Historical Events tagged with "united states"

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.

Politics & Government

U.S. Frees Confederate Envoys Mason and Slidell

December 26th, 1861 163 years ago

The United States government freed Confederate diplomatic envoys James Murray Mason and John Slidell, easing tensions with the United Kingdom. These envoys had been captured by the U.S. Navy while attempting to reach Britain aboard the British ship USS Trent. Their release was seen as a step towards mending U.S.-UK relations during the American Civil War, as Britain had been considering support for the Confederacy.

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Military & Warfare

Navy Medal of Valor Established by Lincoln

December 21st, 1861 163 years ago

Public Resolution 82 was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, establishing a Navy Medal of Valor. The legislation aimed to honor acts of extraordinary heroism by Navy personnel, providing recognition and incentive for bravery in naval service. This was a crucial step in formalizing medals for military valor.

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Politics & Government

Confederate Electors Elect Davis and Stephens

December 4th, 1861 163 years ago

The Confederate States of America held an election where 109 electors unanimously selected Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President. This decision was made in Montgomery, Alabama, the capital of the Confederacy, solidifying their leadership amidst the ongoing Civil War. The electors, representing various southern states, demonstrated a united front in their leadership choice as the Confederacy sought to establish its legitimacy as a separate nation.

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Politics & Government

Missouri Declared 12th Confederate State

November 28th, 1861 163 years ago

Missouri's status as the 12th Confederate state was solidified when the Confederate government acknowledged a rival state government in Missouri. This event drew attention to the ongoing struggles within Missouri, where loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy were deeply divided. The declaration aimed to strengthen Confederate claims in the border state and to attract support from local residents sympathetic to the Southern cause. As battles raged nearby, this pronouncement marked a significant moment in the civil war dynamics.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Strike at Belmont, Missouri

November 7th, 1861 163 years ago

In a bold offensive, Union forces commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant successfully assaulted a Confederate camp in Belmont, Missouri. The operation aimed to disrupt Confederate activities and secure the area, reflecting Grant's early strategic aggression. Initially, Union troops gained the upper hand, capturing supplies and inflicting casualties. However, the tide turned when Confederate reinforcements arrived, compelling Grant to make a tactical withdrawal. The encounter showcased Grant's leadership and marked an important early engagement in the American Civil War.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Capture Paducah Without Conflict

September 6th, 1861 163 years ago

Union General Ulysses S. Grant successfully took control of Paducah, Kentucky, with minimal resistance from Confederate forces. The capture was strategically significant as it allowed the Union to command the mouth of the Tennessee River, enhancing their supply routes and troop movement capabilities. Grant's forces arrived on September 6, quickly securing the city, which was vital for controlling regional river traffic and supporting future military operations in the West.

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Military & Warfare

Union Assault on Hatteras Inlet Batteries

August 28th, 1861 163 years ago

Union forces launched an attack on Fort Hatteras and Fort Clark, located at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The assault aimed to secure these crucial coastal defenses from Confederate control. Over two days of combat, Union troops utilized naval bombardment along with a land attack to overpower the Confederate garrison. The conflict marked a significant early success for Union forces in the war.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Victory at Wilson's Creek

August 10th, 1861 163 years ago

At Wilson's Creek, a combined force of Confederate troops, Missouri State Guard, and Arkansas State troops achieved a significant victory over a larger Union force. The battle marked a critical confrontation in the early stages of the American Civil War, with the Confederates showcasing their military capabilities and strategy. The engagement resulted in considerable casualties for both sides but ultimately solidified Confederate control in southwestern Missouri.

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Military & Warfare

United States Army Ends Flogging Practices

August 5th, 1861 163 years ago

The U.S. Army officially abolished flogging as a punishment in the military. This decision reflected a broader shift towards more humane treatment of soldiers and a move away from harsh disciplinary measures that had characterized military life. The change was part of an effort to reform military discipline under the growing influence of humanitarian ideals during the Civil War period. By eliminating flogging, the Army aimed to promote a more respectable image and improve morale among troops.

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