November 04

Events - Wars & Conflicts

1354day.year

War of the Straits: The Genoese fleet under Paganino Doria defeats and captures the entire Venetian fleet under Niccolò Pisani at the Battle of Sapienza.

During the War of the Straits in 1354, the Genoese fleet under Paganino Doria achieved a decisive victory over Venice by capturing their entire fleet at the Battle of Sapienza.
The War of the Straits was a maritime conflict between the republics of Genoa and Venice. In November 1354, Genoese admiral Paganino Doria led his fleet against the Venetian squadron commanded by Niccolò Pisani near the fortress of Sapienza. Through superior naval tactics and seamanship, the Genoese forces overwhelmed and captured every Venetian vessel. This stunning triumph shifted the balance of power in the Mediterranean and undermined Venice's dominance in trade. The captured ships and crews were paraded through Genoa as a symbol of the republic’s naval prowess. The victory reverberated across Europe, marking a pivotal moment in the centuries-long rivalry between Genoa and Venice.
1354 War of the Straits Genoese Paganino Doria Venetian Niccolò Pisani Battle of Sapienza
1429day.year

Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War: Joan of Arc liberates Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier.

In 1429, Joan of Arc led French forces to liberate the fortress town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier during the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War.
Amid the turmoil of the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War and the broader Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc emerged as a key figure in French resistance. On November 4, 1429, she directed an assault on the Burgundian-held town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier. Rallying troops with her conviction and charismatic leadership, Joan inspired a fierce charge that breached the town's defenses. The liberation strengthened French morale and solidified Joan's reputation as a divinely guided warrior. This victory accelerated the push against English and Burgundian forces in northern France. Joan of Arc's actions at Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier paved the way for further successes, eventually leading to the coronation of Charles VII.
1429 Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War Joan of Arc liberates Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier
1576day.year

Eighty Years' War: In Flanders, Spain captures Antwerp (which is nearly destroyed after three days).

During the Eighty Years' War in 1576, Spanish forces captured and nearly destroyed the city of Antwerp after a three-day assault.
As part of Spain’s campaign to suppress the Dutch Revolt, Spanish troops under the command of Don Juan of Austria besieged Antwerp. From November 4 to 7, relentless bombardment and street fighting reduced much of the city to ruins. The defenders, overwhelmed by artillery and dwindling supplies, were forced to surrender. The aftermath, known as the Spanish Fury, saw widespread looting and civilian casualties. This brutal event galvanized resistance throughout the Low Countries and deepened hatred toward Spanish rule. Antwerp's devastation marked one of the most notorious episodes of the Eighty Years' War.
1576 Eighty Years' War Flanders Antwerp nearly destroyed
1780day.year

The Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II against Spanish rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru begins.

On November 4, 1780, Túpac Amaru II launched a major rebellion against Spanish colonial rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru.
José Gabriel Condorcanqui, who took the name Túpac Amaru II, led indigenous and mestizo groups in revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial administration. The uprising commenced with the execution of the corregidor and rapidly spread across the Andean highlands. Aimed at abolishing forced labor and tribute systems, it garnered widespread popular support. Despite early victories, Spanish reinforcements eventually quashed the rebellion, capturing and executing Túpac Amaru II in 1781. The crackdown was brutal, but the rebellion exposed the deep discontent of colonial subjects. It inspired later independence movements throughout Latin America and remains a symbol of resistance to colonialism.
1780 Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II Viceroyalty of Peru
1791day.year

Northwest Indian War: The Western Confederacy of American Indians wins a major victory over the United States in the Battle of the Wabash.

During the Northwest Indian War in 1791, the Western Confederacy of American Indian tribes achieved a significant victory over U.S. forces at the Battle of the Wabash.
Known as St. Clair's Defeat, this battle saw Native American forces led by chiefs Little Turtle and Blue Jacket ambush and decisively overpower the United States Army. The engagement resulted in over 900 American casualties, marking one of the worst defeats in U.S. military history. The victory bolstered the Western Confederacy’s resistance to American expansion into the Northwest Territory. News of the rout shocked the young republic and prompted reforms in military organization and strategy. Despite this setback, U.S. forces eventually regrouped under General Anthony Wayne and secured the territory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. St. Clair's Defeat remains a testament to the strategic acumen and bravery of the Native American confederation.
1791 Northwest Indian War Western Confederacy American Indians Battle of the Wabash
1798day.year

The Russo-Ottoman siege of Corfu begins.

In 1798, Russian and Ottoman forces jointly lay siege to the Venetian-held island fortress of Corfu, initiating a strategic campaign in the Mediterranean.
The Russo-Ottoman siege of Corfu began on November 4, 1798, against the Venetian garrison on the island. This joint operation was part of the broader Mediterranean campaign during the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu's fortress defenses had been under Venetian control for centuries, making its capture a significant prize. Russian troops provided artillery support while Ottoman forces conducted land operations. The siege demonstrated the temporary alliance between two former adversaries. After several weeks of bombardment and entrenchment, the defenders eventually capitulated. The fall of Corfu shifted the balance of naval power in the Adriatic Sea. It also marked one of the last major actions against Venetian possessions in the region.
1798 Russo-Ottoman siege Corfu
1839day.year

Newport Rising: The last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in mainland Britain.

