 blue plastic capsules.

May 26, 1972

SALT I Treaty Signing

The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I) was signed in Moscow by US President Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, marking a historic agreement to limit nuclear arms and missile systems between the two superpowers.

May 1, 2003

Bush's Mission Accomplished Speech

President George W. Bush delivered a controversial speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln declaring the end of major combat operations in Iraq, featuring the infamous 'Mission Accomplished' banner. The speech, while initially boosting public support, later became a symbol of premature celebration as the Iraq War continued for years beyond this declaration.