July 19

Events - Wars & Conflicts

711day.year

Umayyad conquest of Hispania: Battle of Guadalete: Umayyad forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeat the Visigoths led by King Roderic.

In 711, Umayyad forces under Tariq ibn Ziyad defeated the Visigoths at the Battle of Guadalete, initiating the conquest of Hispania.
The Battle of Guadalete marked the beginning of the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Led by General Tariq ibn Ziyad, Muslim forces clashed with Visigothic King Roderic's army near the Guadalete River. The Visigoths suffered a decisive defeat, leading to the collapse of the kingdom and rapid Muslim expansion. This engagement opened Hispania to centuries of Islamic rule and profoundly influenced the region's culture, language, and architecture. Historians debate details of troop numbers and tactics, but all agree on its pivotal role in medieval European history.
711 Umayyad conquest of Hispania Battle of Guadalete Umayyad Tariq ibn Ziyad Visigoths Roderic
939day.year

Battle of Simancas: King Ramiro II of León defeats the Moorish army under Caliph Abd-al-Rahman III near the city of Simancas.

In 939, King Ramiro II of León achieved a major victory over Caliph Abd-al-Rahman III's Moorish forces at Simancas.
The Battle of Simancas was a key conflict in the Christian Reconquista of Iberia. King Ramiro II of León confronted the invading army of Caliph Abd-al-Rahman III near the Duero River. Christian forces secured a decisive victory, halting Moorish advances into northern territories. This triumph bolstered the morale and political standing of the Leonese kingdom. The battle's outcome paved the way for further Christian reconquests and realignments in medieval Spain.
939 Battle of Simancas Ramiro II of León Moorish Abd-al-Rahman III Simancas
998day.year

Arab–Byzantine wars: Battle of Apamea: Fatimids defeat a Byzantine army near Apamea.

In 998, the Fatimids defeated a Byzantine army near Apamea during the Arab–Byzantine wars.
The Battle of Apamea occurred within the broader Arab–Byzantine conflicts over control of Syria. Fatimid forces confronted a Byzantine expedition near the ancient city of Apamea in northern Syria. Leveraging superior tactics, the Fatimids routed the imperial troops, consolidating their hold on the region. This victory weakened Byzantine influence and underscored the Fatimid Caliphate's rising power. The engagement influenced subsequent frontier skirmishes and diplomatic negotiations in the eastern Mediterranean.
998 Arab–Byzantine wars Battle of Apamea Fatimids Byzantine Apamea
1333day.year

Wars of Scottish Independence: Battle of Halidon Hill: The English win a decisive victory over the Scots.

In 1333, English forces won a crushing victory over the Scots at the Battle of Halidon Hill during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Fought on July 19, 1333, at Halidon Hill near Berwick-upon-Tweed, this battle showcased the effectiveness of English longbowmen. Under King Edward III's command, English archers devastated advancing Scottish knights on the rugged hillside. The Scots, led by Patrick de Dunbar, suffered heavy casualties and retreated in disarray. This defeat crippled Scottish resistance and led to the temporary occupation of Berwick by England. Halidon Hill exemplified the changing nature of medieval warfare and the dominance of ranged weaponry.
1333 Wars of Scottish Independence Battle of Halidon Hill Scots
1544day.year

Italian War of 1542–46: The first Siege of Boulogne begins.

In 1544, the first Siege of Boulogne commenced as part of the Italian War of 1542–46 between France and England.
The Siege of Boulogne began when Henry VIII's forces laid siege to the strategic French port city. Boulogne, a vital Atlantic littoral stronghold, resisted for months under French defenders' determined efforts. English artillery and engineering techniques were tested in attempts to breach the city walls. The siege highlighted the growing importance of gunpowder weaponry in early modern sieges. Although Boulogne fell to England, subsequent treaties returned it to France, reflecting the ebb and flow of Renaissance politics.
1544 Italian War of 1542–46 Siege of Boulogne
1588day.year

Anglo-Spanish War: Battle of Gravelines: The Spanish Armada is sighted in the English Channel.

In 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off the English Channel, leading to the Battle of Gravelines during the Anglo-Spanish War.
The Battle of Gravelines was a crucial naval engagement between Spain's Armada and England's fleet. Raging winds and skillful English tactics prevented the Armada from linking up with the Duke of Parma's forces. Fire ships forced the Spanish to scatter, leading to disorganized retreat up the Channel. Although not a decisive battle by numbers, Gravelines marked the turning point in defending England from invasion. The failed Armada expedition had lasting effects on naval warfare and European power balances.
1588 Anglo-Spanish War Battle of Gravelines Spanish Armada English Channel
1702day.year

Great Northern War: A numerically superior Polish-Saxon army of Augustus II the Strong, operating from an advantageous defensive position, is defeated by a Swedish army half its size under the command of King Charles XII in the Battle of Klissow.

