Historical Events tagged with "violence"

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

Cossacks Attack Hailuoto Overnight

September 29th, 1714 310 years ago

In Hailuoto, approximately 800 people were killed when Cossack forces launched a surprise attack during the Great Wrath. This sudden violence occurred overnight, leaving the local population devastated. The reasons behind the attack involve a combination of territorial conflicts and unrest in the region, as Cossack groups were known for their military prowess and volatility during this tumultuous period.

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Politics & Government

Lynching of Johan and Cornelis de Witt

August 20th, 1672 352 years ago

Johan de Witt, the Grand Pensionary of Holland, and his brother Cornelis were brutally lynched by a mob in The Hague. This violent mob action was fueled by widespread public discontent and suspicion, particularly amid a tumultuous period when the Dutch Republic faced military threats during the Franco-Dutch War. Their murder was a culmination of political strife, as both brothers were scapegoated for the Republic's misfortunes. The mob attacked the de Witts, ultimately killing them and displaying their bodies in a gruesome act of vengeance.

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Military & Warfare

Cromwell's New Model Army Sacks Wexford

October 11th, 1649 375 years ago

In a brutal assault on the Irish town of Wexford, Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army captured the city, leading to the deaths of over 2,000 Irish Confederate troops and around 1,500 civilians. The siege culminated in a fierce battle, which resulted in widespread devastation as troops stormed the town and exacted a severe toll on the defenders and the populace. Cromwell's forces aimed to suppress the Irish Confederate resistance and solidify control over Ireland.

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Military & Warfare

Yangzhou Massacre of 800,000 Residents

May 20th, 1645 379 years ago

The Yangzhou massacre was a brutal event during the transition from the Ming to Qing dynasties, where an estimated 800,000 residents of Yangzhou were killed. This horrific episode began when Qing forces, led by Chen Gongbo, captured the city, leading to widespread slaughter. The crackdown was partly a response to Ming loyalist resistance, and the violence lasted for ten days, decimating the civilian population. Many residents were executed, while others faced death through arson and pillaging. The massacre stands as one of the most striking atrocities of this historical upheaval.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre in Magdeburg During Thirty Years' War

May 20th, 1631 393 years ago

Forces of the Holy Roman Empire captured Magdeburg, leading to a catastrophic massacre of its inhabitants. The siege, marked by intense violence, left thousands dead and was a significant moment in the Thirty Years' War. Following a prolonged conflict, the city was overwhelmed, and the brutality of the soldiers shocked contemporaries across Europe. The event solidified Magdeburg's tragic legacy as a symbol of the war's devastation.

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Crime & Law

Fettmilch Uprising Expels Jews from Frankfurt

August 22nd, 1614 410 years ago

The Fettmilch Uprising led to the expulsion of Jews from Frankfurt after tensions escalated into violence. A group led by a butcher named Georg Fettmilch plundered the Judengasse, the area where Jews lived and conducted their business. This occurred in the context of social and economic frustrations, particularly over debts owed to Jewish moneylenders. The plight of the Jewish community was steepened by the uprising, resulting in the expulsion of Jews from the city and significant economic disruption.

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Crime & Law

Prince Gesualdo Murders His Wife and Lover

October 16th, 1590 434 years ago

Prince Carlo Gesualdo of Venosa discovered his wife, Maria d'Avalos, in an illicit affair with the nobleman, Fabrizio Carafa. Enraged by betrayal, Gesualdo committed the brutal act of murdering both Maria and Carafa in the castle of Gesualdo. This shocking crime shocked the local aristocracy and painted a portrait of jealousy and passion, marking a dark chapter in his tumultuous life.

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Religion & Philosophy

Protestant Coup in Nîmes: The Michelade Massacre

September 29th, 1567 457 years ago

In Nîmes, Protestant leaders carried out a planned attack against Catholic clergy and laity, resulting in the massacre of approximately 40 priests and laypeople. This occurred amidst the violent backdrop of the French Wars of Religion, which started in 1562. The coup was part of a growing tension between Protestant and Catholic factions in France, as the latter sought to consolidate power and suppress the rising influence of Calvinism in the region.

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Crime & Law

Mass Violence Against Jews in Lisbon

April 19th, 1506 518 years ago

Between April and May, Portuguese Catholics targeted the Jewish community in Lisbon, resulting in widespread violence and slaughter. This violent outbreak began after a rumor spread that a church miracle was linked to the murdering of Jews. The chaos engulfed the city, with mobs attacking and killing many Jews. Authorities were ultimately ineffective in stopping the violence, which reflects the intense religious fervor and societal tensions of the time.

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