1238day.year
The Battle of the Sit River begins two centuries of Mongol horde domination of Rus.
The Battle of the Sit River on March 4, 1238, sees Mongol forces decisively defeat the Rus' principalities, ushering in two centuries of domination.
Grand Prince Yuri II of Vladimir leads a coalition of Rus' principalities to resist Batu Khan's advancing Mongol armies near the Sit River. Despite their numbers, the Rus' forces are overwhelmed by superior Mongol tactics and cavalry mobility. Yuri II is killed in the battle, leaving the key city of Vladimir exposed to sack. The defeat shatters organized resistance and forces the Rus' princes into tributary status under the Golden Horde. This battle marks the beginning of the Mongol yoke, a period of foreign domination that lasts until the rise of Moscow. The event profoundly shapes the political landscape of Eastern Europe and influences the future trajectory of the Russian state.
1238
Battle of the Sit River
Mongol horde
1461day.year
Wars of the Roses in England: Lancastrian King Henry VI is deposed by his House of York cousin, who then becomes King Edward IV.
During the Wars of the Roses on March 4, 1461, Edward IV of York deposes his Lancastrian cousin Henry VI and is proclaimed King of England.
A day after the decisive Yorkist victory at the Battle of Towton, Edward of York consolidates his claim by seizing London and forcing King Henry VI into flight. The deposed monarch’s supporters flee to Wales and Scotland, leaving Edward free to enter Westminster and accept homage from the nobility. His accession marks the triumphant moment of the House of York in the dynastic struggle. Edward quickly grants lands and titles to loyal followers to secure his base of support. Henry VI’s mental fragility and the Yorkist ascendancy define the next phase of the conflict. Edward IV’s reign heralds a new era of military innovation and courtly culture at the English royal court.
1461
Wars of the Roses
Lancastrian
King Henry VI
House of York
King Edward IV
1519day.year
Hernán Cortés arrives in Mexico in search of the Aztec civilization and its wealth.
In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the coast of Mexico, initiating the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
On March 4, 1519, Hernán Cortés and his expedition landed on the coast of present-day Mexico. He aimed to establish Spanish presence and seek the wealth of the Aztec Empire. Cortés formed alliances with local tribes who were hostile to the Aztecs. This strategic cooperation allowed him to advance toward the powerful city of Tenochtitlán. His arrival initiated a series of events that would lead to the fall of the Aztec civilization. The expedition reshaped the cultural and political landscape of the Americas.
1519
Hernán Cortés
Aztec
1665day.year
English King Charles II declares war on the Netherlands marking the start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
In 1665, King Charles II of England declared war on the Dutch Republic, marking the start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
On March 4, 1665, Charles II formally issued a declaration of war against the Netherlands. This action marked the start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War, driven by fierce commercial and maritime rivalry. Major naval battles soon followed as both nations fought for control of trade routes. The conflict influenced colonial possessions and the balance of power in Europe. It lasted until 1667 and ended with the Treaty of Breda. The war reshaped colonial holdings in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
1665
Charles II
Second Anglo-Dutch War
1776day.year
American Revolutionary War: The Continental Army fortifies Dorchester Heights with cannon, leading the British troops to abandon the Siege of Boston.
In 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army fortified Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate Boston.
On March 4, 1776, the Continental Army secretly fortified Dorchester Heights with cannons directed at Boston harbor. General George Washington’s strategic placement of artillery forced the British to reconsider their position. Realizing they were vulnerable, British troops evacuated Boston on March 17. This victory ended the Siege of Boston in favor of the American forces. It boosted colonial morale and demonstrated Washington’s military acumen. Dorchester Heights became a symbol of American resilience during the Revolutionary War.
1776
American Revolutionary War
Continental Army
fortifies
Dorchester Heights
cannon
British
Siege of Boston
1804day.year
Castle Hill Rebellion: Irish convicts rebel against British colonial authority in the Colony of New South Wales.
Irish convicts stage the Castle Hill Rebellion in New South Wales, mounting an early challenge to British colonial rule.
On March 4, 1804, a group of Irish convicts in the Colony of New South Wales set out to overthrow British authority in what became known as the Castle Hill Rebellion. Led by Philip Cunningham (also known as ‘Rover’), the rebels sought to march on Parramatta and inspire a wider uprising. The expedition consisted of over 200 convicts armed with makeshift weapons and a stolen government supply wagon. Colonial militia intercepted the rebels at Vinegar Hill, leading to a brief but decisive clash. Several convicts were killed, and the rebellion was swiftly suppressed by British forces. The revolt highlighted tensions in the penal colony and the desire for Irish independence even abroad. Today, the event is commemorated as an early act of resistance in Australian history.
1804
Castle Hill Rebellion
New South Wales
1814day.year
War of 1812: Americans defeat British forces at the Battle of Longwoods between London, Ontario and Thamesville, near present-day Wardsville, Ontario.
American forces defeat the British at the Battle of Longwoods in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.
