June 18

Events - Wars & Conflicts

860day.year

Byzantine–Rus' War: A fleet of about 200 Rus' vessels sails into the Bosphorus and starts pillaging the suburbs of the Byzantine capital Constantinople.

During the Byzantine–Rus' War in 860, a fleet of around 200 Rus' ships sails into the Bosphorus and raids the suburbs of Constantinople.
In 860, amid ongoing conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Rus', a fleet of approximately 200 Rus' longships breached the Bosphorus Strait and attacked the outskirts of Constantinople. The sudden assault caught the city’s defenders off guard and spread panic among residents as churches and villages were plundered. Although the Rus' forces did not manage to capture the heavily fortified city center, their raids underscored the vulnerability of Byzantium's maritime defenses. News of the attack reached Emperor Michael III, prompting reforms to strengthen naval capabilities and coastal fortifications. The confrontation also influenced Byzantine diplomatic efforts, leading to treaties that regulated trade and tribute with the Rus'. This incursion remains a notable episode in the history of Byzantine-Russian relations.
860 Byzantine–Rus' War Rus' Bosphorus Byzantine Constantinople
1053day.year

Battle of Civitate: Three thousand Norman horsemen of Count Humphrey rout the troops of Pope Leo IX.

In 1053, at the Battle of Civitate, three thousand Norman horsemen under Count Humphrey rout the forces of Pope Leo IX in southern Italy.
The Battle of Civitate, fought on June 18, 1053, saw Norman forces led by Count Humphrey of Apulia clash with troops loyal to Pope Leo IX. Despite the pope's intent to curb Norman expansion in southern Italy, his army suffered a decisive defeat, and Pope Leo was taken prisoner. The Norman cavalry’s superior tactics and experience in mounted warfare overwhelmed the papal troops, who were less organized and lacked heavy cavalry support. The victory secured Norman dominance in the region and paved the way for the eventual Norman Kingdom of Sicily. Although Pope Leo was released later that year, his defeat demonstrated the shifting balance of power between the papacy and regional lords. The battle marked a turning point in Italian politics, reinforcing Norman influence and shaping medieval Mediterranean history.
1053 Battle of Civitate Norman Count Humphrey Pope Leo IX
1391day.year

Tokhtamysh–Timur war: Battle of the Kondurcha River: Timur defeats Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde in present-day southeast Russia.

In 1391, during the Tokhtamysh–Timur war, Timur defeats Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde at the Battle of the Kondurcha River.
The Battle of the Kondurcha River on June 18, 1391, was a pivotal clash between the forces of Timur (Tamerlane) and Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde. Timur’s disciplined army used strategic maneuvers to outflank and overwhelm the larger Horde cavalry. The defeat weakened Tokhtamysh’s hold over the vast territories of the Golden Horde and accelerated its political fragmentation. Timur’s victory at Kondurcha reinforced his reputation as one of the most formidable conquerors of the late medieval period. Following the battle, Timur continued his campaigns across Central Asia and into the Caucasus. The confrontation reshaped power dynamics in the region and set the stage for the decline of Mongol successor states.
1391 Tokhtamysh–Timur war Battle of the Kondurcha River Timur Tokhtamysh Golden Horde
1429day.year

Charles VII's army defeats an English army under John Talbot at the Battle of Patay during the Hundred Years' War. The English lost 2,200 men, over half their army, crippling their efforts during this segment of the war.

On June 18, 1429, Charles VII's forces rout the English under John Talbot at the Battle of Patay during the Hundred Years' War.
The Battle of Patay on June 18, 1429, saw French forces under commanders like Jean de Dunois and La Hire launch a surprise attack on an English contingent led by John Talbot. Exploiting the mobility of their forces, the French rushed the English longbowmen before they could properly set their defensive stakes. The resulting rout inflicted over 2,200 casualties—more than half the English force—and captured many survivors. The crushing defeat severely weakened English military presence in the Loire Valley and boosted morale among Charles VII's supporters. This victory, following the lifting of the Siege of Orléans, marked a decisive turn in the Hundred Years' War, accelerating the French recapture of occupied territories. At Patay, the newfound momentum signaled the decline of English fortunes in France.
1429 Charles VII's English army John Talbot Battle of Patay Hundred Years' War
1757day.year

Battle of Kolín between Prussian forces under Frederick the Great and an Austrian army under the command of Field Marshal Count Leopold Joseph von Daun in the Seven Years' War.

Prussian forces under Frederick the Great were defeated at Kolín by Austrian troops under Count Daun, marking a key turning point in the Seven Years' War.
The Battle of Kolín was fought on June 18, 1757 between Prussian forces led by Frederick the Great and Austrian troops under Field Marshal Count Leopold Joseph von Daun. The engagement occurred near the town of Kolín in Bohemia during the Third Silesian War, part of the wider Seven Years' War. Despite initial Prussian attacks, Austrian defenses held firm and counterattacks inflicted heavy casualties. Frederick the Great was forced to withdraw, marking the first major defeat of his army in the conflict. The battle shifted momentum in favor of Austria and altered strategic plans across Europe.
1757 Battle of Kolín Prussian forces Frederick the Great Austrian army Count Leopold Joseph von Daun Seven Years' War
1778day.year

American Revolutionary War: The British Army abandons Philadelphia.

