1410day.year
The Peace of Bicêtre suspends hostilities in the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War.
In 1410, the Peace of Bicêtre brought a temporary ceasefire to the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War.
This fragile truce reflected the deep divisions within France's ruling elite.
By 1410, France was torn by the brutal Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War between two noble factions.
Seeking to ease bloodshed, mediators convened at the Château de Bicêtre near Paris.
On November 2nd, the warring factions signed the Peace of Bicêtre, agreeing to suspend hostilities.
This agreement aimed to restore order and allow for negotiations over succession and governance.
The truce, however, proved fragile as rivalries and shifting loyalties undermined lasting peace.
Within months, fighting resumed, plunging France further into instability during the Hundred Years' War.
Despite its short life, the Peace of Bicêtre remains a key moment of attempted reconciliation amid civil conflict.
1410
Bicêtre
Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War
1675day.year
Plymouth Colony governor Josiah Winslow leads a colonial militia against the Narragansett during King Philip's War.
In 1675, Plymouth Colony governor Josiah Winslow mobilized a militia against the Narragansett tribe during King Philip's War.
This confrontation marked a significant escalation in New England's colonial conflicts.
King Philip's War erupted in 1675 as Native American tribes in New England resisted colonial expansion.
On November 2nd, Plymouth governor Josiah Winslow organized a colonial militia to strike at Narragansett villages.
Fearing an alliance between the Narragansett and other tribes, Winslow sought to neutralize the perceived threat.
The campaign culminated in the deadly Great Swamp Fight in present-day Rhode Island.
Colonial forces destroyed winter supplies and village structures, inflicting heavy casualties on the Narragansett.
This engagement weakened indigenous resistance and shifted momentum in favor of English colonists.
The conflict devastated local Native communities and became one of the most violent clashes per capita in early America.
1675
Plymouth Colony
Josiah Winslow
Narragansett
King Philip's War
1899day.year
The Boers begin their 118-day siege of British-held Ladysmith during the Second Boer War.
On November 2nd, 1899, Boer forces laid siege to the British garrison at Ladysmith, initiating a 118-day standoff.
The siege became one of the most iconic episodes of the Second Boer War.
The Second Boer War began in October 1899 as Boer republics clashed with the British Empire over control of South Africa.
On November 2nd, Boer commandos encircled Ladysmith, cutting off supplies and reinforcements.
The protracted siege tested both defenders and local civilians with shortages and disease.
British relief efforts in December and January suffered heavy losses before finally succeeding.
On February 28th, 1900, General Sir Redvers Buller's forces broke the siege.
Ladysmith's defense became legendary and highlighted the challenges of colonial warfare.
The siege also underscored the resilience of both military garrisons and civilian populations under fire.
1899
Boers
siege
Ladysmith
Second Boer War
1912day.year
Bulgaria defeats the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Lule Burgas, the bloodiest battle of the First Balkan War, which opens her way to Constantinople.
On November 2nd, 1912, Bulgarian forces secured a decisive victory at Lule Burgas against the Ottomans—the bloodiest battle of the First Balkan War.
This triumph opened the route to Constantinople.
The First Balkan War began in October 1912 as Balkan League members sought to liberate territories from Ottoman control.
Bulgarian armies advanced into Eastern Thrace, confronting Ottoman defenses at Lule Burgas.
After days of fierce combat, Bulgarian troops forced Ottoman forces to retreat toward Constantinople.
Massive casualties on both sides marked the battle as the bloodiest of the war.
Bulgaria's success shattered the Ottoman frontline and boosted the Allies' morale.
The victory exposed the Ottoman Empire's weakening military strength in Europe.
Lule Burgas reshaped regional geopolitics and set the stage for further advances by the Balkan League.
1912
Bulgaria
Ottoman Empire
Battle of Lule Burgas
First Balkan War
Constantinople
1914day.year
World War I: The Russian Empire declares war on the Ottoman Empire and the Dardanelles is subsequently closed.
In November 1914, the Russian Empire formally declared war on the Ottoman Empire, closing the vital Dardanelles strait and expanding World War I into the Middle East.
On November 2, 1914, tsarist Russia unleashed a new front by declaring war on the Ottomans and sealing off the Dardanelles. The closure choked Allied supply lines to Russia’s Black Sea ports, leaving millions of soldiers short on ammunition and provisions. This strategic move prompted the Allies to plan the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign in early 1915. The Ottoman Empire, previously neutral, was thrust fully into the global conflict, altering the balance of power in southeastern Europe and the Near East. The declaration underscored the widening scope of trench warfare and set the stage for years of grueling battles across multiple continents.
1914
World War I
Russian Empire
Ottoman Empire
Dardanelles
1940day.year
World War II: First day of Battle of Elaia–Kalamas between the Greeks and the Italians.
On November 2, 1940, Italian forces launched their offensive in the Battle of Elaia–Kalamas, facing staunch Greek resistance in Epirus.
Part of the Greco-Italian War, this battle saw Italian troops attempting to break through Greek defensive positions along the Elaia and Kalamas rivers. Despite superior numbers and equipment, the Italians were repelled by well-entrenched Greek soldiers familiar with the rugged terrain. The fierce defense boosted Greek morale and delayed Axis plans in the Balkan theater. The clash highlighted the importance of mountain warfare tactics and logistical planning. Ultimately, Greek success at Elaia–Kalamas forced Italy to commit more troops, straining its resources and inviting German intervention in April 1941.
