January 29

Events - Wars & Conflicts

1814day.year

War of the Sixth Coalition: France engages Russia and Prussia in the Battle of Brienne.

In the 1814 Battle of Brienne, French forces under Napoleon confront Russian and Prussian armies during the Sixth Coalition.
On January 29, 1814, during the War of the Sixth Coalition, Napoleon’s army clashes with a combined Russian and Prussian force at Brienne-le-Château. The French achieve a tactical success, temporarily delaying the Coalition’s advance on Paris. The battle showcases Napoleon’s enduring strategic skill despite waning resources. However, the victory is short-lived as overwhelming Coalition numbers press ahead. Brienne underscores the deteriorating position of the French Empire in the face of united European powers. It foreshadows the decisive battles that will soon lead to Napoleon’s abdication. The confrontation at Brienne is remembered for its display of bravery and tactical ingenuity amid declining fortunes.
1814 War of the Sixth Coalition Prussia Battle of Brienne
1863day.year

The Bear River Massacre: A detachment of California Volunteers led by Colonel Patrick Edward Connor engage the Shoshone at Bear River, Washington Territory, killing hundreds of men, women and children.

The Bear River Massacre occurs in 1863 when U.S. forces attack a Shoshone encampment, resulting in heavy casualties.
On January 29, 1863, Colonel Patrick Edward Connor leads California Volunteers in a dawn assault against a Shoshone village at Bear River in present-day Idaho. The surprise attack kills an estimated 200 to 400 Shoshone men, women, and children. The incident is one of the deadliest in the American Indian Wars and reflects the brutal nature of frontier conflicts. U.S. authorities describe the operation as a military necessity, while Native American accounts emphasize the massacre of non-combatants. The event deepens mistrust and animosity between Native tribes and settlers. Bear River becomes a symbol of the tragic consequences of westward expansion. Its legacy prompts later reflection on U.S. policies toward Indigenous peoples.
1863 Bear River Massacre California Volunteers Patrick Edward Connor Shoshone Bear River Washington Territory
1911day.year

Mexican Revolution: Mexicali is captured by the Mexican Liberal Party, igniting the Magonista rebellion of 1911.

During the Mexican Revolution on January 29, 1911, rebel forces led by the Mexican Liberal Party captured Mexicali, sparking the Magonista rebellion.
On January 29, 1911, dissidents associated with the Mexican Liberal Party, under the leadership of Ricardo Flores Magón, seized the border town of Mexicali. This audacious capture marked the beginning of the Magonista rebellion, a key episode in the broader Mexican Revolution. The rebels aimed to challenge the dictatorial regime of Porfirio Díaz and promote social and political reform. Holding Mexicali allowed them to secure ammunition and recruit volunteers, creating a strategic base of operations. Although their control of the town was short-lived, the action inspired uprisings elsewhere in Mexico. The revolt highlighted the fragmented nature of opposition forces and foreshadowed the complex struggle that would reshape Mexico.
1911 Mexican Revolution Mexicali captured Mexican Liberal Party Magonista rebellion of 1911
1918day.year

Ukrainian–Soviet War: The Bolshevik Red Army, on its way to besiege Kyiv, is met by a small group of military students at the Battle of Kruty.

On January 29, 1918, during the Ukrainian–Soviet War, Ukrainian students courageously defended an outnumbered position at the Battle of Kruty.
On January 29, 1918, near the railway station of Kruty, a contingent of around 400 Ukrainian cadets and volunteers faced a vastly superior Bolshevik force. The Battle of Kruty was a pivotal early engagement in the Ukrainian–Soviet War. Despite being outnumbered and lightly armed, the young defenders delayed the Red Army's advance toward Kyiv. Their stand became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and patriotism. The battle inflicted unexpected casualties on the Bolsheviks, buying critical time for the fledgling Ukrainian People's Republic. Although ultimately forced to retreat, the sacrifice of the Kruty defenders resonated throughout Ukrainian history and national memory.
1918 Ukrainian–Soviet War Bolshevik Red Army Kyiv Battle of Kruty
1918day.year

Ukrainian–Soviet War: An armed uprising organized by the Bolsheviks in anticipation of the encroaching Red Army begins at the Kiev Arsenal, which will be put down six days later.

