1652day.year
Defeat at the Battle of Dungeness causes the Commonwealth of England to reform its navy.
A decisive defeat at the Battle of Dungeness on December 10, 1652, exposed weaknesses in the English Commonwealth navy and spurred major reforms.
The Battle of Dungeness occurred off the coast of Kent, where a Dutch fleet under Admiral Maarten Tromp engaged the English Commonwealth navy. Tactical superiority and better seamanship allowed the Dutch to secure a decisive victory. The loss exposed significant flaws in English ship design, crew training, and command structure. In response, Parliament ordered comprehensive reforms, leading to improved vessel standards and the creation of a professional officer corps. These changes transformed the navy and paved the way for England's later maritime dominance. The battle and its aftermath are seen as a turning point in naval warfare.
1652
Battle of Dungeness
Commonwealth of England
1665day.year
The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps is founded by Michiel de Ruyter.
Michiel de Ruyter founded the Korps Mariniers, the precursor to the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, on December 10, 1665.
On this date, renowned Admiral Michiel de Ruyter established the Korps Mariniers in the Dutch Republic. The unit was designed to serve as specialized infantry on warships and for amphibious assaults during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Its creation enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Dutch navy, allowing for more effective boarding actions and coastal raids. De Ruyter's initiative laid the foundations for a professional marine force. Over centuries, the corps evolved into the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, participating in conflicts worldwide. It stands as one of the oldest marine units still in continuous service.
1665
Royal Netherlands Marine Corps
Michiel de Ruyter
1861day.year
American Civil War: The Confederate States of America accept a rival state government's pronouncement that declares Kentucky to be the 13th state of the Confederacy.
Confederate authorities declared Kentucky the 13th state of the Confederacy, intensifying the Civil War’s border state conflict.
In late 1861, Confederate leaders formalized a rival government in Kentucky, proclaiming it the 13th state of the Confederacy. The move underscored Kentucky's strategic position as a border state with divided loyalties. It also highlighted the importance of controlling key river and rail routes. Although Confederate sympathizers celebrated the declaration, most of Kentucky remained under Union occupation. The proclamation exacerbated tensions and spurred further military campaigns in the region. Ultimately, Union forces retained control of the state, rendering the Confederate claim mostly symbolic.
1861
American Civil War
Confederate States of America
Kentucky
1861day.year
Forces led by Nguyễn Trung Trực, an anti-colonial guerrilla leader in southern Vietnam, sink the French lorcha L'Esperance.
Vietnamese guerrilla leader Nguyễn Trung Trực sank the French lorcha L’Esperance, striking a blow against colonial forces.
Forces under the Vietnamese guerrilla leader Nguyễn Trung Trực ambushed and sank the French lorcha L'Esperance in 1861. Operating in the Mekong Delta, his group targeted vessels supplying French colonial troops. The daring naval action dealt a symbolic blow to French authority in Cochinchina. Nguyễn’s use of small boats and local knowledge showcased effective asymmetrical tactics. This event bolstered Vietnamese resistance morale and inspired further uprisings. Though the French eventually consolidated control, the sinking became a legendary episode in Vietnam’s anti-colonial struggle.
Nguyễn Trung Trực
Vietnam
lorcha
1864day.year
American Civil War: Sherman's March to the Sea: Major General William Tecumseh Sherman's Union Army troops reach the outer Confederate defenses of Savannah, Georgia.
In Sherman's March to the Sea, Union forces reached Savannah’s outer defenses, bringing Federal armies to the Confederate heartland.
In December 1864, General William T. Sherman’s Union forces reached the outer defenses of Savannah, Georgia, during their famous March to the Sea. Having cut a swath through the Confederacy, Sherman aimed to cripple Southern logistics and morale. Confederate troops hastily constructed fortifications to protect the vital port city. The Union advance marked the culmination of a two-month campaign demonstrating total war tactics. Sherman's campaign effectively severed Confederate supply lines and showcased the Union’s industrial advantage. The impending siege forced South Carolina evacuation and set the stage for Savannah’s eventual surrender.
1864
Sherman's March to the Sea
William Tecumseh Sherman
Union Army
Confederate
Savannah, Georgia
1877day.year
Russo-Turkish War: The Russian Army captures Plevna after a 5-month siege. The garrison of 25,000 surviving Turks surrenders. The Russian victory is decisive for the outcome of the war and the Liberation of Bulgaria.
After a grueling five-month siege, Russian troops captured Plevna in the Russo-Turkish War, a turning point for Bulgaria’s liberation.
In December 1877, Russian armies captured the fortified town of Plevna after a grueling five-month siege. The Ottoman garrison of approximately 25,000 troops ultimately surrendered, marking a decisive moment in the Russo-Turkish War. The fall of Plevna undercut Ottoman defensive strategy and paved the way for Russian advances into the Balkans. This victory directly influenced the negotiations that led to Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. The siege was notable for its extensive use of modern trenches and artillery. Plevna’s capture symbolized the shifting balance of power in Eastern Europe and reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape.
1877
Russo-Turkish War
captures Plevna
Turks
Liberation of Bulgaria
1941day.year
World War II: The Royal Navy capital ships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse are sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy torpedo bombers near British Malaya.
On December 10, 1941, Japanese torpedo bombers sank the British battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse off Malaya, marking the first time capital ships were lost to air attack alone.
