January 26

Events - Wars & Conflicts

1564day.year

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeats the Tsardom of Russia in the Battle of Ula during the Livonian War.

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania secures a decisive victory over the Tsardom of Russia at the Battle of Ula during the Livonian War.
On January 26, 1564, near the Ula River, forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania engaged and defeated a Russian army under Tsardom of Russia during the Livonian War. Led by Hetman Mikołaj Radziwiłł, the Lithuanian troops utilized maneuver tactics to outflank and rout the Russian forces. The victory disrupted Russian advances in the Baltic region and bolstered Polish-Lithuanian influence. The battle showcased the strategic importance of light cavalry and flexible formations in Renaissance-era warfare. Despite being outnumbered, the Lithuanians’ knowledge of the terrain and disciplined command proved decisive. This outcome temporarily halted Russian expansion westward and became celebrated in Polish-Lithuanian military history.
1564 Grand Duchy of Lithuania Tsardom of Russia Battle of Ula Livonian War
1856day.year

First Battle of Seattle: Marines from the USS Decatur drive off American Indian attackers after all-day battle with settlers.

Marines repel native forces during the First Battle of Seattle in a key clash of the Puget Sound War.
On January 26, 1856, during the Puget Sound War, Marines from the USS Decatur defended the settlement of Seattle against a coalition of Suquamish and Duwamish warriors. The all-day battle saw intense skirmishes around the frontier outpost, with settlers taking refuge behind hastily constructed barricades. Despite repeated attacks, the well-armed Marines held their ground and lifted the siege by evening. The engagement underscored the tensions between indigenous peoples resisting settlement and American expansionist forces. Although a relatively small conflict, it had lasting repercussions for the native tribes and the future growth of Seattle as a city.
1856 Battle of Seattle USS Decatur
1861day.year

American Civil War: The state of Louisiana secedes from the Union.

Louisiana secedes from the Union, joining the Confederate States at the brink of the Civil War.
On January 26, 1861, the state of Louisiana formally seceded from the United States, becoming the sixth member of the Confederate States of America. The decision followed a statewide convention in New Orleans, reflecting the rising tensions over slavery and states' rights. Secession representatives drafted an ordinance declaring the state's independence from the Union and pledged allegiance to the Confederacy. This act marked a critical escalation in the crisis that would erupt into full-scale civil war months later. Louisiana's strategic location along the Mississippi River made its secession particularly significant for both Confederate logistics and Union military planning.
1861 American Civil War Louisiana secedes from the Union
1863day.year

American Civil War: General Ambrose Burnside is relieved of command of the Army of the Potomac after the disastrous Fredericksburg campaign. He is replaced by Joseph Hooker.

General Ambrose Burnside is relieved of command after the Union defeat at Fredericksburg, and Joseph Hooker takes over.
On January 26, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln and his military advisers removed Major General Ambrose E. Burnside from command of the Union Army of the Potomac after the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg. Burnside's bold but ill-fated frontal assault on entrenched Confederate positions resulted in heavy casualties and stalled Union advances. In his place, Major General Joseph Hooker was appointed to lead the Army and tasked with restoring morale and strategic effectiveness. Hooker later reorganized the force and won praise for his leadership in subsequent operations. The command change highlighted the Union's urgent need for competent leadership in its struggle to defeat the Confederacy.
1863 Ambrose Burnside Army of the Potomac Fredericksburg campaign Joseph Hooker
1863day.year

American Civil War: Governor of Massachusetts John Albion Andrew receives permission from the Secretary of War to raise a militia organization for men of African descent.

Massachusetts is authorized to form an African American militia, paving the way for the famous 54th Regiment.
On January 26, 1863, Governor John Albion Andrew of Massachusetts received official authorization from Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to recruit and organize a militia of African American men. This landmark permission paved the way for the formation of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first black units in the Union Army. The decision challenged existing prejudices and expanded opportunities for African Americans to fight for their freedom and the Union cause. Although initially met with skepticism, the valor of black soldiers in battle helped shift public opinion and laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. This event marked a significant step toward the inclusion of African Americans in the nation's military and social fabric.
Governor of Massachusetts John Albion Andrew Secretary of War militia
1885day.year

Troops loyal to The Mahdi conquer Khartoum, killing the Governor-General Charles George Gordon.

Mahdist forces capture Khartoum after a siege, resulting in the death of Governor-General Charles Gordon.
On January 26, 1885, forces loyal to Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi stormed the city of Khartoum after a protracted siege, culminating in the death of British Governor-General Charles George Gordon. Gordon had been sent to evacuate Egyptian troops and civilians but chose to defend the city against overwhelming Mahdist numbers. The fall of Khartoum marked a dramatic victory for the Mahdist uprising in Sudan and a humiliating setback for British and Egyptian interests in the region. Reports of Gordon's death fueled public outrage in Britain and spurred debates over imperial policy and military intervention. The event underscored the complexities of colonial expansion and resistance in Africa.
1885 The Mahdi Khartoum Charles George Gordon
1918day.year

Finnish Civil War: A group of Red Guards hangs a red lantern atop the tower of Helsinki Workers' Hall to symbolically mark the start of the war.

