Historical Events tagged with "conquest"

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

Japanese Take Control of Tainan in Taiwan

October 21st, 1895 129 years ago

The capitulation of Tainan marked the end of resistance against Japanese forces in Taiwan, completing Japan's conquest of the island. Following the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which concluded the First Sino-Japanese War, local forces led by General Liu Yongfu surrendered to Japanese troops after prolonged fighting. This surrender took place in Tainan, the last holdout of Chinese resistance, where Japanese forces had decisively defeated local Chinese armies over several weeks. The annexation was significant, establishing Japanese rule and influencing Taiwan's social and economic landscape.

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Military & Warfare

Shewan Forces Defeat Gojjame Army at Embabo

June 6th, 1882 142 years ago

The Shewan forces, commanded by Menelik II, achieved a significant victory against the Gojjame army at the Battle of Embabo, effectively capturing Negus Tekle Haymanot. This decisive encounter marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for power in Ethiopia, allowing the Shewans to extend their influence south of the Abay River.

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Military & Warfare

US Occupation of Monterey and Yerba Buena Begins

July 7th, 1846 178 years ago

US troops, under the command of Commodore John D. Sloat, landed in Monterey and Yerba Buena, California, marking the onset of the American conquest of California. The occupation occurred amid rising tensions stemming from the U.S.-Mexico War, as American forces sought to assert their control over the area. The takeover was largely unopposed, as many local Mexican authorities vacated after the United States declared war.

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Politics & Government

Ranjit Singh Becomes Maharaja of Punjab

July 12th, 1799 225 years ago

Ranjit Singh overthrew the ruling Durrani dynasty in Lahore, asserting control over the city. His forces captured the fort and laid the foundation for the Sikh Empire, marking a significant rise in Sikh power in the region. This successful conquest was pivotal in his journey to become the Maharaja, uniting various Sikh factions under his leadership.

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Military & Warfare

Mughal Victory Over Bengal Sultanate

July 12th, 1576 448 years ago

The Mughal Empire achieved a significant victory against the Bengal Sultanate at the Battle of Rajmahal. This battle marked the culmination of a series of conflicts in which administrative control over Bengal was contested. The Mughals, under the command of Emperor Akbar, sought to expand their territory and consolidate power. The defeat of the Sultanate allowed for further Mughal influence in the region, leading to the incorporation of Bengal into the empire.

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Military & Warfare

Incan Forces Lay Siege to Cuzco

May 6th, 1536 488 years ago

Incan forces, motivated by the desire to reclaim their capital from Spanish conquistadors, launched a siege on Cuzco. The siege was a crucial moment in the struggle for control over the Incan Empire, showcasing both the resilience of the Indigenous forces and the determination of the Spanish settlers led by Francisco Pizarro. Combat took place against the backdrop of Colombia's mountainous terrain, as various battles unfolded for the city's strategic and symbolic significance.

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Politics & Government

Spanish Foundation of Quito by Sebastián de Belalcázar

December 6th, 1534 490 years ago

Sebastián de Belalcázar, a Spanish conquistador, founded the city of Quito in present-day Ecuador. Leading a group of settlers, he established the city on December 6, 1534, amid the mountainous region of the Andes. Belalcázar was motivated by both the prospect of riches and the expansion of Spanish territory. The site of Quito was chosen for its strategic location and fertile land, pivotal for the Spanish colonial ambitions in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Pizarro Meets Atahualpa Outside Cajamarca

November 15th, 1532 492 years ago

In Cajamarca, Francisco Pizarro and his conquistadors met the Incan Emperor Atahualpa for the first time, arranging a significant meeting in the city plaza for the following day. This encounter would lead to pivotal events in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.

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Military & Warfare

Cortés Captures Cuauhtémoc and Tenochtitlan

August 13th, 1521 503 years ago

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés successfully defeated the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan after a prolonged siege, capturing its ruler, Tlatoani Cuauhtémoc. The fall of Tenochtitlan marked a pivotal moment in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, culminating in the collapse of one of the most powerful Mesoamerican civilizations. The siege was notably arduous, exacerbated by a lack of food and water, and fierce resistance from the Aztec warriors within the city.

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