Battles & Wars: 1800s
The 19th century saw some of the most influential wars of all time, many of which helped draw the map of the modern world. Here we examine conflicts from Napoleon to the Spanish American War.
First Barbary War: Battle of Derna
The Battle of Derna was fought between April 27 and May 13, 1805. Leading a contingent of US Marines and mercenaries, William Eaton and 1Lt. Presley O'Bannon succeeded in capturing the port of Derne from the forces of Yusuf Karamanli. The victory at Derne was a key moment in the conflict and gave birth to the line "to the shores of Tripoli" in the Marine Corps Hymn.
The Battle of Derna was fought between April 27 and May 13, 1805. Leading a contingent of US Marines and mercenaries, William Eaton and 1Lt. Presley O'Bannon succeeded in capturing the port of Derne from the forces of Yusuf Karamanli. The victory at Derne was a key moment in the conflict and gave birth to the line "to the shores of Tripoli" in the Marine Corps Hymn.
War of 1812: Battle of North Point
Part of the larger Battle of Baltimore, the Battle of North Point was fought on September 12, 1814. Meeting British troops outside of Baltimore, American troops held off the enemy for two hours, killing their leader, before falling back to the city's defenses.
Part of the larger Battle of Baltimore, the Battle of North Point was fought on September 12, 1814. Meeting British troops outside of Baltimore, American troops held off the enemy for two hours, killing their leader, before falling back to the city's defenses.
Neapolitan War: Battle of Tolentino
Fought May 2-3, 1815, the Battle of Tolentino marked the beginning of the end for Joachim Murat's reign as king of Naples. Engaging the Austrians near Tolentino, Italy, Murat was defeated by General Frederick Bianchi. The Neapolitan army ceased to be an effective fighting force after the Battle of Tolentino.
Fought May 2-3, 1815, the Battle of Tolentino marked the beginning of the end for Joachim Murat's reign as king of Naples. Engaging the Austrians near Tolentino, Italy, Murat was defeated by General Frederick Bianchi. The Neapolitan army ceased to be an effective fighting force after the Battle of Tolentino.
Wars of South American Independence: Battle of Boyacá
The Battle of Boyaca was a key battle in the Wars for South American Independence. Led by Simón Bolívar, patriot forces routed a Spanish force near the el Puente de Boyacá bridge. The victory was vital in securing independence for modern-day Colombia.
The Battle of Boyaca was a key battle in the Wars for South American Independence. Led by Simón Bolívar, patriot forces routed a Spanish force near the el Puente de Boyacá bridge. The victory was vital in securing independence for modern-day Colombia.
Crimean War: Battle of Alma
One of the first principal battles of the Crimean War, the Battle of Alma saw British and French forces dislodge the Russians from a defensive position on the road to Sevastopol. Advancing over the Alma River, the British and French defeated the Russians while battling over the heights along the river's south bank.
One of the first principal battles of the Crimean War, the Battle of Alma saw British and French forces dislodge the Russians from a defensive position on the road to Sevastopol. Advancing over the Alma River, the British and French defeated the Russians while battling over the heights along the river's south bank.
Second Opium War: Overview
Fought between 1856 and 1860, the Second Opium War led to the further opening of China to foreign influence and contributed to the spread of imperialism. Led by Britain and France, Western forces were able to defeat the Chinese and gain significant concessions. The Second Opium War was ended by the Convention of Peking.
Fought between 1856 and 1860, the Second Opium War led to the further opening of China to foreign influence and contributed to the spread of imperialism. Led by Britain and France, Western forces were able to defeat the Chinese and gain significant concessions. The Second Opium War was ended by the Convention of Peking.
French Intervention in Mexico: Battle of Puebla
On May 5, 1862, French and Mexican troops met at the Battle of Puebla. An early battle in the French intervention in Mexico, the fighting resulted in a surprising Mexican victory. The triumph at the Battle of Puebla is celebrated annually as Cinco de Mayo.
On May 5, 1862, French and Mexican troops met at the Battle of Puebla. An early battle in the French intervention in Mexico, the fighting resulted in a surprising Mexican victory. The triumph at the Battle of Puebla is celebrated annually as Cinco de Mayo.
Franco-Prussian War: Siege of Paris
The Siege of Paris began following the French defeat at Sedan. Encircled on September 19, 1870, the city's defenders held out for over four months against their Prussian attackers. On January 28, 1871, three after after the Prussians began shelling the city, the French surrendered ending the siege of Paris and effectively ending the war.
The Siege of Paris began following the French defeat at Sedan. Encircled on September 19, 1870, the city's defenders held out for over four months against their Prussian attackers. On January 28, 1871, three after after the Prussians began shelling the city, the French surrendered ending the siege of Paris and effectively ending the war.
Satsuma Rebellion: Battle of Shiroyama
The Battle of Shiroyama was the final engagement of the Satsuma Rebellion. Encircled near Kagoshima, the rebel forces led by Saigo Takamori were badly outnumbered and took a position on Shiroyama hill. On September 24, 1877, Imperial forces attacked and eradicated Saigo's forces.
The Battle of Shiroyama was the final engagement of the Satsuma Rebellion. Encircled near Kagoshima, the rebel forces led by Saigo Takamori were badly outnumbered and took a position on Shiroyama hill. On September 24, 1877, Imperial forces attacked and eradicated Saigo's forces.