A smaller Swedish force under Charles XII defeats a larger Polish-Saxon army at the Battle of Klissow during the Great Northern War.
On July 19, 1702, during the Great Northern War, King Charles XII of Sweden led a force half the size of Augustus II's Polish-Saxon army at Klissow. Despite being outnumbered, the disciplined Swedish troops exploited tactical advantages on the battlefield. The decisive victory weakened the Polish-Saxon alliance and bolstered Sweden's military reputation in Europe. Casualties were significant on both sides, but the outcome demonstrated Charles XII's leadership and Sweden's battlefield innovation. The Battle of Klissow proved a turning point in the war, influencing subsequent campaigns and negotiations.
1702 Great Northern War Augustus II the Strong Charles XII Battle of Klissow
1817day.year

Unsuccessful in his attempt to conquer the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi for the Russian-American Company, Georg Anton Schäffer is forced to admit defeat and leave Kauaʻi.

Georg Anton Schäffer abandons his failed attempt to conquer Kauaʻi for the Russian-American Company and withdraws from Hawaiʻi.
In 1817 Georg Anton Schäffer, acting on behalf of the Russian-American Company, sought to wrest control of the Island of Kauaʻi from local Hawaiian chiefs. Schäffer established temporary forts and negotiated with Kaumualiʻi, but faced resistance from rival chiefs and local populations. His expedition lacked sufficient reinforcement and supplies, undermining his ability to maintain authority over the territory. Forced by mounting opposition and the withdrawal of company support, Schäffer admitted defeat and departed Kauaʻi. The failed campaign ended Russian ambitions in Hawaiʻi and highlighted the complexities of colonial ventures in the Pacific.
1817 attempt to conquer Kingdom of Hawaiʻi Russian-American Company Georg Anton Schäffer Kauaʻi
1863day.year

American Civil War: Morgan's Raid: At Buffington Island in Ohio, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's raid into the north is mostly thwarted when a large group of his men are captured while trying to escape across the Ohio River.

Union forces halt Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's raid at Buffington Island, capturing most of his men.
On July 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, Union forces engaged Confederate raiders under General John Hunt Morgan at Buffington Island. Morgan had led his cavalry deep into Union territory, aiming to disrupt supply lines and divert Northern troops. Positioned along the Ohio River, Union gunboats and infantry cut off Morgan's escape, forcing a desperate crossing attempt. Most of Morgan's men were captured during the failed retreat, dealing a significant blow to Confederate cavalry operations. Morgan himself escaped initially but was later apprehended, and the raid's failure curtailed Confederate incursions into the North.
1863 American Civil War Morgan's Raid Buffington Island Ohio Confederate John Hunt Morgan captured Ohio River
1864day.year

Taiping Rebellion: Third Battle of Nanking: The Qing dynasty finally defeats the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

The Qing dynasty decisively defeats the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in the Third Battle of Nanking.
On July 19, 1864, Qing imperial forces recaptured Nanking, the capital of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, after a prolonged siege. The Third Battle of Nanking marked the culmination of a brutal civil war that had claimed millions of lives. Qing troops employed modern artillery and siege tactics against the Taiping defenders entrenched behind city walls. The fall of Nanking signaled the collapse of the Taiping Rebellion and restored Qing control over southern China. The defeat reshaped China's political landscape and influenced subsequent reforms and military modernization efforts.
1864 Taiping Rebellion Third Battle of Nanking Qing dynasty Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
1870day.year

Franco-Prussian War: France declares war on Prussia.

In 1870, France declared war on Prussia, marking the start of the Franco-Prussian War.
The Franco-Prussian War began when France declared war on Prussia on July 19, 1870. Rising tensions over dominance in the German states and diplomatic miscalculations led to the conflict. Under Otto von Bismarck’s leadership, Prussia quickly mobilized its efficient army against French troops. The war featured decisive battles such as Sedan, resulting in Napoleon III’s capture. It ended with the fall of the Second French Empire and the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles in 1871. This clash reshaped the map of Europe and set the stage for future continental rivalries.
1870 Franco-Prussian War Prussia
1916day.year

World War I: Battle of Fromelles: British and Australian troops attack German trenches as part of the Battle of the Somme.

British and Australian forces attacked German trenches at Fromelles on July 19, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme in World War I.
As a diversion from the main Somme offensive, British and Australian troops launched an assault on German positions at Fromelles. The operation on July 19, 1916, involved inexperienced soldiers facing well-fortified defenses. Under heavy machine-gun fire and artillery, the attackers suffered severe casualties within hours. It marked one of the bloodiest days for the Australian Imperial Force on the Western Front. The costly engagement highlighted shortcomings in planning and coordination. Today, the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the young lives lost.
1916 World War I Battle of Fromelles British Australian German Battle of the Somme