February 18

Events

3102 BC

Kali Yuga, the fourth and final yuga of Hinduism, starts with the death of Krishna.

Kali Yuga, the final age in Hindu cosmology, is said to begin with the death of Krishna in 3102 BC.
Kali Yuga is the fourth and final yuga (era) in Hindu cosmology, believed to begin with the death of Lord Krishna in 3102 BC. It is characterized by moral decline, loss of dharma, and the predominance of sin and corruption. According to tradition, this age lasts for 432,000 years, during which societies and values deteriorate. The concept of Kali Yuga shapes Hindu eschatology, influencing rituals and philosophical interpretations. Its commencement marks a pivotal transition in the cosmic cycle of yugas.
3102 BC Kali Yuga yuga Hinduism Krishna
1229day.year

The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, signs a ten-year truce with al-Kamil, regaining Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem with neither military engagements nor support from the papacy.

In 1229, Frederick II negotiated a peaceful ten-year truce with Sultan al-Kamil, regaining key holy cities without military conflict or papal backing.
In 1229, Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire managed to secure a diplomatic victory in the Sixth Crusade. Without engaging in significant military conflicts or obtaining sanction from the papacy, he negotiated a ten-year truce with Sultan al-Kamil of Egypt. The agreement restored Christian control over Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem. Frederick’s unique approach emphasized negotiation over warfare, challenging contemporary crusading norms. The treaty temporarily eased hostilities in the Holy Land and showcased Frederick’s political acumen.
1229 Sixth Crusade Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor truce al-Kamil Jerusalem Nazareth Bethlehem papacy
1268day.year

The Battle of Wesenberg is fought between the Livonian Order and Dovmont of Pskov.

The Battle of Wesenberg in 1268 saw the Livonian Order clash with the forces of Dovmont of Pskov in a significant medieval engagement.
The Battle of Wesenberg took place in 1268 between the Northern Crusader Livonian Order and the forces led by Dovmont of Pskov. Located in present-day Estonia, the conflict was part of ongoing regional power struggles in the Baltic region. Dovmont, a prince known for his defensive tactics, successfully held off the Livonian knights. The battle demonstrated the resilience of Pskovian forces against foreign crusader incursions. It reinforced Dovmont’s reputation as a skilled military leader and shaped Pskov’s medieval history.
1268 Battle of Wesenberg Livonian Order Dovmont Pskov
1332day.year

Amda Seyon I, Emperor of Ethiopia begins his campaigns in the southern Muslim provinces.

In 1332, Emperor Amda Seyon I launched campaigns into Ethiopia’s southern Muslim provinces, expanding his empire through decisive military actions.
In 1332, Emperor Amda Seyon I of Ethiopia embarked on a series of military campaigns into the southern Muslim provinces. Motivated by both religious and territorial ambitions, his forces advanced deep into the Ifat Sultanate and surrounding regions. These campaigns aimed to secure trade routes, assert imperial authority, and spread Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Amda Seyon’s expeditions were marked by swift cavalry maneuvers and strong logistical organization. His successes solidified the Ethiopian Empire’s dominance in the Horn of Africa during the 14th century.
1332 Amda Seyon I Emperor of Ethiopia Muslim
1478day.year

George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, is executed in private at the Tower of London.

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, was executed for treason in the Tower of London in 1478, accused of plotting against his brother King Edward IV.
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, was executed on February 18, 1478, following his conviction for treason against his brother, King Edward IV of England. Accused of plotting to overthrow the Yorkist ruler, Clarence faced a private trial at the Tower of London. Historical accounts claim he was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine, though details remain debated. His execution eliminated a key rival in the dynastic struggles of the Wars of the Roses. The event highlights the harsh measures taken to secure royal power in late medieval England.
1478 George, Duke of Clarence treason Edward IV of England executed Tower of London
1637day.year

Eighty Years' War: Off the coast of Cornwall, England, a Spanish fleet intercepts an important Anglo-Dutch merchant convoy of 44 vessels escorted by six warships, destroying or capturing 20 of them.

During the Eighty Years’ War in 1637, a Spanish fleet intercepted and decimated an Anglo-Dutch convoy off the coast of Cornwall.
During the Eighty Years’ War in 1637, a Spanish fleet intercepted an important Anglo-Dutch merchant convoy off the coast of Cornwall, England. The convoy consisted of 44 vessels carrying vital goods and was escorted by six warships. The Spanish forces succeeded in capturing or destroying 20 of these ships, dealing a blow to Anglo-Dutch trade. This naval engagement demonstrated Spain’s enduring maritime capabilities despite setbacks in Europe. The action impacted the balance of naval power in the English Channel and North Sea.
1637 Eighty Years' War Cornwall Spanish intercepts Anglo Dutch
1735day.year

The ballad opera called Flora, or Hob in the Well went down in history as the first opera of any kind to be produced in North America (Charleston, S.C.)