1940
World War II
Battle of Elaia–Kalamas
1951day.year
Canada in the Korean War: A platoon of The Royal Canadian Regiment defends a vital area against a full battalion of Chinese troops in the Battle of the Song-gok Spur. The engagement lasts into the early hours the next day.
On November 2, 1951, Canadian troops of The Royal Canadian Regiment held a crucial defensive position against a full Chinese battalion at the Song-gok Spur during the Korean War.
Facing overwhelming numbers, a platoon of Canadian soldiers maintained defensive lines on the rugged Song-gok Spur against determined Chinese forces. Under constant artillery and infantry attacks, they repelled wave after wave through the night. Their tenacity prevented a major breakthrough and protected nearby UN positions from encirclement. The action demonstrated Canada’s commitment to collective security under the UN banner. Casualties were significant, but the stand at Song-gok Spur bolstered allied morale and showcased the professionalism of Canadian forces in Korea.
1951
Canada in the Korean War
The Royal Canadian Regiment
1956day.year
Suez Crisis: Israel occupies the Gaza Strip.
During the Suez Crisis in 1956, Israeli forces occupied the Gaza Strip on November 2.
On November 2, 1956, as part of the Suez Crisis, Israeli troops advanced into and occupied the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The Suez Crisis began earlier that month when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, prompting military responses from Britain, France, and Israel. Israel’s occupation aimed to secure its southern border and limit fedayeen attacks originating from Gaza. The move drew international attention and criticism, particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union, who urged a ceasefire. The occupation lasted until a UN-brokered agreement led to a withdrawal of Israeli forces in early 1957. A United Nations Emergency Force was deployed to oversee the cessation of hostilities and stabilize the region. This event reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics and highlighted the declining influence of colonial powers. It also underscored the growing role of the United Nations in managing international crises.
Suez Crisis
1967day.year
Vietnam War: US President Lyndon B. Johnson and "The Wise Men" conclude that the American people should be given more optimistic reports on the progress of the war.
On November 2, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson and the 'Wise Men' decided to present more optimistic reports on the Vietnam War to the American public.
Amid growing domestic skepticism about the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson convened his panel of foreign policy experts known as the 'Wise Men' on November 2, 1967. This group, which included key figures like Dean Acheson and Averell Harriman, advised the administration on strategic communications and war policy. Concerned over declining public support, they agreed that more positive information regarding battlefield successes should be communicated to reassure the American people. The shift in messaging aimed to counteract the rising influence of anti-war protests and negative media coverage. Critics later argued that this decision led to misleading optimism and eroded trust when actual conditions did not improve. The episode highlighted the challenges of managing public opinion during a complex and unpopular conflict. It also signaled a turning point in how the Johnson administration managed wartime information. The long-term impact on public trust and media relations would haunt U.S. war policy debates in subsequent years.
1967
Vietnam War
Lyndon B. Johnson
1986day.year
Lebanon hostage crisis: U.S. hostage David Jacobsen is released in Beirut after 17 months in captivity.
U.S. hostage David Jacobsen is released in Beirut after 17 months in captivity during the Lebanon hostage crisis.
On November 2, 1986, David Jacobsen became the last American hostage freed during Lebanon’s protracted hostage crisis.
Held by militant groups in Beirut for over 17 months, Jacobsen’s release was secured through complex negotiations involving multiple intermediaries.
The crisis had begun in 1982, with over a dozen Western hostages taken by various factions.
His freedom marked a turning point, leading to the gradual release of remaining captives.
The event underscored the perils faced by civilians in Lebanon’s civil war and influenced U.S. Middle East policy.
1986
Lebanon hostage crisis
2020day.year
In Vienna's Innere Stadt district, an ISIL sympathizer shoots and kills four people and injures 23 more, before being shot and killed by the police.
On 2 November 2020, a lone ISIL sympathizer carried out a shooting attack in Vienna's Innere Stadt district, killing four and injuring 23 before being neutralized by police.
On the evening of 2 November 2020, a lone ISIL sympathizer carried out a coordinated shooting spree across Vienna's Innere Stadt district, targeting crowded areas and a synagogue. Over the course of several minutes, four people were killed and 23 others injured before police units neutralized the attacker. The swift response involved specially trained anti-terror teams and widespread street closures. The assault prompted Austria to raise its terror alert level and reinforce security in European capitals. Investigations revealed the shooter was recently released from prison for terrorism offenses, highlighting challenges in monitoring extremist threats.
2020
Vienna
Innere Stadt
ISIL
shoots and kills
2022day.year
A peace agreement is signed between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, ending the Tigray War.
On 2 November 2022, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front signed a peace agreement, officially ending the Tigray War.
On 2 November 2022, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front reached a historic peace agreement to end the two-year Tigray War. The accord outlined ceasefire terms, humanitarian access to conflict zones, and the disarmament of TPLF forces. International mediators, including the United States and the African Union, facilitated the negotiations. The agreement aimed to restore communications, reopen roads, and rebuild infrastructure in the war-torn region. It marked a significant step towards reconciliation and relief for millions affected by the conflict's humanitarian crisis.
2022
peace agreement
Ethiopian government
Tigray People's Liberation Front
Tigray War