British forces withdrew from Philadelphia, conceding control of the city to the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
On June 18, 1778, the British Army evacuated Philadelphia after a year-long occupation, allowing the Continental Army to reclaim Pennsylvania's largest city. Supply shortages, widespread disease, and increasing pressure from American forces prompted the withdrawal. General Sir William Howe had occupied Philadelphia in 1777 but faced logistical challenges. The evacuation freed British troops to consolidate their position in New York. Philadelphia's recapture boosted American morale and restored operations for the Continental Congress. The event underscored shifting momentum in the northern theater of the war.
1778 American Revolutionary War British Army Philadelphia
1799day.year

Action of 18 June 1799: A frigate squadron under Rear-admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée is captured by the British fleet under Lord Keith.

A French frigate squadron led by Rear-Admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée was intercepted and captured by Lord Keith’s British fleet, demonstrating Royal Navy supremacy.
The naval engagement occurred off the Italian coast on June 18, 1799 during the War of the Second Coalition. Rear-Admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée commanded a squadron of French frigates attempting to escort vital supplies. Lord Keith’s superior British fleet overtook the French ships through coordinated maneuvers and gunnery. The French squadron was forced to surrender after taking heavy damage. The capture deprived France of crucial naval resources in the Mediterranean. This action reinforced British control of sea lanes and hampered French maritime operations in the region.
1799 Action of 18 June 1799 Jean-Baptiste Perrée Lord Keith
1803day.year

Haitian Revolution: The Royal Navy led by Rear-Admiral John Thomas Duckworth commence the blockade of Saint-Domingue against French forces.

The Royal Navy under Rear-Admiral John Thomas Duckworth began a blockade of Saint-Domingue on June 18, 1803, aiming to isolate French forces during the Haitian Revolution.
On June 18, 1803, Rear-Admiral John Thomas Duckworth led a British naval blockade of the port of Saint-Domingue, then a key French colony. The blockade was part of British efforts to weaken French authority amid the Haitian Revolution and support revolutionary forces. British ships cut off supplies and reinforcements, intensifying the struggle for independence. The operation disrupted colonial trade and strained French military resources. This naval action contributed to the eventual collapse of French control in the colony. The blockade played a strategic role in the wider conflict that led to Haiti's independence.
1803 Haitian Revolution Royal Navy John Thomas Duckworth blockade of Saint-Domingue
1812day.year

The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812.

President James Madison signed the declaration of war against Britain on June 18, 1812, initiating the War of 1812 over maritime rights and territorial tensions.
On June 18, 1812, President James Madison formally signed the U.S. declaration of war on the United Kingdom, marking America’s second conflict with Britain. The decision stemmed from disputes over maritime impressment of American sailors and British restrictions on U.S. trade. Frontier tensions with British-supported Native American tribes also fueled calls for war. Congress approved the declaration after heated debates over national honor and economic interests. The ensuing War of 1812 saw battles on land and sea from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast. The conflict ultimately affirmed American sovereignty and inspired a surge of national pride.
1812 declaration of war James Madison War of 1812
1815day.year

Napoleonic Wars: The Battle of Waterloo results in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher forcing him to abdicate the throne of France for the second and last time.

Napoleon Bonaparte suffered a final defeat at Waterloo on June 18, 1815, at the hands of the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher, ending the Napoleonic Wars.
The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815 near Brussels, was the climactic confrontation of the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon Bonaparte faced an allied army under the Duke of Wellington and Prussian forces commanded by Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. After a day of fierce fighting, coordinated attacks by the allies shattered the French lines. Napoleon’s defeat forced him to abdicate the French throne for the second time and paved the way for his exile to Saint Helena. The victory restored stability to Europe under the Congress of Vienna. Waterloo remains one of history’s most studied military engagements.
1815 Napoleonic Wars Battle of Waterloo Napoleon Bonaparte Duke of Wellington Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher France
1822day.year

Konstantinos Kanaris blows up the Ottoman navy's flagship at Chios, killing the Kapudan Pasha Nasuhzade Ali Pasha.

Greek naval commander Konstantinos Kanaris destroyed the Ottoman flagship at Chios on June 18, 1822, killing Kapudan Pasha Ali Pasha in a daring fire ship attack.
During the Greek War of Independence on June 18, 1822, Kanaris led a small fleet of fire ships against the Ottoman flagship anchored at Chios. Using stealth and precise timing, the Greek forces ignited their vessels and rammed them into the enemy ship. The explosion killed the Kapudan Pasha Nasuhzade Ali Pasha and dealt a severe blow to Ottoman naval power in the Aegean. This action galvanized Greek morale and inspired further revolutionary activity. Kanaris's ingenuity and courage made him a national hero and symbol of resistance. The raid remains one of the most celebrated naval exploits in Greek history.
1822 Konstantinos Kanaris Ottoman navy Chios Kapudan Pasha Nasuhzade Ali Pasha
1920day.year

The Troubles in Ulster (1920–1922) begin with a week of sectarian violence in Derry.

Sectarian violence in Derry ignites the Troubles in Ulster, marking a period of sustained conflict in Ireland.
On June 18, 1920, a week of violent clashes in Derry between Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists marked the beginning of the Troubles in Ulster. Tensions had been mounting over the partition of Ireland and the establishment of Northern Ireland. The riots resulted in deaths, injuries, and mass displacement of residents from mixed neighborhoods. Security forces, including the Royal Irish Constabulary and British Army, were deployed to restore order amid deep mistrust. This early violence foreshadowed the broader conflict that would last decades, characterized by political, social, and paramilitary struggles. The events in Derry set the stage for complex negotiations and community divisions that shaped Northern Ireland's history.
1920 The Troubles in Ulster (1920–1922) Derry