The Newport Rising of 1839 represents the last large-scale armed rebellion against British authority in mainland Britain.
On November 4, 1839, thousands of Chartist protesters marched on Newport, Wales, demanding political reforms and universal male suffrage. The demonstration escalated into violence when local militia opened fire. At least 22 rebels were killed and hundreds wounded. The uprising became a symbol of the Chartist movement's struggle for democratic rights. It was the last significant armed challenge to the establishment in mainland Britain. Though the rebellion failed, it galvanized public debate on electoral reform. In the following years, aspects of the Chartist agenda were incorporated into British law. The Newport Rising remains an important milestone in the history of British democracy.
1839 Newport Rising
1864day.year

American Civil War: Confederate troops bombard a Union supply base and destroy millions of dollars in materiel at the Battle of Johnsonville.

During the American Civil War in 1864, Confederate artillery bombarded the Union supply base at Johnsonville, Tennessee, causing massive destruction.
On November 4, 1864, Confederate troops under Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest launched a surprise artillery attack on the Union supply depot at Johnsonville. Using armed riverboats and captured cannons, they destroyed steamboats, barges, and millions of dollars in military stores. The attack disrupted Union supply lines along the Tennessee River. Forrest’s tactic showcased his aggressive cavalry warfare style and logistical acumen. Despite minimal Confederate casualties, the operation had strategic impact, forcing the Union to reroute supplies. The Battle of Johnsonville highlighted the importance of river-based logistics in the Civil War. It also demonstrated the vulnerability of poorly defended depots. The raid boosted Confederate morale late in the conflict.
1864 American Civil War Confederate Union Battle of Johnsonville
1868day.year

Camagüey, Cuba, revolts against Spain during the Ten Years' War.

In 1868, the city of Camagüey in Cuba rose against Spanish colonial rule, igniting the Ten Years' War.
On November 4, 1868, inhabitants of Camagüey launched an uprising against the Spanish colonial government, marking an early conflict in Cuba’s Ten Years’ War. Local leaders, inspired by liberal and independence ideas, seized military posts and declared rebellion. The revolt aimed to end slavery and achieve Cuban autonomy. Spanish forces responded with harsh reprisals, leading to widespread clashes in the region. The conflict in Camagüey spread to other provinces, fueling a protracted struggle for independence. Over the next decade, Cuban patriots fought guerrilla and conventional battles against superior Spanish armies. Although the war ended without independence in 1878, it laid the groundwork for later liberation efforts. The Camagüey uprising is remembered as a symbol of Cuban resistance.
1868 Camagüey Ten Years' War
1918day.year

World War I: The Armistice of Villa Giusti between Italy and Austria-Hungary is implemented.

On November 4, 1918, the Armistice of Villa Giusti between Italy and Austria-Hungary takes effect, ending hostilities on the Italian Front in WWI.
The Armistice of Villa Giusti was signed on November 3, 1918, and implemented at noon on November 4, marking the end of warfare between Italy and Austria-Hungary in World War I. Negotiated in the Villa Giusti near Padua, the terms required Austria-Hungary to evacuate occupied Italian territory and surrender heavy weapons. The ceasefire followed Italy’s decisive victory at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. It contributed significantly to the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The armistice allowed Italy to reclaim regions such as Trentino and South Tyrol. It also influenced postwar treaties that reshaped Central Europe. The agreement set a precedent for other armistices that concluded the Great War. November 4 is commemorated in Italy as National Unity and Armed Forces Day.
1918 World War I Armistice of Villa Giusti Austria-Hungary
1936day.year

Spanish Civil War: Largo Caballero reshuffles his war cabinet, persuading the anarcho-syndicalist CNT to join the government.

During the Spanish Civil War, Prime Minister Largo Caballero reshapes his war cabinet and integrates the anarcho-syndicalist CNT into the Republican government.
On November 4, 1936, Spanish Republican Prime Minister Francisco Largo Caballero restructured his war cabinet in an effort to unify diverse anti-fascist factions. He negotiated with the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), an influential anarcho-syndicalist labor union, to enter the government. This unprecedented inclusion aimed to bolster Republican morale and coordinate resources against Franco's Nationalist forces. The move stirred debate among traditional politicians and socialists, given the anarchists' revolutionary ideals. By integrating the CNT, Largo Caballero sought to bridge ideological divides and maintain a united front. However, internal tensions persisted, reflecting the complex political landscape of the civil war.
1936 Spanish Civil War Largo Caballero reshuffles war cabinet anarcho-syndicalist CNT
1939day.year

World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders the United States Customs Service to implement the Neutrality Act of 1939, allowing cash-and-carry purchases of weapons by belligerents.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorizes the Neutrality Act of 1939, permitting cash-and-carry arms sales to warring nations.
On November 4, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instructed the United States Customs Service to enforce provisions of the newly passed Neutrality Act. This act permitted warring nations to buy arms from the U.S. if they paid cash and transported the weapons themselves. The cash-and-carry policy aimed to aid Allies while keeping the United States officially neutral. It marked a shift from strict non-intervention toward limited support for nations resisting aggression during World War II. Critics argued it risked dragging the U.S. closer to conflict, while supporters saw it as a pragmatic compromise. The policy laid the groundwork for further aid measures, culminating in the Lend-Lease program.
1939 World War II Franklin D. Roosevelt United States Customs Service Neutrality Act of 1939