1080day.year
Harald III of Denmark dies and is succeeded by Canute IV, who would later be the first Dane to be canonized.
On April 17, 1080, Denmark's King Harald III died and was succeeded by his brother Canute IV. Canute would go on to become the first Danish monarch to be canonized as a saint.
Harald III, also known as Harald Hen, ruled Denmark during a period of internal strife and shifting alliances. His death on April 17, 1080, opened the path for his brother Canute IV, a devout ruler with strong ties to the Church. Canute immediately set about strengthening royal authority and reforming the kingdom's legal systems. His pious nature and support for church reform earned him widespread admiration. After his martyrdom in 1086, he was canonized as Saint Canute, becoming the first Danish sovereign to receive sainthood. His legacy endured through the Church and successive Danish monarchs.
1080
Harald III of Denmark
Canute IV
canonized
1349day.year
The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II.
On April 17, 1349, the Bavand dynasty's long rule over Mazandaran in northern Iran ended abruptly when its last ruler, Hasan II, was assassinated. This event brought an end to a dynasty that had governed the region for over four centuries.
The Bavand dynasty had ruled Mazandaran since the early medieval period, navigating challenges from neighboring powers and internal factions. Hasan II's murder on April 17, 1349, was orchestrated by disgruntled nobles within his court. His death triggered a power vacuum that allowed rival dynasties to assert control. The fall of the Bavands marked a significant shift in the political landscape of northern Iran. Local traditions and historical records preserve the memory of the dynasty's patronage of art and culture. The end of their rule also paved the way for the rise of the Marashis and later dynasties in Mazandaran.
1349
Bavand dynasty
Mazandaran
Hasan II
1362day.year
Kaunas Castle falls to the Teutonic Order after a month-long siege.
On April 17, 1362, the Teutonic Order captured Kaunas Castle in Lithuania after a month-long siege. The fall of this stronghold marked a significant advance in the Order's campaigns against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Kaunas Castle stood on a strategic bend of the Nemunas River, serving as a key defensive point for the Lithuanian dukes. In March 1362, the Teutonic Knights launched a concerted siege that lasted nearly four weeks. They deployed siege engines and mined the castle's walls to breach its defenses. Despite a valiant defense by the Lithuanian garrison, the fortress eventually fell on April 17. The victory allowed the Knights to solidify their presence in the region and exert greater pressure on Lithuania. Kaunas Castle was later rebuilt by the Teutonic Order and used as a forward base in further conflicts. The siege and its outcome are remembered as pivotal moments in the Northern Crusades.
1362
Kaunas Castle
Teutonic Order
month-long siege
1492day.year
Spain and Christopher Columbus sign the Capitulations of Santa Fe for his voyage to Asia to acquire spices.
On April 17, 1492, the Catholic Monarchs of Spain and explorer Christopher Columbus signed the Capitulations of Santa Fe. This historic agreement granted Columbus titles and privileges for his planned voyage to find a westward route to Asia.
The Capitulations of Santa Fe were finalized after months of negotiations between Columbus and King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. Under its terms, Columbus was named Admiral of the Ocean Sea and given the titles of viceroy and governor over any lands he might discover. He was also promised a share of the wealth and a portion of the proceeds from the expedition. The agreement reflected Spain's ambition to compete with Portugal in overseas exploration and the lucrative spice trade. Columbus set sail later in 1492, leading to the European discovery of the Americas. The capitulations laid the legal foundation for Spain's claims in the New World and the subsequent era of Spanish colonization.
1492
Christopher Columbus
Capitulations of Santa Fe
spices
1521day.year
Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day.
On April 17, 1521, Martin Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms to defend his criticisms of the Catholic Church. Facing charges of heresy, he requested a day to consider his response and was granted a temporary reprieve.
Summoned by Emperor Charles V, Martin Luther stood before the assembly at Worms to answer for his theses and writings. The trial, which began on April 17, saw Luther confronting ecclesiastical and imperial authorities demanding he recant. He asked for time to consult with friends and reflect before delivering his verdict. This brief pause underscored Luther's determination and strategic acumen in challenging church doctrine. His refusal to recant in later sessions ignited further controversy and propelled the Protestant Reformation. The Diet of Worms became a defining moment, symbolizing the conflict between individual conscience and institutional authority. Luther's stand reverberated across Europe, reshaping religious and political landscapes.
1521
Martin Luther
teachings
Diet of Worms
1524day.year
Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor.
On April 17, 1524, Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first recorded European to enter the harbor of what is now New York City. His voyage provided vital information about North America's Atlantic coast.
Commissioned by King Francis I of France, Giovanni da Verrazzano set sail to chart new territories and find passage to Asia. On April 17, 1524, his flagship spotted the mouth of the Hudson River and sailed into the natural harbor. Verrazzano's detailed accounts described the diverse landscapes, waterways, and indigenous peoples of the region. His reports helped establish French claims in North America and informed future expeditions. Though his attempt to find a western route to the Pacific via the North American coast proved unsuccessful, his exploration expanded European knowledge. Verrazzano's name later became attached to key landmarks, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York. His voyage marked an important chapter in the Age of Discovery.
1524
Giovanni da Verrazzano
1783day.year
American Revolutionary War: Colbert's Raid: A Spanish garrison under Captain Jacobo du Breuil defeat British irregulars at Arkansas Post.
