Historical Events tagged with "spain"

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

Surrender of Spanish Forces in Manila

August 13th, 1898 126 years ago

Spanish and American forces staged a mock battle in Manila. Following this display, the Spanish commander made the strategic decision to surrender the city to prevent it from falling into the hands of Filipino rebels. The event marked a critical moment in the Spanish-American War, underscoring the complex dynamics of colonial power, local insurgency, and international intervention.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. captures Guam amid miscommunication

June 21st, 1898 126 years ago

In June 1898, U.S. naval forces captured Guam, initiating control over the island during the Spanish-American War. The U.S. ships fired warning shots that the Spanish garrison mistook for formal salutes due to a lack of awareness regarding the ongoing war between the two nations. This miscommunication led to the peaceful surrender of the island without significant conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Congress Declares War on Spain

April 25th, 1898 126 years ago

The United States Congress declared a state of war with Spain, stating that a war had existed since April 21, when an American naval blockade of Cuba commenced. Tensions had escalated due to Spain's harsh rule over Cuba and the destruction of the USS Maine in Havana harbor. Congress's declaration came after widespread public support for military action against Spain, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Declares War on Spain

April 20th, 1898 126 years ago

William McKinley signed a joint resolution to Congress, approving a declaration of war against Spain. This act was fueled by rising tensions over Spain's rule in Cuba, where a humanitarian crisis was occurring, alongside the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. The resolution tailored to the public sentiment rapidly united Congress and the American people in favor of war.

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Military & Warfare

USS Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor

February 15th, 1898 127 years ago

The USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded in Havana harbor, resulting in the deaths of about 274 sailors. The ship was in Cuba as part of a mission to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence and the tensions surrounding Spanish colonial rule. The explosion caused widespread outrage in the United States, leading to calls for military intervention against Spain. The circumstances surrounding the explosion remain a topic of debate.

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Politics & Government

Michele Angiolillo Kills Antonio Cánovas

August 8th, 1897 127 years ago

Michele Angiolillo, an Italian anarchist, assassinated Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo in a violent act that reflected the growing tensions between anarchist movements and governmental authorities in late 19th-century Europe. The assassination took place in Guipúzkoa, Spain, where Angiolillo approached Cánovas and shot him multiple times, reportedly to protest against the harsh repression of anarchists in Spain. This act sparked widespread debates about political violence and the role of anarchism in societal change.

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Crime & Law

Bombing at Barcelona's Liceu Opera House

November 7th, 1893 131 years ago

An anarchist, named Paulí Pujol, threw two bombs into the Liceu opera house in Barcelona, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals and injuring many others. This attack occurred during a performance and created a panic among the audience. Pujol's intent was to target the influential societal elites present at the opera, reflecting the rising tensions between the anarchist movement and the established order of society in Spain.

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Science & Technology

First Test of Isaac Peral's Submarine

September 8th, 1888 136 years ago

Isaac Peral's submarine, known as the 'Plongeur', was first tested in the waters off the coast of Spain. This innovative vessel was designed to explore underwater capabilities for naval warfare. During its initial trial, the submarine successfully submerged and re-emerged, showcasing its groundbreaking design and engineering. The event marked a significant advancement in maritime technology, as Peral aimed to enhance the strategic capabilities of naval fleets in the 19th century, illustrating the potential of submerged warfare.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Restores Monarchy in Spain

December 29th, 1874 150 years ago

General Arsenio Martínez Campos led a military coup in Sagunto, which effectively marked the collapse of the failed First Spanish Republic. The coup resulted in the proclamation of Prince Alfonso as King of Spain, thereby restoring the Spanish monarchy. This shift aimed to stabilize the political turmoil that had plagued Spain since the abdication of King Amadeo I.

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