1500day.year
Ludovico Sforza is captured by Swiss troops at Novara and is handed over to the French.
In 1500, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, is captured by Swiss forces at Novara and handed over to the French, reshaping Italian power dynamics.
On April 10, 1500, Swiss mercenaries capture Ludovico Sforza during the Battle of Novara.
He is subsequently delivered to King Louis XII of France as a prisoner.
Sforza’s fall ends the Sforza family’s rule over Milan during the Italian Wars.
The event shifts the balance of power in Northern Italy toward French influence.
Ludovico spends his remaining years in French captivity, his legacy overshadowed by this defeat.
1500
Ludovico Sforza
Novara
1741day.year
War of the Austrian Succession: Prussia gains control of Silesia at the Battle of Mollwitz.
On April 10, 1741, during the War of the Austrian Succession, Prussian forces achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Mollwitz, securing control of Silesia.
Frederick the Great leads Prussian forces against the Austrians near Mollwitz in Silesia.
Despite initial setbacks, disciplined Prussian infantry ultimately prevail.
The victory grants Prussia de facto control over the wealthy Silesian province.
It establishes Frederick’s military reputation early in his reign.
The outcome shapes Central European geopolitics and intensifies the wider conflict.
1741
War of the Austrian Succession
Silesia
Battle of Mollwitz
1809day.year
Napoleonic Wars: The War of the Fifth Coalition begins when forces of the Austrian Empire invade Bavaria.
In 1809, during the Napoleonic Wars, the War of the Fifth Coalition began as Austrian forces invaded Bavaria.
In the spring of 1809, tensions in Europe reached a boiling point. On April 10, forces of the Austrian Empire crossed into Bavaria, a key ally of Napoleonic France. This marked the start of the War of the Fifth Coalition. The Austrian leadership sought to reverse French dominance and rally other European powers to its cause. Napoleonic troops quickly mobilized to defend Bavarian territory and counterattack into Austrian lands. The conflict featured large-scale engagements in Central Europe, including famous battles such as Aspern-Essling and Wagram. While the Austrians initially surprised the French, Napoleon's tactical brilliance eventually secured victory. The war further solidified Napoleon's grip on continental Europe but at a great cost in lives and resources. The campaign reshaped alliances and set the stage for future confrontations.
1809
Napoleonic Wars
War of the Fifth Coalition
Austrian Empire
Bavaria
1821day.year
Greek War of Independence: the island of Psara joins the Greek struggle for independence.
During the Greek War of Independence on April 10, 1821, the island of Psara formally joined the fight against Ottoman rule.
The island of Psara, a maritime community in the Aegean Sea, committed its fleets and fighters to the Greek cause on April 10, 1821. Known for its skilled sailors and prosperous merchant class, Psara’s contribution bolstered the naval strength of the revolutionaries. Local chieftains organized raids against Ottoman shipping and secured supply routes for the insurgents. The island became a symbol of maritime resistance, with its navy aiding in key coastal engagements. However, Psara’s prominence also made it a target for Ottoman retaliation in later years. The island’s involvement highlighted the crucial role of seafaring communities in the broader Greek struggle. Though facing overwhelming odds, the residents of Psara demonstrated remarkable solidarity and bravery. Their legacy remains an inspiring chapter in Greece’s path to independence.
Greek War of Independence
Psara
1826day.year
The 10,500 inhabitants of the Greek town of Missolonghi begin leaving the town after a year's siege by Turkish forces. Very few of them survive.
In 1826, after enduring a year-long siege by Ottoman forces, the inhabitants of Missolonghi began their famed exodus, with very few surviving.
By April 10, 1826, the besieged Greek city of Missolonghi had suffered immense hardship under Ottoman bombardment and blockade. Starvation, disease, and relentless attacks forced the townspeople to prepare for a desperate breakout. Under cover of darkness, around 10,500 inhabitants attempted to flee the city in what became known as the Exodus of Missolonghi. Ottoman and Egyptian troops anticipated the move, leading to fierce clashes at the city walls. Only a small number of men, women, and children managed to slip through the siege lines. Thousands were killed or captured, and much of the town was destroyed. The exodus became a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resistance in the Greek War of Independence. International artists, writers, and philhellenes were inspired by the tragedy, galvanizing support for Greek freedom.
1826
Missolonghi
a year's siege
1865day.year
American Civil War: A day after his surrender to Union forces, Confederate General Robert E. Lee addresses his troops for the last time.
On April 10, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee delivered his final address to his troops a day after surrendering to Union forces.
After surrendering at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee reflected on the Civil War’s end with his officers. On April 10, he gathered his dwindling Confederate Army for one last speech. Lee thanked his soldiers for their courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness throughout the long conflict. He expressed sorrow over the war’s devastation and urged his men to seek peace and reconciliation. The heartfelt address marked the close of the Confederacy’s principal fighting force. Many in the audience wept, understanding the significance of the moment. Lee’s words embodied the dignity and sense of honor that defined his leadership. Shortly thereafter, the remaining troops dispersed, returning home or being paroled by Union authorities. This final gathering remains an iconic moment in American Civil War history.
