1183day.year
Genpei War: The Battle of Mizushima takes place off the Japanese coast, where Minamoto no Yoshinaka's invasion force is intercepted and defeated by the Taira clan.
In 1183, during the Genpei War, the Taira clan intercepted and defeated Minamoto no Yoshinaka's invasion fleet at the Battle of Mizushima.
The naval clash occurred off the coast of Mizushima Island in western Japan.
Minamoto no Yoshinaka sought to challenge the Taira clan's dominance by sea.
Taira commanders skillfully used fire ships and archery to outmaneuver their opponents.
Yoshinaka's force suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat.
The battle underscored the Taira clan's naval strength and impacted the Genpei War's momentum.
1183
Battle of Mizushima
Minamoto no Yoshinaka
Taira clan
1796day.year
French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of the Bridge of Arcole: French forces defeat the Austrians in Italy.
In a fierce clash during the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleon's forces triumphed at the Bridge of Arcole, securing a critical victory against Austria.
In November 1796, during the Italian campaign of the French Revolutionary Wars, General Napoleon Bonaparte led French forces against Austrian troops at the Bridge of Arcole. The narrow crossing became a focal point as both sides vied for control of the vital route. Despite stiff Austrian resistance and heavy casualties, Bonaparte's bold flanking maneuver forced the enemy to retreat. The victory secured French dominance in northern Italy and bolstered the morale of the revolutionary army. This dramatic encounter cemented Bonaparte's emerging reputation as a brilliant military strategist.
1796
French Revolutionary Wars
Battle of the Bridge of Arcole
1810day.year
Sweden declares war on its ally the United Kingdom to begin the Anglo-Swedish War, although no fighting ever takes place.
Sweden unexpectedly declared war on its former ally Britain in 1810, initiating the Anglo-Swedish War—though the conflict remained bloodless with no battles fought.
In November 1810, King Charles XIII of Sweden formally declared war on the United Kingdom as part of shifting alliances during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite this declaration, diplomatic complexities and logistical challenges prevented any military engagement between the two powers. The declaration aimed to align Sweden with Napoleon's Continental System and pressure Britain economically. Although bloodless, the episode underscored the era's volatile international relations. Peace was restored when Sweden withdrew its declaration under shifting political circumstances, highlighting the limited impact of this symbolic conflict.
1810
Anglo-Swedish War
1863day.year
American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins: During the Knoxville campaign, Confederate forces under General James Longstreet besiege the city of Knoxville, Tennessee and its Union defenders led by General Ambrose Burnside.
Confederate General James Longstreet begins the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, challenging Union forces led by General Ambrose Burnside during the American Civil War.
On November 17, 1863, Confederate troops under General James Longstreet initiated the Siege of Knoxville, aiming to capture a vital rail junction in eastern Tennessee.
This operation formed part of the larger Knoxville campaign against Union control of the region.
Union General Ambrose Burnside and his men fortified the city’s defenses amidst dwindling supplies and harsh weather.
Longstreet’s forces attempted several assaults but struggled to breach the robust fortifications.
The standoff tested the endurance and leadership of both commanders in a war of attrition.
Ultimately, Union reinforcements and strong entrenchments prevented the Confederates from taking Knoxville, shaping subsequent military moves in the Western Theater.
1863
American Civil War
Siege of Knoxville
Knoxville campaign
Confederate
James Longstreet
Knoxville, Tennessee
Union
Ambrose Burnside
1885day.year
Serbo-Bulgarian War: The decisive Battle of Slivnitsa begins.
The Battle of Slivnitsa begins, marking a decisive engagement in the Serbo-Bulgarian War.
On November 17, 1885, Bulgarian and Serbian forces clashed at the Battle of Slivnitsa near the town of the same name.
This confrontation was pivotal in the Serbo-Bulgarian War over territorial disputes following Bulgarian unification.
Despite being outnumbered, Bulgarian troops leveraged superior tactics and local knowledge to hold their ground.
The battle lasted several days, with fierce combat and significant casualties on both sides.
Victory at Slivnitsa boosted Bulgarian morale and forced Serbian forces into retreat.
This outcome helped secure Bulgaria’s unification and reshaped the Balkan political landscape.