Flora, or Hob in the Well, premiered in Charleston in 1735 as the first opera performed in North America, marking a milestone in colonial cultural history.
Flora, or Hob in the Well, premiered in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1735 as the first opera ever staged in North America. Written by anonymous authors and set to popular ballad tunes, the production blended humor, music, and dance. Its performance marked the emergence of European high culture in the American colonies. The success of the opera paved the way for future theatrical and musical ventures in colonial society. It remains a landmark in the cultural history of early America.
1735
1781day.year

Fourth Anglo-Dutch War: Captain Thomas Shirley opens his expedition against Dutch colonial outposts on the Gold Coast of Africa (present-day Ghana).

Captain Thomas Shirley began an expedition against Dutch outposts on the Gold Coast in 1781 during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War.
In 1781, Captain Thomas Shirley led a British expedition against Dutch colonial outposts along the Gold Coast of Africa, present-day Ghana. Part of the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, the campaign targeted forts key to the African slave trade and gold commerce. Shirley’s forces captured several fortified positions, weakening Dutch influence in the region. The operations underscored the global reach of European conflicts during the late 18th century. The campaign influenced subsequent shifts in colonial power along the West African coast.
1781 Fourth Anglo-Dutch War opens his expedition Dutch colonial outposts Gold Coast Ghana
1791day.year

Congress passes a law admitting the state of Vermont to the Union, effective 4 March, after that state had existed for 14 years as a de facto independent largely unrecognized state.

On February 18, 1791, the US Congress passed a law admitting Vermont as the 14th state, formalizing its long-standing de facto independence.
On February 18, 1791, the United States Congress passed legislation admitting Vermont as the 14th state of the Union, effective March 4. Previously, Vermont had functioned as an independent republic for 14 years, its sovereignty unrecognized by other states. The admission resolved territorial disputes with New York and solidified the federal framework. Vermont’s statehood marked the first expansion of the Union beyond the original thirteen colonies. This milestone paved the way for further growth and the incorporation of other territories.
1791 admitting Vermont a de facto independent largely unrecognized state
1797day.year

French Revolutionary Wars: Sir Ralph Abercromby and a fleet of 18 British warships invade Trinidad.

In 1797, British forces under Sir Ralph Abercromby launched an invasion of Trinidad as part of the French Revolutionary Wars.
In 1797, as part of the French Revolutionary Wars, Sir Ralph Abercromby led a British fleet to invade the Spanish-held island of Trinidad. The operation aimed to weaken Spanish colonial power and secure strategic Caribbean positions. Abercromby’s squadron of 18 warships and supporting troops faced minimal resistance upon landing. The capture of Trinidad expanded British influence in the region and disrupted Spanish trade routes. The expedition exemplified the global dimensions of European wars at the close of the 18th century.
1797 French Revolutionary Wars Ralph Abercromby British invade Trinidad
1814day.year

Napoleonic Wars: The Battle of Montereau.

A major engagement during the War of the Sixth Coalition where Napoleon Bonaparte scored a victory at Montereau on February 18, 1814.
The Battle of Montereau occurred on February 18, 1814, during the War of the Sixth Coalition. Napoleon led his army against Austrian and Württemberg forces near Montereau in northern France. His victory forced the Allies to retreat across the Seine River and temporarily halted their advance toward Paris. The engagement showcased Napoleon's tactical skill in organizing a rapid concentration of forces for a decisive counterattack. Despite this success, it ultimately proved insufficient to stop the coalition armies from invading France. The battle marks one of the last notable victories of Napoleon before his abdication in April 1814.
1814 Napoleonic Wars Battle of Montereau
1861day.year

In Montgomery, Alabama, Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America.

Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America in Montgomery, Alabama.
On February 18, 1861, delegates of seceding Southern states convened in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis was chosen as its provisional President and took the oath of office on this date. His inauguration symbolized the formal establishment of a separate government committed to preserving slavery and states' rights. Davis faced the challenge of uniting the newly formed states and organizing a military and administrative structure. His administration set in motion events that led to the American Civil War. The provisional capital in Montgomery served briefly before the seat of government moved to Richmond.
1861 Montgomery, Alabama Jefferson Davis Confederate States of America