Shortly after Japan's entry into World War II, a squadron of British capital ships was dispatched to deter Japanese advances in Southeast Asia. On December 10, 1941, Japanese torpedo bombers from the carrier strike force launched coordinated attacks off the coast of Malaya. HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse were hit by multiple torpedoes, causing catastrophic damage and sinking both vessels within hours. The loss of these modern warships demonstrated the growing dominance of air power in naval warfare. The disaster weakened British naval presence in the region and paved the way for Japanese landings in Malaya and Singapore. It also prompted Allied forces to rethink the role of battleships in the era of carrier aviation.
1941
World War II
Royal Navy
HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Repulse
sunk
Imperial Japanese Navy
torpedo bombers
British Malaya
1941day.year
World War II: Battle of the Philippines: Imperial Japanese forces under the command of General Masaharu Homma land on Luzon.
On December 10, 1941, Japanese forces under General Masaharu Homma began landing on the Philippine island of Luzon, initiating a campaign to seize the colony from American and Filipino defenders.
In the early hours of December 10, Japanese invasion convoys reached the eastern shores of Luzon, displaying Tokyo's intent to swiftly overrun the Philippines. General Masaharu Homma led the operation with two armies tasked to converge on Manila from the north and south. The landings caught Allied defenders off guard, forcing them into a retreat toward the Bataan Peninsula. The campaign marked the start of a brutal struggle that would last for months and culminate in the fall of Bataan and Corregidor. American and Filipino forces endured heavy casualties and shortages of supplies during the siege. The initial success of the Japanese invasion underscored the vulnerability of colonial defenses in the Pacific War.
Battle of the Philippines
Imperial Japanese
Masaharu Homma
Luzon
1949day.year
Chinese Civil War: The People's Liberation Army begins its siege of Chengdu, the last Kuomintang-held city in mainland China, forcing President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek and his government to retreat to Taiwan.
On December 10, 1949, the People's Liberation Army began its siege of Chengdu, the last major Kuomintang stronghold on mainland China, forcing Chiang Kai-shek to retreat to Taiwan.
As the Chinese Civil War drew to a close, Communist forces sought to capture the final Nationalist-held cities on the mainland. Under commanders such as Deng Xiaoping and Liu Bocheng, the PLA encircled Chengdu, a key logistical and political center. The siege cut off supplies and communications to Chiang Kai-shek's forces, who mounted a determined but ultimately futile defense. Facing inevitable defeat, Chiang and his government evacuated to Taiwan in late December. The fall of Chengdu marked the end of large-scale military operations in mainland China and solidified the establishment of the People's Republic of China. The campaign highlighted the strategic importance of cutting off supply lines and demonstrated the PLA's growing organizational strength.
1949
Chinese Civil War
People's Liberation Army
Chengdu
Kuomintang
mainland China
President of the Republic of China
Chiang Kai-shek
Taiwan
1994day.year
Rwandan genocide: Maurice Baril, military advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General and head of the Military Division of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, recommends that UNAMIR stand down.
UN military advisor Maurice Baril recommended standing down UNAMIR forces during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
On December 10, 1994, Lieutenant-General Maurice Baril, military advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General, assessed the deteriorating situation in Rwanda.
Amid escalating ethnic violence and mass killings, Baril recommended that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) stand down.
This advice reflected concerns about mission safety and ambiguous mandates amid chaotic conditions.
The recommendation significantly influenced U.N. leadership and hampered potential reinforcement of peacekeepers.
Critics later argued that a stronger international presence might have saved countless lives.
The tragic outcome underscored the limitations of global response to genocide.
1994
Rwandan genocide
Maurice Baril
Secretary-General
Department of Peacekeeping Operations
UNAMIR
2014day.year
Palestinian minister Ziad Abu Ein is killed after the suppression of a demonstration by Israeli forces in the village (Turmus'ayya) in Ramallah.
Palestinian minister Ziad Abu Ein died after clashes with Israeli forces during a demonstration near Ramallah on December 10, 2014.
On December 10, 2014, Ziad Abu Ein, a Palestinian Authority minister, joined protesters opposing Israeli land policies in Turmus'ayya near Ramallah.
Clashes erupted as Israeli security forces sought to disperse the demonstration.
Abu Ein was seen grappling with soldiers before collapsing, later succumbing to his injuries.
His death sparked international outcry and accusations of excessive force by Israeli troops.
An autopsy raised questions over the exact cause, with conflicting reports on tear gas exposure and physical assault.
The incident intensified tensions in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and drew global attention.
2014
Ziad Abu Ein
Israeli forces
Turmus'ayya
Ramallah
2015day.year
Rojava conflict: The Syrian Democratic Council is established in Dêrik, forming the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria.
The Syrian Democratic Council, political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces, was established in Dêrik on December 10, 2015.
On this day in 2015, representatives of various Kurdish, Arab, and minority groups formed the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in northeastern Syria.
The SDC was created as the political arm of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the Rojava conflict.
It aimed to govern liberated areas with principles of democracy, gender equality, and ethnic diversity.
The council sought international recognition and support to stabilize the region and combat extremist groups.
Its establishment marked a concerted effort to formalize self-administration under civil and military coordination.
The SDC continues to play a key role in Syria’s complex political landscape.
2015
Rojava conflict
Syrian Democratic Council
Dêrik
Syrian Democratic Forces