Historical Events tagged with "atrocities"

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.

Military & Warfare

Pakistani Army Slaughter of Hindus in Burunga

May 26th, 1971 53 years ago

In Burunga, Sylhet, the Pakistan Army killed at least 71 Hindus during the Bangladesh Liberation War. This brutal action was part of a wider campaign against other ethnic and religious communities opposed to Pakistani rule. Witnesses reported that families were targeted and homes were set ablaze amidst the chaos of the conflict. These events contributed to the intensification of hostilities during the war.

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Military & Warfare

Binh Tai Massacre by South Korean Troops

October 9th, 1966 58 years ago

In Binh Tai, South Korea's Army conducted a mass killing of civilians amid the Vietnam War. Allegedly, the operation targeted suspected Viet Cong sympathizers, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Many victims were reportedly unarmed villagers, intensifying scrutiny of the military operations conducted by allied forces in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Geochang Massacre Of Unarmed Civilians

February 9th, 1951 74 years ago

In Geochang, South Korea, a battalion from the 11th Division of the South Korean Army killed 719 unarmed civilians over the course of two days. The killings occurred amidst the Korean War, where the military was conducting anti-communist operations. This tragedy stands out as a significant example of the atrocities committed against civilians during wartime, reflecting the tensions and chaos of the period.

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Politics & Government

Genocide Convention Establishes International Law

December 9th, 1948 76 years ago

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, marking a significant milestone in international law. This convention defined genocide and mandated signatory states to prevent and punish the crime of genocide. It was adopted on December 9, 1948, in Paris, France, following the atrocities of World War II and a growing recognition of the need for legal frameworks to protect human rights. This legally binding treaty represented a commitment from the global community to prevent future genocides.

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Crime & Law

Execution of Japanese Lt. General Masaharu Homma

April 3rd, 1946 78 years ago

Japanese Lt. General Masaharu Homma was executed by firing squad in the Philippines for his role in the Bataan Death March, where thousands of Filipino and American troops suffered brutal conditions. Homma was held responsible for the severe treatment of prisoners during this forced march in April 1942, which led to the deaths of many captives. His trial and execution were part of post-war efforts to hold Japanese leaders accountable for wartime atrocities.

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Military & Warfare

Liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp

April 29th, 1945 79 years ago

United States troops liberated the Dachau concentration camp, which had been one of the first Nazi concentration camps established in Germany. Upon entering the camp, soldiers encountered thousands of emaciated prisoners and evidence of the horrific conditions endured by the detainees. Dachau was initially opened in 1933 and became a model for other concentration camps. The liberation took place during the waning days of World War II in Europe, signifying a monumental moment in the fight against Nazism as Allied forces advanced towards Nazi Germany.

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Military & Warfare

Prisoners Revolt at Jasenovac Concentration Camp

April 22nd, 1945 79 years ago

On April 22, a revolt occurred at the Jasenovac concentration camp in Croatia, where approximately 600 prisoners attempted to escape. The uprising was met with brutal force, resulting in the deaths of 520 inmates while about 80 managed to flee. The prisoners sought to gain their freedom as the war drew to a close, hoping to escape the horrors of the camp.

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Military & Warfare

Liberation of Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp

April 15th, 1945 79 years ago

The Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by British forces on April 15, 1945, uncovering immense suffering and inhumane conditions. Upon arrival, soldiers encountered thousands of malnourished inmates in desperate need of care. Among the liberators were troops of the British 11th Armoured Division led by Major General Franklyn J. B. Durnford. The disturbing conditions brought global attention to the atrocities of the Holocaust.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of Civilians in Wola, Poland

August 5th, 1944 80 years ago

In August 1944, the Nazis initiated a violent campaign in Wola, Poland, resulting in the massacre of between 40,000 and 50,000 civilians and prisoners of war. This atrocity was part of the broader context of the Warsaw Uprising, where Polish resistance fighters rose against German occupation. As the uprising began, Nazi forces responded with extreme brutality, killing indiscriminately to suppress the resistance. The Wola district became synonymous with this horrific event, showcasing the severity of the German military response in a desperate attempt to quash Polish efforts for liberation.

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