One of the most important battles in the American Revolution was the 1781 Battle of Yorktown. The battle proved to be a decisive blow towards the British war effort and was the last major engagement in the American war for independence. By 1781 both the Americans and British were war-weary after having fought for the …
Of all the important battles in the American Revolution, the 1777 Battle of Saratoga perhaps holds the greatest historical significance. This is because Saratoga historians widely consider the battle to be the turning point of the war where the colonists’ fortunes finally turned in their favor. Prior to the end of 1777, the American Revolution …
At the turn of the 20th century a major war broke out between a European power and a rising Asian power in the Far East. The question of who won the Russo-Japanese war would be settled in a decisive manner. The dynamic behind the Russo-Japanese war and its beginnings are multi-faceted. The Japanese were an …
The mid-18th century was a momentous time in the history of North America. A key moment was Pontiac’s Rebellion of 1763, the significance of which helped convince the British of the need to limit westward expansion by the colonists. At the beginning of 1763 the British had reason for celebration. The long and costly Seven …
Upon the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, the European powers became quickly engulfed in an all-out war now known as World War I. Germany had prepared for this scenario years in advance, though the failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to a long drawn out conflict. Nearly every country nowadays will plan for …
The Pyrrhic War was a series of battles fought between King Pyrrhus of Epirus and the Romans from 280 BCE – 275 BCE. This war is the origin of the phrase “pyrrhic victory.” A pyrrhic victory is a victory that is so devastating that in some ways it can be seen as a defeat. This …
The Pyrrhic War: The Origin of the Term “Pyrrhic Victory” Read More »
The Japanese surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 was a stunning blow to the United States. As the site of the US Pacific fleet, the garrison was completely caught off guard and unprepared for the attack. Japan’s attack happened in a flash and was over in an instant. When the dust settled, …
The Western Theatre of the American Civil War is one that is often overshadowed by the Eastern Theatre with the Armies of the Potomac and Virginia. Despite this the Western Theatre featured several major operations including the Battle of Vicksburg which proved to be of utmost significance in the overall war effort. In the early …
One of Theodore Roosevelt’s biggest accomplishments as president was the complete transformation and buildup of the US Navy. The culmination of his efforts led to the famed round the world cruise of the ships of “The Great White Fleet” from 1907-1909. The fleet of 16 battleships was meant to display newfound American power and show …
On December 7th, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, officially drawing the United States into World War II. Luckily the bombing of Pearl Harbor was not a knockout blow and the US was able to recover relatively quickly. Payback and revenge was on the minds of many Americans when it came time to return the favor …
The Devastating Bombing of Japan in World War II Read More »
On December 8th, 1941, the same day as the attack on Pearl Harbor (though marked as different due to time zones), the Japanese launched their Malayan campaign. Their objective was to capture the Malay peninsula from the British, including the fortress of Singapore at its southern tip. This campaign would culminate at the fateful battle …
The Surrender of British Troops at the Battle of Singapore Read More »
The War of 1812 is one if the least written about and studied wars in US history. Sometimes referred to as the “Second War of Independence” it largely came about as a result of British impressment of US sailors, deemed an attack on US sovereignty. Freedom of trade and the open seas were also a …