On January 29, 1918, Bolshevik forces instigated an armed uprising at the Kiev Arsenal against Kyiv's defenders.
Early on January 29, 1918, Bolshevik insurgents, supported by local workers and soldiers, launched an armed revolt at the Kiev Arsenal. This insurrection aimed to pave the way for the incoming Red Army during the Ukrainian–Soviet War. The rebels seized the large arms factory but faced fierce resistance from the city garrison and student volunteers. Over six days of intense urban combat, both sides suffered heavy casualties. The uprising was ultimately crushed, but it underscored the intense political turmoil in Kyiv. The conflict at the Kiev Arsenal foreshadowed the broader struggle for control over Ukraine during this period.
armed uprising Bolsheviks Red Army Kiev Arsenal
1943day.year

World War II: The first day of the Battle of Rennell Island, USS Chicago (CA-29) is torpedoed and heavily damaged by Japanese bombers.

On January 29, 1943, Japanese bombers torpedoed and heavily damaged the USS Chicago at the start of the Battle of Rennell Island.
On January 29, 1943, U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-29) was struck by torpedoes from Japanese aircraft during the Battle of Rennell Island. Positioned in the Solomon Islands chain, the Chicago was providing escort to American transport vessels. The torpedo hits caused severe flooding and compromised her propulsion systems. Despite damage control efforts, the ship was left dead in the water and vulnerable to further attack. The cruiser was eventually withdrawn for repairs, underscoring the vulnerability of Allied shipping in the Pacific. This engagement marked the final naval battle of the Guadalcanal campaign, highlighting the intense air-sea conflict in World War II.
1943 World War II Battle of Rennell Island USS Chicago (CA-29)
1944day.year

World War II: Approximately 38 people are killed and about a dozen injured when the Polish village of Koniuchy (present-day Kaniūkai, Lithuania) is attacked by Soviet partisan units.

On January 29, 1944, Soviet partisan units attacked the Polish village of Koniuchy, killing around 38 residents.
On January 29, 1944, Soviet-led partisan detachments assaulted the village of Koniuchy, then part of eastern Poland (present-day Kaniūkai, Lithuania). The operation aimed to disrupt German supply lines but tragically targeted civilians. Approximately 38 inhabitants were killed and many more injured in the raid. The incident remains contentious, illustrating the complex loyalties and brutal tactics of irregular warfare. Survivors recalled the suddenness of the assault and the challenges of life under shifting occupation. The attack on Koniuchy highlights the human cost of partisan operations during World War II.
1944 Kaniūkai attacked Soviet partisan
1944day.year

World War II: In Bologna, Italy, the Anatomical theatre of the Archiginnasio is completely destroyed in an air-raid.

On January 29, 1944, Allied bombers destroyed Bologna's historic Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio during an air raid.
During an air raid on January 29, 1944, Allied forces targeted Bologna's historic city center in their campaign against Axis supply lines. The bombardment completely demolished the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, a renowned 17th-century educational landmark. Designed by Antonio Levanti, the ornate wooden interior had served as a center for medical teaching since 1637. The loss represented both cultural and academic devastation amid the wider destruction of war. Reconstruction efforts after the conflict sought to preserve what remained of this unique architectural jewel. The event underscores the collateral impact of strategic bombing on cultural heritage.
Bologna Anatomical theatre of the Archiginnasio
1991day.year

Gulf War: The Battle of Khafji, the first major ground engagement of the war, as well as its deadliest, begins between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The Battle of Khafji commenced as the Gulf War’s first and deadliest major ground engagement between Iraqi and Saudi forces.
On January 29, 1991, Iraqi forces launched an offensive into the Saudi Arabian coastal town of Khafji, marking the Gulf War’s first large-scale land battle. Saudi and coalition troops, including Qatari and U.S. Marine units, counterattacked to retake the city in the days that followed. The fierce fighting resulted in significant casualties on both sides and highlighted the war’s brutal nature. Coalition air support and desert warfare tactics proved crucial in securing Saudi territory. The battle’s outcome bolstered coalition morale and set the stage for the successful liberation of Kuwait.
1991 Gulf War Battle of Khafji Iraq Saudi Arabia
2014day.year

Rojava conflict: The Afrin Canton declares its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Afrin Canton declared autonomy from Syria in 2014 amid the Rojava conflict.
In 2012, Kurdish forces established a semi-autonomous administration in northeastern Syria. On January 29, 2014, the Afrin Canton announced its autonomy from the Syrian Arab Republic. This declaration was part of the broader Rojava project aimed at self-governance. Afrin Canton implemented local councils and cooperative governance models. The autonomy declaration challenged traditional state structures during the Syrian civil war. It drew international attention to Kurdish political aspirations in the region. The move influenced future autonomy discussions across Rojava's cantons.
2014 Rojava conflict Afrin Canton Syrian Arab Republic