Historical Events tagged with "army"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Ulysses S. Grant Promoted to General of the Army

July 25th, 1866 158 years ago

Legislation was passed by the United States Congress to authorize the rank of General of the Army, a newly established military rank. Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent figure and leader during the American Civil War, was appointed as the first officer to hold this prestigious title. This development aimed to strengthen the military leadership in the post-war period and ensure a cohesive command structure for the nation's armed forces.

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Military & Warfare

The Disbanding of the Army of the Potomac

June 28th, 1865 159 years ago

Following the conclusion of the American Civil War, the Army of the Potomac, the main Union Army in the Eastern Theater, was officially disbanded in June 1865. This marked the end of formal military organization for the thousands of soldiers who had served in various capacities throughout the conflict. Soldiers were both relieved and anxious as they returned to civilian life, facing new challenges in a nation healing from years of warfare. The disbandment process included the final inspections and paperwork to ensure each soldier was accounted for, many of whom had spent years away from home.

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Military & Warfare

Sherman Presents Savannah to Lincoln as a Gift

December 22nd, 1864 160 years ago

General William Tecumseh Sherman captured the city of Savannah, Georgia, bringing a strategic victory to the Union forces during the American Civil War. After his famous March to the Sea, Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee besieged Savannah and secured its surrender on December 21, 1864. On December 22, he communicated with President Abraham Lincoln, humorously offering Savannah as a Christmas gift amid the ongoing conflict. The capture of Savannah marked a significant moment in the war, effectively cutting off Confederate supply lines and showcasing the Union's military prowess.

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Military & Warfare

Grant's Army Shifts South from Wilderness

May 7th, 1864 160 years ago

The Army of the Potomac, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, disengaged from intense fighting at the Battle of the Wilderness. Following several days of brutal combat against Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee, Grant decided to reposition his troops southward towards Spotsylvania Court House. This strategic move was aimed at outflanking Lee and preventing further losses, demonstrating Grant's aggressive approach and determination to keep the initiative against the Confederate Army.

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Military & Warfare

Lee's Army of Northern Virginia Marches North

June 3rd, 1863 161 years ago

Robert E. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia into Maryland, initiating the Gettysburg Campaign. This strategic movement aimed to relieve pressure on Virginia by taking the war into Union territory. The march was marked by the concentration of Confederate forces, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation in both the North and South. Lee's objective was to gain a decisive victory that could potentially turn the tide of the war in favor of the Confederacy.

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Military & Warfare

Union Army Withdrawal at Fredericksburg

December 15th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Fredericksburg concluded with a decisive defeat for the Union Army commanded by General Ambrose Burnside. After intense fighting against Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee, the Union troops faced significant casualties and overwhelming resistance. Following the battle, Burnside ordered a withdrawal across the Rappahannock River, marking a critical setback for the Union's campaign in Virginia.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Defeat Confederates at Shiloh

April 7th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862 near Shiloh, Tennessee, witnessed the Union Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Ohio clashing with the Confederate Army of Mississippi. Over two days of intense fighting, both sides faced heavy casualties, but Union forces ultimately secured a strategic victory under the command of Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Don Carlos Buell. The battle highlighted the fierce determination of the Confederacy and the expanding scope of the Civil War as thousands of men engaged in one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.

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Military & Warfare

United States Army Ends Flogging Practices

August 5th, 1861 163 years ago

The U.S. Army officially abolished flogging as a punishment in the military. This decision reflected a broader shift towards more humane treatment of soldiers and a move away from harsh disciplinary measures that had characterized military life. The change was part of an effort to reform military discipline under the growing influence of humanitarian ideals during the Civil War period. By eliminating flogging, the Army aimed to promote a more respectable image and improve morale among troops.

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Military & Warfare

Allied Forces Triumph at Battle of Alma

September 20th, 1854 170 years ago

British and French troops achieved a significant victory over Russian forces at the Battle of Alma, marking a key confrontation in the Crimean War. This battle, fought near the Alma River in Crimea, showcased the effectiveness of the combined Allied forces and highlighted the strategic importance of capturing Sevastopol. The battle was characterized by intense fighting and displayed the contrasting tactics of the British and Russian armies. The victory bolstered Allied morale and set the stage for further operations in the war.

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