Historical Events tagged with "french 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.

Military & Warfare

Truck Bombing of U.S. and French Barracks in Beirut

October 23rd, 1983 41 years ago

A devastating attack occurred when a truck bomb exploded at the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, killing 241 U.S. military personnel. At the same time, a French Army barracks was also targeted by a separate truck bomb, resulting in the deaths of 58 French troops. These coordinated attacks were part of the ongoing Lebanese Civil War, which saw numerous factions vying for control in Lebanon and foreign military involvement.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Mass Evacuation from North to South Vietnam

May 18th, 1955 69 years ago

Operation Passage to Freedom was a significant evacuation effort that took place following the First Indochina War, facilitating the transition of over 310,000 Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and non-Vietnamese members of the French Army from communist-controlled North Vietnam to the southern region. This operation was a response to the political turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the Geneva Accords, which partitioned Vietnam into North and South at the 17th parallel. The operation officially concluded on May 18, 1955, marking the end of a large-scale migration amidst fears of persecution and violence from the new communist regime.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Belgium Surrenders to Nazi Germany

May 28th, 1940 84 years ago

Belgium capitulated to Nazi Germany after intense fighting during the Battle of Belgium, which took place from May 10 to May 28, 1940. The Belgian government decided to end hostilities to prevent further devastation and to protect its citizens. The surrender marked a significant turn in the early phase of World War II, as Germany rapidly advanced through Western Europe with its Blitzkrieg tactics. This swift victory over Belgium opened the road for German forces towards France, furthering their military objectives in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

French Offensive Successfully Pushes Back Germans

December 18th, 1916 108 years ago

The Battle of Verdun culminated when French forces launched a successful counter-offensive against entrenched German troops. This decisive action allowed the French army to reclaim lost territory, pushing back German lines by two to three kilometers. It marked a notable shift in the battle, ending months of brutal stalemate, and symbolized the resilience of the French forces. Verdun had been a pivotal and exhausting conflict for both sides, with high casualties and significant strategic implications.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Garibaldi's Defeat at the Battle of Mentana

November 3rd, 1867 157 years ago

Giuseppe Garibaldi led a group of Italian volunteers in an attempt to capture Rome and end the Pope's temporal power. However, they were met with strong opposition from papal forces and French troops at the Battle of Mentana. The engagement resulted in a decisive defeat for Garibaldi and his followers, halting their advance toward Rome and reasserting the Pope's authority in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Austrian Forces Defeat French at Arcis-sur-Aube

March 21st, 1814 210 years ago

In March 1814, Austrian troops successfully repelled French forces during a critical engagement at Arcis-sur-Aube. Led by Field Marshal Karl Schwarzenberg, the Austrian forces struck back against Napoleon Bonaparte's army, which was attempting to consolidate its position amidst a retreat. The battle showcased the strategic prowess of the Austrian military and marked a significant moment in the larger conflict of the Napoleonic Wars.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Ney's Strategic Delay at Redinha

March 12th, 1811 214 years ago

French Marshal Michel Ney executed a successful rearguard action at the Battle of Redinha, effectively delaying the advancing Anglo-Portuguese forces. This skirmish took place in Portugal, where Ney displayed his tactical expertise, holding off the enemy long enough to enable his forces to regroup and retreat to a more defensible position. The French were in a precarious situation, with supply lines cut and forces scattered, yet Ney's actions exemplified his leadership under pressure and contributed to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

British and Allies Defeat French at Talavera

July 28th, 1809 215 years ago

A coalition force of British, Portuguese, and Spanish troops commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley achieved a decisive victory over a French army led by Joseph Bonaparte at the Battle of Talavera. The engagement took place near Talavera de la Reina in Spain, marking a crucial moment in the Peninsular War. Despite being outnumbered, Wellesley's forces displayed exceptional discipline and strategic prowess, contributing to the broader struggle against French domination in the Iberian Peninsula.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Austrian Resistance at Aspern-Essling

May 21st, 1809 215 years ago

The French forces, commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte, launched an ambitious assault across the Danube River towards the Austrian positions at Aspern and Essling. Enemy fire met them, as the experienced Austrian army under Archduke Charles mounted a strong defense. Using the advantage of the terrain and their entrenched positions, the Austrians successfully repelled the French attacks. This engagement marked a crucial turning point in the early stages of the campaign, showcasing the resilience of the Austrian forces against one of Europe’s greatest military leaders.

Continue Reading