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
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
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
1876day.year
Catalpa rescue: The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in Western Australia.
Six Irish Fenian prisoners escape Fremantle Prison in a daring international rescue aboard the whaler Catalpa.
The Catalpa rescue took place on April 17, 1876, when the American whaling ship Catalpa picked up six Irish Fenian prisoners who had escaped from Fremantle Prison. Organized by the Fenian Brotherhood in the United States, the mission involved elaborate planning and covert communication. Disguised as a whaling voyage, the Catalpa covertly approached the Western Australian coast. Local collaborators facilitated the prisoners' escape to the vessel, evading British colonial authorities. The operation succeeded without bloodshed and safely transported the escapees to the United States. This extraordinary act became a celebrated symbol of Irish nationalism and solidarity.
1876
Catalpa rescue
Fremantle Prison
1912day.year
Russian troops open fire on striking goldfield workers in northeast Siberia, killing at least 150.
Imperial Russian forces fire on striking gold miners in northeast Siberia, resulting in the deaths of at least 150 workers.
On April 17, 1912, Tsarist troops opened fire on striking goldfield workers in northeast Siberia, killing at least 150 laborers. The miners had protested harsh working conditions, low pay, and exploitative company practices. Authorities responded with military force to suppress the strike and reassert control over the region. The massacre underscored the tensions between the imperial regime and labor movements on its remote frontiers. News of the violence spread slowly due to Siberia's isolation, but it fueled growing unrest among Russian workers. The incident contributed to mounting discontent that would later culminate in revolutionary upheaval.
1912
Russian
open fire
Siberia
1941day.year
World War II: The Axis powers invasion of Yugoslavia is completed when it signs an armistice with Germany and Italy.
In April 1941, Yugoslavia officially surrenders to the Axis after signing an armistice with Germany and Italy.
In early April 1941, Nazi Germany and Italy launched a rapid and coordinated assault on Yugoslavia. Facing overwhelming force, the Yugoslav government entered into armistice talks. On April 17, Yugoslavia signed an agreement that effectively ended military resistance. The armistice led to the occupation and partition of the country among Axis powers. This event underscored the strategic significance of the Balkans in Hitler’s expansion plans. It also paved the way for the establishment of pro-Axis puppet regimes. Despite the swift conquest, Yugoslav resistance movements soon emerged to challenge the occupation. The armistice had far-reaching consequences for the region’s political and social landscape.
1941
World War II
invasion of Yugoslavia
1942day.year
French prisoner of war General Henri Giraud escapes from his castle prison in Königstein Fortress.
French General Henri Giraud escapes captivity from the notorious Königstein Fortress in April 1942.
French General Henri Giraud, a high-profile prisoner of war held by the Germans, executed a daring escape from Königstein Fortress on April 17, 1942. The fortress, considered one of the most secure prisons in Germany, had housed the general since his capture. Giraud spent months meticulously studying the layout and planning his breakout. Donning disguises and overcoming daunting obstacles, he navigated the fortress walls to freedom. After his escape, Giraud made his way through occupied territory and reached Allied lines. His successful flight boosted Allied morale and sowed confusion among German forces. Giraud’s story became one of the most celebrated POW escapes of World War II. His escape also enhanced his reputation and influence among French and Allied leaders.
1942
prisoner of war
Henri Giraud
Königstein Fortress
1944day.year
Forces of the Communist-controlled Greek People's Liberation Army attack the smaller National and Social Liberation resistance group, which surrenders. Its leader Dimitrios Psarros is murdered.
In April 1944, the Communist-led ELAS attacks EDES, leading to their surrender and the murder of leader Dimitrios Psarros.
During the turmoil of occupied Greece on April 17, 1944, forces of the Communist-led Greek People’s Liberation Army (ELAS) attacked the National and Social Liberation resistance group (EDES). Outnumbered and ill-prepared, EDES fighters surrendered under pressure. Following the confrontation, ELAS forces executed EDES commander Dimitrios Psarros. This internal strife highlighted deep ideological divisions within the Greek resistance against Axis occupation. The event strained relations among Greek factions that were already divided over post-war visions for the country. Psarros’s death became a symbol of the bitter conflict between communist and non-communist elements. In the aftermath, tensions continued to escalate, contributing to the outbreak of the Greek Civil War. The incident remains a pivotal and tragic episode in modern Greek history.
1944
Greek People's Liberation Army
National and Social Liberation
Dimitrios Psarros
1945day.year
World War II: Montese, Italy, is liberated from Nazi forces.
Allied forces liberate the Italian town of Montese from Nazi occupation on April 17, 1945.
On April 17, 1945, Allied troops successfully liberated Montese, a strategic mountain town in northern Italy, from entrenched Nazi forces. The operation was part of the Allies’ final push across the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign. Fierce resistance and challenging terrain made the battle particularly arduous. British and American units coordinated artillery, armor, and infantry assaults to dislodge German defenders. The town’s capture opened the way for further advances toward the Po Valley. Italian partisan fighters also played a key supporting role in the liberation. For local civilians, liberation meant relief after years of occupation and hardship. The victory at Montese contributed to the collapse of German defenses in Italy and the eventual end of World War II in Europe.
1945
Montese
Nazi