On March 4, 1814, American troops under Colonel John B. Campbell engaged British forces at the Battle of Longwoods near present-day Wardsville, Ontario. The engagement was part of the War of 1812’s western campaign in Upper Canada. Despite being outnumbered, the American militia held their ground and forced the British to retreat toward London, Ontario. The battle showcased the resilience and tactical skill of frontier American forces. It also underscored the strategic importance of supply lines and local militia support in the Great Lakes region. Though a minor skirmish in the larger conflict, the victory boosted American morale. The event remains a noted example of early 19th-century frontier warfare.
1814
War of 1812
Battle of Longwoods
London, Ontario
Wardsville, Ontario
1913day.year
First Balkan War: The Greek army engages the Turks at Bizani, resulting in victory two days later.
In March 1913, during the First Balkan War, Greek forces attacked Ottoman positions at Bizani, setting the stage for a decisive victory two days later.
On March 4, 1913, the Greek army launched an assault on the Ottoman fortress at Bizani in northwestern Greece. The engagement represented a critical test of Greek military planning and coordination in mountainous terrain. Over the next two days, relentless Greek attacks and artillery bombardment weakened Ottoman resistance. Greek infantry flanked the fortress, cutting supply lines and isolating its defenders. By March 6, the Ottoman garrison capitulated, opening the door for Greek advances into Epirus. The victory at Bizani marked a turning point in the conflict, boosting Greek morale and undermining Ottoman control in the region.
1913
First Balkan War
engages the Turks
Bizani
1941day.year
World War II: The United Kingdom launches Operation Claymore on the Lofoten Islands; the first large scale British Commando raid.
The British launch Operation Claymore, the first major commando raid of WWII, targeting German fish oil factories in the Lofoten Islands.
On March 4, 1941, as World War II raged in Europe, the United Kingdom launched Operation Claymore, sending two battalions of commandos to Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Under the cover of darkness, commandos landed on icy shores to disrupt German-operated fish oil factories crucial for producing glycerine. The raiders demolished industrial installations, sank three German ships, and captured over 200 prisoners. Crucially, they seized Enigma cipher material, bolstering Allied codebreaking efforts at Bletchley Park. Despite harsh weather, casualties were light, with only two men lost. Operation Claymore demonstrated the effectiveness of small-scale raids, shaping future commando operations. The mission provided both strategic gains and a morale boost to the British public.
1941
World War II
Operation Claymore
Lofoten Islands
British Commando
1943day.year
World War II: The Battle of the Bismarck Sea in the south-west Pacific comes to an end.
The Battle of the Bismarck Sea ended in a decisive Allied victory over Japanese forces in March 1943, crippling enemy reinforcement efforts.
From March 2 to 4, 1943, in the waters south-west of New Guinea, Allied aircraft and ships confronted a Japanese convoy seeking to reinforce Lae. Using coordinated air assaults, P-38 Lightnings and B-25 bombers attacked troop transports and destroyers. The tight formation of ships became easy targets, and within hours, eight transports and four destroyers were sunk. The victory severely disrupted Japanese plans to bolster their garrison at Lae. It marked the first time the U.S. Fifth Air Force operated in a night-time role with radar-equipped planes. The Battle of the Bismarck Sea showcased the potency of air power in maritime warfare and boosted Allied momentum in the Pacific. It inflicted irreplaceable losses on Japanese naval transport capacity.
1943
Battle of the Bismarck Sea
1943day.year
World War II: The Battle of Fardykambos, one of the first major battles between the Greek Resistance and the occupying Royal Italian Army, begins. It ends on 6 March with the surrender of an entire Italian battalion and the liberation of the town of Grevena.
The Battle of Fardykambos began when Greek Resistance fighters faced Italian occupation forces, leading to a pivotal victory and liberation of Grevena.
On March 4, 1943, in the rugged terrain near Grevena, Greek Resistance units engaged a battalion of the Italian Royal Army in the Battle of Fardykambos. Coordinated ambushes and guerrilla tactics allowed outnumbered fighters to hold strategic positions along mountain passes. Over the following days, resistance forces cut off Italian supply lines and gradually encircled the enemy. Facing dwindling ammunition and harsh winter conditions, the Italian battalion surrendered on March 6, 1943. This victory marked one of the first major successes of irregular Greek forces against occupying troops. The battle boosted morale across occupied Greece and demonstrated the effectiveness of partisan warfare.
Battle of Fardykambos
Greek Resistance
Royal Italian Army
Grevena
1944day.year
World War II: After the success of Big Week, the USAAF begins a daylight bombing campaign of Berlin.
Following the success of Big Week, the USAAF initiates a bold daylight bombing campaign over Berlin during World War II.
In March 1944, the United States Army Air Forces launched an unprecedented daylight assault on Berlin, aiming to cripple German industry and morale. Building on the momentum of Big Week—a concentrated series of attacks on the Reich’s aircraft factories—the raid tested the resolve of Allied forces under heavy flak and fighter opposition. Despite fierce Luftwaffe resistance, the operation showcased the effectiveness of long-range escort fighters and improved bombing accuracy. This strategic shift from nocturnal to daylight raids intensified pressure on the Nazi war machine at its core. The campaign marked a critical step toward the eventual air supremacy achieved by the Allies, influencing strategic bombing doctrine for the remainder of the war.
1944
Big Week
USAAF
daylight bombing campaign
Berlin