1885
Serbo-Bulgarian War
Battle of Slivnitsa
1939day.year
Nine Czech students are executed as a response to anti-Nazi demonstrations prompted by the death of Jan Opletal. All Czech universities are shut down and more than 1,200 students sent to concentration camps. Since this event, International Students' Day is celebrated in many countries, especially in the Czech Republic.
In Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, nine students are executed and universities closed, leading to the observance of International Students’ Day.
On November 17, 1939, Nazi authorities in Prague executed nine Czech students in retaliation for anti-occupation protests following Jan Opletal’s funeral.
These harsh reprisals included the closure of all Czech universities and the deportation of over 1,200 students to concentration camps.
The draconian measures aimed to crush academic freedom and intimidate the Czech intelligentsia.
Despite the crackdown, the spirit of resistance endured among students and faculty across Europe.
In memory of the victims and the struggle for free education, International Students’ Day was established and is still observed annually.
The event remains a powerful symbol of student activism and the defense of human rights under oppressive regimes.
1939
Czech
Nazi
Jan Opletal
concentration camps
International Students' Day
1967day.year
Vietnam War: Acting on optimistic reports that he had been given on November 13, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson tells the nation that, while much remained to be done, "We are inflicting greater losses than we're taking...We are making progress."
President Lyndon B. Johnson announces progress in Vietnam, reflecting official optimism amid growing conflict.
On November 17, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson addressed the nation on the Vietnam War’s developments.
He cited optimistic military reports suggesting that U.S. forces were inflicting greater losses on the enemy than they were taking.
The speech aimed to bolster public confidence despite mounting casualties and domestic protest.
Johnson’s assertion of progress became part of the wider debate on America’s war strategy.
Critics later pointed to a widening credibility gap between official statements and battlefield realities.
This address remains a notable example of Cold War-era presidential communication under pressure.
1967
Vietnam War
Lyndon B. Johnson
1970day.year
Vietnam War: Lieutenant William Calley goes on trial for the My Lai Massacre.
Lieutenant William Calley is tried for the My Lai Massacre, a pivotal moment in public scrutiny of the Vietnam War.
In 1970, U.S. Army Lieutenant William Calley faced a court-martial for his role in the mass killing of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai. The trial became a symbol of military accountability and sparked widespread debate over war crimes. Graphic testimony and evidence challenged the U.S. military's conduct and stirred public outrage. The proceedings highlighted the moral complexities of the Vietnam conflict and increased media attention on wartime atrocities. Calley's eventual conviction and sentence were met with both condemnation and controversy across the nation. The case remains a powerful example of the consequences of unrestrained military power and has influenced subsequent rules of engagement.
1970
Vietnam War
William Calley
My Lai Massacre
1983day.year
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is founded in Mexico.
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is founded in Mexico, planting the seeds of a later indigenous rights movement.
On November 17, 1983, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) was formed in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico. The group took its name from Emiliano Zapata, a hero of the Mexican Revolution, and pledged to fight for Indigenous land rights and social justice. Although the EZLN remained underground for years, its founding laid the groundwork for the 1994 uprising that captured global attention. The movement blended armed resistance with political activism, using communiqués and media to advance its message. Over time, the Zapatistas built autonomous communities and gained support from civil society groups worldwide. Their struggle has become a powerful example of grassroots organization and the fight against neoliberal policies.
1983
Zapatista Army of National Liberation
1997day.year
In Luxor, Egypt, 62 people are killed by six Islamic militants outside the Temple of Hatshepsut, known as Luxor massacre.
In 1997, six Islamist militants stormed the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor and killed 62 foreign tourists.
On November 17, 1997, six Islamist militants stormed the 3,500-year-old Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, targeting sightseeing buses.
They opened fire indiscriminately, killing 62 people and injuring over 100 attendees.
The attack halted tourism in the region and shook Egypt's archaeological community.
Security measures were dramatically increased at historical sites across the country.
International outrage led to cooperation on counterterrorism and heritage protection.
The Luxor massacre remains one of the deadliest attacks on tourists in modern history.
1997
Luxor
Islamic militants
Temple of Hatshepsut
Luxor massacre