May 15

Events - Wars & Conflicts

1525day.year

Insurgent peasants led by Anabaptist pastor Thomas Müntzer were defeated at the Battle of Frankenhausen, ending the German Peasants' War in the Holy Roman Empire.

On May 15, 1525, peasant forces led by Thomas Müntzer were defeated at the Battle of Frankenhausen, ending the German Peasants' War.
The German Peasants’ War erupted across the Holy Roman Empire as peasants demanded economic and religious reforms. Thomas Müntzer, an Anabaptist pastor, became a key leader of the insurgent army. At Frankenhausen, his poorly equipped forces faced the well-armed princely troops. The decisive defeat on May 15, 1525, crushed the peasant uprising in central Germany. Müntzer was captured and executed shortly after, becoming a martyr for radical reformers. The battle’s outcome reinforced the power of the regional princes and dashed hopes for social change. The Peasants’ War remains a landmark episode in the history of popular revolt.
1525 Insurgent Anabaptist Thomas Müntzer Battle of Frankenhausen German Peasants' War Holy Roman Empire
1849day.year

The Sicilian revolution of 1848 is finally extinguished.

The Sicilian revolution of 1848 was finally crushed in 1849 as Bourbon forces reasserted control over the island.
After an uprising that began in January 1848, Sicilian insurgents fought for constitutional reform and independence from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Bourbon troops besieged Palermo and other strongholds, using artillery and blockades to suppress resistance. By May 15, 1849, the revolt was extinguished and King Ferdinand II restored absolute rule. The failure of the revolution delayed Sicilian autonomy until Italian unification. The events highlighted the broader wave of 1848 revolutions that swept Europe and the challenges of nationalist movements.
1849 Sicilian revolution of 1848
1864day.year

American Civil War: Battle of New Market, Virginia: Students from the Virginia Military Institute fight alongside the Confederate army to force Union General Franz Sigel out of the Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia Military Institute cadets joined Confederate forces at the 1864 Battle of New Market, achieving a controversial victory.
On May 15, 1864, during the American Civil War's Shenandoah Valley campaign, VMI cadets aged as young as 15 fought under Confederate General John C. Breckinridge. Facing Union General Franz Sigel, the teens helped turn the tide despite heavy fire and steep odds. Their advance secured a rare Confederate victory and disrupted Union supply lines. Ten cadets were killed and more wounded, making it one of the few instances of student soldiers in battle. The event became a cornerstone of VMI's legacy and a symbol of Southern resolve.
1864 Battle of New Market Virginia Virginia Military Institute Confederate Union Franz Sigel Shenandoah Valley
1911day.year

More than 300 Chinese immigrants are killed in the Torreón massacre when the forces of the Mexican Revolution led by Emilio Madero take the city of Torreón from the Federales.

During the Mexican Revolution in 1911, revolutionary forces massacred over 300 Chinese residents of Torreón.
On May 15, 1911, as part of the Mexican Revolution, General Emilio Madero’s troops captured Torreón from federal forces. In the aftermath, revolutionary soldiers and local mobs targeted the Chinese community, killing more than 300 immigrants. Victims were subjected to arbitrary violence, looting, and mutilation in one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict. The massacre strained Mexico’s diplomatic relations with China and remains a tragic symbol of wartime atrocities. In later years, survivors and descendants have worked to commemorate the victims and seek historical recognition.
Torreón massacre Mexican Revolution Emilio Madero Torreón Federales
1918day.year

The Finnish Civil War ends when the Whites took over Fort Ino, a Russian coastal artillery base on the Karelian Isthmus, from Russian troops.

In 1918, the Whites captured Fort Ino on the Karelian Isthmus, marking the end of the Finnish Civil War.
On May 15, 1918, the final stronghold of the Socialist Reds fell when White forces seized Fort Ino on the Karelian Isthmus. Fort Ino, a Russian coastal artillery base, had been under Red control since the outbreak of the Finnish Civil War in January. Its capture closed off a vital supply route and signaled the collapse of organized Red resistance. The victory solidified White control over Finland and paved the way for the country’s post-war reconstruction. The Civil War left deep social divisions, influencing Finnish politics and society for decades.
1918 Finnish Civil War Whites Fort Ino coastal artillery Karelian Isthmus
1919day.year

Greek occupation of Smyrna. During the occupation, the Greek army kills or wounds 350 Turks; those responsible are punished by Greek commander Aristides Stergiades.

During the 1919 Greek occupation of Smyrna, Greek forces killed or wounded hundreds of Turkish residents before disciplinary action was taken.
On May 15, 1919, Greek troops landed in Smyrna as part of the post–World War I occupation, seeking to extend Greek influence in Anatolia. Following the landing, units of the Hellenic Army opened fire on civilian neighborhoods, killing or wounding approximately 350 Turks. Reports of looting and violence sparked outrage among local and international observers. In response, Greek commander Aristides Stergiades convened courts-martial and punished those responsible for the atrocities. The occupation and subsequent violence foreshadowed the larger Greco-Turkish War and contributed to enduring regional tensions.
Greek occupation of Smyrna Turks
1933day.year

All military aviation organizations within or under the control of the RLM of Germany were officially merged in a covert manner to form its Wehrmacht military's air arm, the Luftwaffe.