Finnish Red Guards hang a red lantern atop the Helsinki Workers' Hall to mark the symbolic start of the Finnish Civil War in 1918.
On January 26, 1918, a group of Finnish Red Guards hoisted a red lantern atop the tower of the Helsinki Workers' Hall as a dramatic signal of revolt. This gesture symbolized the formal beginning of the Finnish Civil War between socialist Reds and conservative Whites. The conflict was fueled by social unrest and competing visions for Finland's future after independence from Russia. Urban skirmishes and rural battles erupted across the country in the following months. The war resulted in significant casualties and left a lasting impact on Finnish society and politics. The red lantern remains a powerful emblem of the turbulent birth of modern Finland.
1918 Finnish Civil War Red Guards Helsinki Workers' Hall
1939day.year

Spanish Civil War: Catalonia Offensive: Troops loyal to nationalist General Francisco Franco and aided by Italy take Barcelona.

Nationalist forces capture Barcelona on January 26, 1939, a decisive victory in the Catalonia Offensive during the Spanish Civil War.
On January 26, 1939, troops loyal to General Francisco Franco, supported by Italian forces, seized Barcelona after a fierce campaign. This victory effectively ended Republican resistance in Catalonia and marked a turning point in the Spanish Civil War. Barcelona had long served as a stronghold for the Republican government and its capture demoralized anti-fascist forces. Thousands of civilians fled southward toward the French border to escape reprisals. The fall of Barcelona paved the way for Franco's eventual victory and long dictatorship over Spain. The event underscored the brutal realities of modern warfare and the strategic importance of urban centers.
1939 Spanish Civil War Catalonia Offensive Francisco Franco Italy Barcelona
1942day.year

World War II: The first United States forces arrive in Europe, landing in Northern Ireland.

The first American combat troops arrive in Europe, landing in Northern Ireland on January 26, 1942, marking the U.S. entry into the European theater.
On January 26, 1942, the first elements of the U.S. 34th Infantry Division landed in Northern Ireland, becoming the initial American troops in Europe during World War II. Their deployment followed the United States' declaration of war after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Stationed in counties such as Antrim and Down, U.S. soldiers trained alongside British and Commonwealth forces. Their arrival strengthened Allied defenses and boosted morale across the Atlantic. The partnership forged in Ireland laid the foundation for future joint operations, including campaigns in North Africa and Normandy. This milestone signaled America's deepening commitment to liberating occupied Europe from Nazi tyranny.
1942 World War II Northern Ireland
1945day.year

World War II: Audie Murphy displays valor and bravery in action for which he will later be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Audie Murphy heroically holds off German forces during the Colmar Pocket on January 26, 1945, an act that earned him the Medal of Honor.
On January 26, 1945, Private Audie Murphy single-handedly defended his position against a German counterattack in the Colmar Pocket, France. Under heavy enemy fire and despite being wounded, he climbed atop a burning tank destroyer to direct artillery strikes. His actions repelled multiple assaults and prevented the annihilation of his company. For this extraordinary gallantry, Murphy was later awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II. His courage and leadership inspired his peers and exemplified the steadfast resolve of Allied troops. Murphy's story remains a testament to individual valor on the battlefield.
1945 Audie Murphy Medal of Honor
1986day.year

The Ugandan government of Tito Okello is overthrown by the National Resistance Army, led by Yoweri Museveni.

In 1986, Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army overthrew Uganda's government led by Tito Okello.
After years of guerrilla warfare, Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army captured Kampala on January 26, 1986. The NRA's victory ended a period of military rule under President Tito Okello and brought Museveni to power. His leadership promised national reconciliation, economic reform, and the end of human rights abuses that had plagued Uganda. Museveni established the National Resistance Movement as the country's ruling political organization. The takeover marked a turning point in Uganda's history, leading to relative stability after decades of turmoil. Museveni's long tenure has since been subject to both praise for economic growth and criticism over political freedoms. The 1986 coup remains a defining event in East African politics.
1986 Tito Okello National Resistance Army Yoweri Museveni
1991day.year

Mohamed Siad Barre is removed from power in Somalia, ending centralized government, and is succeeded by Ali Mahdi.

Somali leader Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991, ending the country's centralized government and sparking civil war.
On January 26, 1991, insurgent forces forced Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre to flee Mogadishu, collapsing his regime. The ousting ended Barre's 21-year rule, which had experienced periods of authoritarianism and clan-based favoritism. With no central authority to assume power, Somalia descended into clan warfare and lawlessness. Rival factions vied for control, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and prolonged conflict. International interventions failed to restore nationwide governance, and Somalia remains without a fully functional central government. The power vacuum contributed to the rise of warlords and extremist groups in the following decades. Barre's removal is seen as the catalyst for one of the longest unresolved conflicts in Africa.
1991 Mohamed Siad Barre Somalia Ali Mahdi