On April 17, 1783, during the American Revolutionary War, a Spanish garrison led by Captain Jacobo du Breuil defeated British irregular forces at Arkansas Post. Known as Colbert's Raid, this engagement showcased Spain's military involvement in the conflict.
As part of Spain's efforts to undermine British control in North America, Governor Bernardo de Gálvez authorized raids along the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers. On April 17, 1783, Captain Jacobo du Breuil led a force to attack British reconnaissance and supply posts at Arkansas Post. The Spanish achieved a swift victory, capturing men, supplies, and disrupting British communications. This action contributed to weakening British influence in the trans-Mississippi region. It also bolstered Spanish claims and support among local settlers and Native American tribes. Colbert's Raid exemplified the broader international dimensions of the American Revolutionary War. The success at Arkansas Post paved the way for later operations that secured Spanish control over parts of Louisiana.
1783
American Revolutionary War
Colbert's Raid
Spanish
garrison
British
irregulars
Arkansas Post
1797day.year
Sir Ralph Abercromby attacks San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what would be one of the largest invasions of the Spanish territories in the Americas.
On April 17, 1797, British General Sir Ralph Abercromby launched a major assault on San Juan, Puerto Rico, in one of the largest invasions of Spanish territories in the Americas. Despite heavy fighting, the British failed to capture the city.
As part of Britain's campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars, General Abercromby targeted Spanish colonial possessions in the Caribbean. On April 17, he landed troops near San Juan with the aim of seizing the fortified city. The Spanish defenders, aided by local militia and fortifications like El Morro, repelled repeated British attacks. Harsh tropical conditions, fierce resistance, and logistical challenges compelled Abercromby to withdraw after several days. The failed siege preserved Spanish control over Puerto Rico and demonstrated the island's strategic defenses. Abercromby later received praise for his leadership but acknowledged the difficulties of Caribbean warfare. The 1797 assault remains a notable example of British colonial ambition and the resilience of Spanish colonial forces.
1797
Ralph Abercromby
attacks
San Juan, Puerto Rico
1797day.year
Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces.
On April 17, 1797, the citizens of Verona rose in an eight-day rebellion against occupying French forces. The uprising reflected local resistance to the changes imposed by revolutionary France in northern Italy.
Under Napoleon's command, French troops had occupied much of northern Italy, including the city of Verona. Discontent grew among the local population as French reforms and conscription disrupted traditional civic life. On April 17, citizens armed themselves and seized city gates, igniting a revolt that lasted until April 25. Despite initial successes in controlling parts of the city, the rebels lacked sufficient arms and coordination. The French forces eventually suppressed the rebellion, executing and exiling key leaders. The uprising at Verona highlighted the challenges faced by revolutionary France in maintaining control over conquered territories. It also underscored the depth of local opposition to external rule and social upheaval during the Napoleonic era.
Verona
eight-day rebellion
French
1861day.year
The state of Virginia's secession convention votes to secede from the United States; Virginia later becomes the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America.
On April 17, 1861, Virginia's secession convention voted to leave the United States, becoming the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America. This decision significantly bolstered the Confederacy at the start of the Civil War.
In the wake of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, Virginia held an emergency convention to decide its allegiance. Debates raged between Unionists and secessionists over loyalty, state sovereignty, and the future of slavery. On April 17, delegates voted in favor of secession by a significant margin. The decision was ratified by a popular referendum in May, formally joining Virginia to the Confederacy. Virginia's departure from the Union gave the Confederacy control of key industrial resources and strategic territory. Cities like Richmond quickly became vital centers for the Confederate government and war effort. The state's secession had profound military, economic, and political ramifications throughout the Civil War.
1861
Virginia
secession convention
Confederate States of America
1863day.year
American Civil War: Grierson's Raid begins: Troops under Union Army Colonel Benjamin Grierson attack central Mississippi.
Colonel Benjamin Grierson leads a bold cavalry raid through Mississippi to disrupt Confederate supply lines during the Vicksburg Campaign.
Grierson's Raid was a major cavalry operation during the American Civil War led by Colonel Benjamin Grierson of the Union Army. It commenced on April 17, 1863, as over 1,700 troopers set out from La Grange, Tennessee, into central Mississippi. The raiders aimed to destroy Confederate railways, burn supply depots, and draw enemy forces away from Vicksburg. Facing sporadic skirmishes and challenging terrain, they rode over 600 miles through hostile territory. Their daring maneuver created confusion among Confederate commanders and diverted critical resources. The success of the expedition bolstered Union morale and played a key role in the eventual surrender of Vicksburg.
1863
American Civil War
Grierson's Raid
Union Army
Benjamin Grierson
Mississippi
1864day.year
American Civil War: The Battle of Plymouth begins: Confederate forces attack Plymouth, North Carolina.
Confederate troops launch an offensive against the Union-held town of Plymouth, North Carolina, initiating a fierce Civil War engagement.
The Battle of Plymouth began on April 17, 1864, when Confederate forces under General Robert Hoke attacked the Union garrison guarding the town. Located on the Roanoke River, Plymouth was strategically important for controlling inland waterways. The Union defenders utilized Fort Comfort and naval gunboats to resist the assault, creating a tense standoff. Confederate artillery and infantry assaults gradually weakened the fort's defenses over several days. Despite fierce resistance, Union forces eventually surrendered on April 20, delivering a Confederate victory. This battle demonstrated the fluctuating fortunes of both sides in the Eastern Theater of the war.
1864
Battle of Plymouth
Confederate
Plymouth, North Carolina