In 1933, Germany covertly merged its military air units to form the Luftwaffe, its official air force.
On May 15, 1933, the Reich Ministry of Aviation secretly consolidated all military aviation units into the Luftwaffe. This integration directly violated the Treaty of Versailles, which had prohibited Germany from maintaining an air force. Under the leadership of Hermann Göring, the Luftwaffe expanded rapidly, training pilots and developing advanced aircraft. The clandestine buildup laid the foundation for Germany’s air supremacy in the early years of World War II. By 1939, the Luftwaffe had become one of the largest and most technologically advanced air forces in Europe.
1933 RLM Wehrmacht Luftwaffe
1940day.year

World War II: The Battle of the Netherlands: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Germany, marking the beginning of five years of occupation.

Dutch forces surrendered to Germany after fierce fighting in the Battle of the Netherlands, beginning a five-year occupation.
As part of the German Blitzkrieg campaign in May 1940, the Battle of the Netherlands came to a close on May 15. Despite determined resistance, Dutch troops were outmatched by experienced and better-equipped German forces. The capitulation of the Netherlands opened the way for German advances into Western Europe. It marked the start of harsh occupation, with widespread repression and hardship for civilians. The Dutch government and royal family went into exile, continuing to support the Allied cause abroad. The occupation lasted until liberation in 1945, leaving a profound impact on Dutch society and collective memory.
World War II Battle of the Netherlands Dutch Germany
1945day.year

World War II: The Battle of Poljana, the final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia.

The Battle of Poljana, the last ground engagement in Europe during WWII, was fought near Prevalje, Slovenia in 1945.
On May 15, 1945, Allied-bound German and Slovene collaborationist forces clashed with Yugoslav Partisan units near Poljana, Slovenia. This skirmish, occurring after Germany’s official surrender, is considered the final battle of World War II in Europe. Both sides suffered casualties before German forces capitulated. The encounter marked the end of hostilities on the continent, closing the chapter on six years of war. Local civilians watched as Partisans took control, leading to post-war realignments in Yugoslavia. The Battle of Poljana stands as a symbolic end to the European theater of conflict and is commemorated for its historical significance.
1945 Battle of Poljana Prevalje
1948day.year

Following the expiration of The British Mandate for Palestine, the Kingdom of Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia invade Israel thus starting the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

Arab states invaded Israel on May 15, 1948, initiating the 1948 Arab–Israeli War following the end of the British Mandate.
At midnight between May 14 and 15, 1948, Israel declared independence, prompting military intervention by Egypt, Transjordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The invasion marked the outbreak of the first Arab–Israeli War. Fierce battles were fought across the Negev, Galilee, and the central hill country over the following months. Despite being outnumbered, Israeli forces secured key strategic positions and managed to hold their ground. The conflict resulted in armistice agreements in 1949, defining temporary borders known as the Green Line. Approximately 700,000 Palestinian Arabs became refugees, while Israel emerged with control over roughly 78% of the former Mandatory Palestine. This war laid the groundwork for enduring tensions and future peace efforts in the region.
1948 The British Mandate for Palestine Kingdom of Egypt Transjordan Lebanon Syria Iraq Saudi Arabia Israel 1948 Arab–Israeli War
1974day.year

Ma'alot massacre: Members of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine attack and take hostages at an Israeli school; a total of 31 people are killed, including 22 schoolchildren.

On May 15, 1974, Palestinian militants attacked an Israeli school in Ma'alot, taking hostages and killing 31 people, including 22 children.
The Ma'alot massacre occurred on May 15, 1974, when members of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine stormed a school in Ma'alot, Israel. They seized over 100 hostages, demanding the release of prisoners held in Israeli jails. The Israeli Defense Forces launched a rescue operation two days later. During the assault and ensuing firefight, 31 hostages, including 22 schoolchildren, were killed. The tragedy prompted debates on counterterrorism tactics and hostage negotiation policies. Memorials and annual ceremonies honor the victims’ memories in Israel and beyond.
1974 Ma'alot massacre Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Israeli
1988day.year

Soviet–Afghan War: After more than eight years of fighting, the Soviet Army begins to withdraw 115,000 troops from Afghanistan.

The Soviet Union began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan on May 15, 1988, concluding over eight years of military involvement.
After more than eight years of conflict, the Soviet Army initiated the withdrawal of 115,000 troops from Afghanistan on May 15, 1988. This marked the beginning of the end of the Soviet–Afghan War, which had started in 1979. The decision followed mounting international pressure and heavy casualties on both sides. The phased withdrawal was completed by February 1989, reshaping Afghanistan’s geopolitical landscape. The war and its conclusion influenced Cold War dynamics and regional politics for decades. Veterans and historians continue to study its impact on modern military strategy and refugee crises.
1988 Soviet–Afghan War Soviet Army begins to withdraw Afghanistan