Historical Events tagged with "siege"

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

Siege of Metz Begins in Franco-Prussian War

September 3rd, 1870 154 years ago

The Franco-Prussian War saw the Siege of Metz commence, where Prussian forces surrounded the French city of Metz. Under the command of General Helmuth von Moltke, the Prussians aimed to cut off supplies and capture the French garrison. Metz, a critical stronghold, became the focal point for military strategy following the rapid advances of Prussian troops in the conflict. As the siege progressed, the isolation and pressure on the besieged French forces intensified, leading to a shift in the war's dynamics.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Army Captures Mobile, Alabama

April 12th, 1865 159 years ago

The Union Army successfully captured Mobile, Alabama, a key Confederate port city, significantly impacting the Civil War. Under the command of General Edward Canby, the Union forces laid siege to the city, which had been fortified and was defended by Confederate troops led by General Richard Taylor. The capture was completed after intense fighting and key tactical maneuvers, leading to the surrender of Confederate forces. This victory contributed to the decline of Confederate control in the South.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Brazilians and Coloradans Capture Paysandú

January 2nd, 1865 160 years ago

In the context of the Uruguayan War, the siege of Paysandú culminated in its capture by Brazilian and Colorado forces. This crucial military engagement took place in an attempt by these forces to control the city, which was a stronghold of the Blanco faction. After a protracted siege, the city was taken, marking a decisive point in the conflict and shifting the balance of power in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Forces Assault Plymouth, North Carolina

April 17th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate forces launched an attack on Plymouth, North Carolina, aiming to reclaim the strategic port from Union control. Under the command of General William Henry Chase Whiting, the Confederates engaged in a fierce battle against Union defenders. The town was critical for its location along the Roanoke River, providing supply routes for the Union Navy. The battle began as Confederate troops laid siege to the town, which had been fortified by Union forces led by Colonel John H. J. McGowan, creating an intense standoff.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Longstreet Abandons Siege of Knoxville, Tennessee

December 4th, 1863 161 years ago

Confederate General James Longstreet lifted his siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, after a prolonged effort to capture the city. The siege began in November and aimed to secure a strategic position for the Confederacy in East Tennessee. Longstreet's forces struggled against the fortified Union defenders led by General Ambrose Burnside, who successfully held the city despite the numerical superiority of the Confederate troops. The withdrawal marked an important moment in the broader context of the war as it underscored the challenges faced by Confederate forces in securing critical territories.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at Fort Sanders in Knoxville

November 29th, 1863 161 years ago

Union forces under General Ambrose Burnside defended Knoxville, Tennessee, against a Confederate assault led by General James Longstreet during the Siege of Knoxville. The significant confrontation at Fort Sanders showcased the strategic advantages in fortification and troop positioning. Burnside’s troops were able to repel Longstreet's forces, ultimately securing Knoxville for the Union. This victory was crucial for maintaining supply lines and troop morale in the region as the war progressed.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Siege of Knoxville Begins

November 17th, 1863 161 years ago

In a strategic move during the Knoxville campaign, Confederate General James Longstreet initiated a siege on Knoxville, Tennessee. The city was defended by Union forces under General Ambrose Burnside. This confrontation aimed to force Burnside's troops into submission and regain control of critical territory in eastern Tennessee, pivotal for supplies and troop movements.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Capture of Fort Wagner After Siege

September 7th, 1863 161 years ago

Union troops commanded by Quincy A. Gillmore successfully captured Fort Wagner on Morris Island after a prolonged seven-week siege. The capture was a significant military achievement amidst the broader context of the Civil War, primarily aimed at gaining control of the strategic port of Charleston, South Carolina. This battle illustrated the determination of Union forces to weaken the Confederate positions along the southeastern coast.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Evacuation of Battery Wagner

September 6th, 1863 161 years ago

Confederate forces evacuated Battery Wagner and Morris Island after a prolonged siege by Union troops. The strategic position was critical to defending Charleston, South Carolina, but relentless bombardments and assaults weakened the Confederate hold. This retreat marked a significant turning point in the campaign for control of the South Carolina coast.

Continue Reading