1865
American Civil War
addresses
1868day.year
At Arogee in Abyssinia, British and Indian forces defeat an army of Emperor Tewodros II. While 700 Ethiopians are killed and many more injured, only two British/Indian troops die.
In April 1868, British and Indian troops achieved a decisive victory at Arogee in Abyssinia, routing Emperor Tewodros II's army with minimal losses.
At Arogee (present-day Amba Mariam) in Abyssinia, British and Indian forces engaged and defeated an army loyal to Emperor Tewodros II on April 10, 1868.
The action was the climax of the British Expedition to Abyssinia, mounted to free European hostages.
The allied troops overcame challenging terrain to storm the Ethiopian positions with artillery and infantry assaults.
Casualties were heavy on the Ethiopian side, with around 700 killed or wounded, while British and Indian losses were remarkably low, with just two fatalities.
The victory forced Tewodros II to retreat to Magdala, where he ultimately took his own life under siege.
This swift campaign showcased British military logistics and had lasting impact on Ethiopia's relations with European powers.
1868
Abyssinia
defeat
Tewodros II
Ethiopians
1900day.year
British suffer a sharp defeat by the Boers south of Brandfort. 600 British troops are killed and wounded and 800 taken prisoner.
During the Second Boer War on April 10, 1900, Boer commandos ambush British forces south of Brandfort, inflicting heavy casualties.
In the context of the Second Boer War, Boer fighters under General Christiaan de Wet executed guerrilla tactics against a British column near Brandfort.
On April 10, 1900, the Boers launched a surprise attack from concealed positions, scattering the British ranks.
The engagement resulted in approximately 600 British soldiers killed or wounded, with another 800 taken prisoner.
Boer losses were comparatively light, demonstrating the effectiveness of their mobile warfare strategy.
The clash undermined British confidence and prolonged the conflict across the South African veldt.
1900
Brandfort
1919day.year
Mexican Revolution leader Emiliano Zapata is ambushed and shot dead by government forces in Morelos.
Mexican revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata is ambushed and killed by government forces in Morelos on April 10, 1919.
Emiliano Zapata, a leading figure of the Mexican Revolution and champion of agrarian reform, was lured into a trap at Chinameca hacienda.
On April 10, 1919, government troops under General Pablo González ambushed Zapata's entourage in Morelos.
The Zapatista general was shot dead, dealing a blow to the fight for land rights in southern Mexico.
Zapata's death turned him into a martyr for peasants and inspired future social movements.
His legacy endures in the slogan 'Tierra y Libertad' and continues to influence Mexican politics.
1919
Mexican Revolution
Emiliano Zapata
Morelos
1941day.year
World War II: The Axis powers establish the Independent State of Croatia.
During World War II, the Axis powers proclaimed the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia.
On April 10, 1941, following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia, the newly formed Independent State of Croatia was proclaimed. Backed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, it covered much of modern-day Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Ustaše regime, led by Ante Pavelić, governed as a puppet state, implementing brutal policies against Serbs, Jews, Roma, and political opponents. The puppet state's creation exemplified the Axis strategy of reorganizing occupied territories in the Balkans. Resistance movements quickly emerged, contributing to a violent and complex wartime landscape. The Independent State of Croatia existed until 1945, when Yugoslav Partisan forces liberated the region and restored the monarchy.
1941
World War II
Axis powers
Independent State of Croatia
1944day.year
Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler escape from Birkenau death camp.
Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler made a daring escape from the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.
On April 10, 1944, Slovak prisoners Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler escaped from the Birkenau extermination camp. Disenchanted by the horrors they witnessed, they meticulously planned their breakout over several weeks. After fleeing the fence and evading patrols, they reached a safe house and provided one of the first detailed eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust. Their report, known as the Vrba-Wetzler Report, described the mass murders occurring in the gas chambers and is credited with informing the Allies and Hungarian Jews of their fate. While the report arrived too late to save many lives, it remains a crucial historical document. Vrba and Wetzler's brave actions highlighted the realities of the genocide and contributed to postwar documentation of Nazi crimes.
1944
Rudolf Vrba
Alfréd Wetzler
Birkenau death camp
1972day.year
Vietnam War: For the first time since November 1967, American B-52 bombers reportedly begin bombing North Vietnam.
After a five-year hiatus, U.S. B-52 bombers resumed bombing North Vietnam, marking an escalation in the Vietnam War air campaign.
On April 10, 1972, American B-52 strategic bombers returned to the skies over North Vietnam, conducting the first bombing runs since November 1967.
The renewed strikes were part of Operation Linebacker, ordered by President Nixon, aiming to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines and military installations.
Pilots faced intense anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles as they carried out high-altitude carpet bombing missions.
The resumption of large-scale bombing intensified the conflict and drew international criticism amid growing anti-war sentiment.
These raids underscored the war's escalating military tactics and its profound impact on both Vietnamese civilians and American servicemen.
Operation Linebacker would continue throughout 1972, shaping the final phase of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Vietnam War
1967
B-52 bombers
North Vietnam