Historical Events tagged with "civil war"

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

Nigerian Forces Take Control of Biafran Capital

December 24th, 1969 55 years ago

Nigerian troops successfully captured Umuahia, the capital of the secessionist state of Biafra, during the Nigerian Civil War. This maneuver marked a significant turning point in the conflict, as the Nigerian military sought to reestablish control over the region. The battle involved intense fighting and strategic military operations that ultimately led to the fall of the Biafran government in Umuahia. The recapture was pivotal in consolidating Nigerian sovereignty and ending the Biafran separatist movement.

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Politics & Government

Rogers Proposes Ceasefire Plan in War of Attrition

December 9th, 1969 55 years ago

U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers proposed a ceasefire plan for the ongoing War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt. The proposal aimed to halt the conflict, and both Egypt and Jordan accepted it despite the Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) strong objections. The acceptance of this plan intensified tensions within Jordan, ultimately leading to civil war in September 1970, as rival factions vied for power and influence.

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Military & Warfare

Operation OAU Launches in Nigerian Civil War

September 2nd, 1968 56 years ago

Operation OAU was initiated as a strategic military maneuver during the Nigerian Civil War, designed to cut off Biafran supply lines and secure crucial territories. Launched by the Nigerian military, this operation involved coordinated efforts from various fronts to weaken Biafran resistance. Commanders executed plans aimed at encircling key cities, aiming for a decisive blow. The operation took place primarily in southeastern Nigeria, where conflict had intensified due to resource scarcity and territorial disputes. Its objective was to reclaim control from Biafran forces and ultimately restore Nigerian unity.

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Military & Warfare

Biafra declares independence from Nigeria

May 30th, 1967 57 years ago

The Eastern Region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. The declaration was fueled by ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic factors following the Nigerian Civil War. Led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, the move prompted immediate reactions from the Nigerian government, which viewed it as a secessionist threat that necessitated military intervention. This sparked a brutal civil conflict lasting from 1967 until 1970.

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Politics & Government

Colonel Francisco Caamaño Overthrows Triumvirate Leadership

April 24th, 1965 59 years ago

Colonel Francisco Caamaño led a successful coup against the ruling triumvirate in the Dominican Republic, marking the beginning of a civil war. The triumvirate had come to power following the overthrow of democratically elected President Juan Bosch. The clash resulted in significant divisions within the military and society, as factions emerged to support various political ideologies, setting the stage for further conflict and instability in the region.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of the SS Georgiana Wreck Site

March 19th, 1965 59 years ago

Teenage diver E. Lee Spence discovers the wreck of the SS Georgiana, the most powerful Confederate cruiser, valued at over $50 million. Located off the coast of South Carolina, the ship was lost during the Civil War, and its discovery marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology.

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Politics & Government

North Yemen Civil War Begins with Revolution

September 25th, 1962 62 years ago

Abdullah al-Sallal led a coup against Imam al-Badr, proclaiming Yemen a republic and marking the start of the North Yemen Civil War. The revolution was initiated by military officers influenced by Arab nationalist sentiments, leading to unrest and conflict in the region. The power shift aimed to modernize Yemen and reduce the influence of the royalist elements, throwing the country's political future into turmoil as both sides vied for control.

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Military & Warfare

PLA Attacks HMS Amethyst in Nanjing

April 20th, 1949 75 years ago

The People's Liberation Army engaged HMS Amethyst as she attempted to travel to the British embassy in Nanjing. The British warship was navigating the Yangtze River amidst the turmoil of the Chinese Civil War. This confrontation resulted in significant casualties and showcased the increasing tensions between British and Communist forces in China. The Amethyst faced the dual threat of gunfire and a precarious situation in foreign waters, creating an international incident.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Explosion of SS Kiangya on Huangpu River

December 4th, 1948 76 years ago

The SS Kiangya, a Nationalist refugee ship, exploded in the Huangpu River while carrying evacuees from Shanghai. The explosion resulted from an accidental ignition of explosives aboard the ship, which had been hastily loaded with military supplies. The disaster caused significant casualties among the passengers and highlighted the chaotic conditions in Shanghai as the Chinese Civil War intensified.

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