September 10-16
This week in history Admiral Perry had his famous victory over the British in Lake Erie in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. He made his famous statement, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours," after this battle. Also this week was the Battle of Stirling Bridge, when the Scots under William Wallace, an excellent military mind whose achievments are amplified in the face of the superior English army, defeated the opposing English forces. Following the battle, Wallace was knighted and elected Guardian of Scotland. However, after his defeat at the hands of Edward I (known as "Longshanks" because of his prodigious height, and one of the greatest military minds of that day, if not the greatest) at Falkirk, he resigned that position. Also this week was the Battle of Marathon, which pitted the immense power of the Grecian phalanx against the numerous and diverse Persian forces. The phalanx, probably the most powerful purely infantry formation ever invented when on favourable ground, soundly defeated the Persians. The phalanx was later perfected by Philip of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great, who used it to conquer a vast stretch of territory in Asia. For sheer power, the heavily armoured phalanx could destroy any contemporary military formation when the battlefield had the right conditions - including the Roman legion. However, the rigidity of the phalanx made it impractical to for use in all but ideal situations. The Roman army, by effectively combining flexibility with the power of a solid formation, achieved the greatest military system known to man. Also this week the famous battle on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec was fought between the French and English. The English forces captured Quebec, the strongest and most strategic French position in North America, but both the English commander, Wolfe, and the French, Montcalm, were slain in the battle. It was this week in 1321 that Dante Alighieri died. It was also this week that Napolean finally reached the Russian capital of Moscow, only to find it deserted and in flames. Furthermore, it was this week that Francis Scott Key composed what would later become our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." Also this week, the Mexican War ended with the American capture of Mexico City. It was also this week that the Spanish Armada met its famous defeat at the hands of the English in its attempted invasion in 1588. It provides one of the most dramatic evidences of Divine intervention in modern times. It was this week that the armoured tank was first introduced to battle during the Battle of the Somme in WWI. Lastly, it was this week in 1942 that the Laconia was sunk by a German U-boat(the U-156) off the coast of Africa. To the surprise of the Germans, the ship was carrying Italian prisoners. Naturally, the German commander tried to aid his allies, and sent an uncoded message saying "If any ship will assist the ship-wrecked 'Laconia'-crew, I will not attack providing I am not being attacked by ship or air forces. I picked up 193 men. 4, 53 South, 11, 26 West. - German submarine." Some days later, an American B-24 Liberator bomber was ordered to attack the German subs, forcing them to dive and leave hundreds struggling in the water. Eventually nuetral French ships arrived from North Africa and rescued the survivors. As a result of this action, Admiral Donitz, the commander of the U-boat arm, issued an order forbidding U-boats to help survivors of ships they sunk.
September 3-9
This week in history Richard I was crowned King of England, while another English king, Edward III, laid seige to Calais in France. And another prominent English figure, Lord Cromwell, won a victory at Dunbar against an opposing army more than double the size of his. However, Cromwell noted the poor positioning of the Scottish army he faced, which was so positioned because it believed the English to be in a sorry state and unable to attack, and seized the offensive. The details are a bit too extensive to describe here, but suffice to say Cromwell used the lay of the land to keep the left flank out of action, and successfully use his better mobility to have the majority of his army(includingh is reserves) fall upon the right flank, roll it up and rout the Scots. In American history, it was this week that the American flag was carried into battle for the first time, and it was this week the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American War for Independence. Futhermore, it was this week the USS Philadephlia was burned after being captured by Barbary pirates during America's war with the pirates from the coast of North Africa. Another war that ended this week was the Russian-Japanese War from the early 20th century. This week in Italian history was the Battle of Montaperto between Ghibellines and Guelfs, which GB3 students may recall as being prominent political factions at the time of Dante. Also this week was the "Greer incident" in which the U-652 fired two torpedoes at a US destroyer which was tracking it, and in retaliation the destroyer(USS Greer, DD-145) dropped 19 depth charges. This incident began an undeclared war on the Atlantic between the US and Germany. Also this week, the great fire of London was finally put out. This week in 1976 a Soviet pilot landed his MiG-25 in Tokyo and asked for political asylum in America. Also this week Germany, in retaliation for a British air raid on Berlin which had in turn been in retaliation for German bombs that had accidentally fallen on London, began its blitz of London, relieving the pressure on the English air bases and saving the RAF from destruction. It was this week King James IV of Scotland was slain in battle with the English at Flodden. Lastly, in 1087 William the Conquerer, King of England and Duke of Normandy, died in Rouen(the capital of Normandy) battling the French.
August 27- September 2
This week in history was the Battle of Long Island, after which Washington pulled his troops off and retreated during the night. The British later invaded Manhattan island in November of the same year(1776) and drove the American's from there as well. Also during the War of Independance, it was this week a French fleet arrived in Chesapeake Bay to aid the struggle of the newly formed country. Also this week was the Second Battle of Bull Run, and one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the US was held in 1963 during which Martin Luther King gave his famous speech, "I have a dream." Also this week was the capture of the U-570 by British forces in 1941. The U-boat, slightly damaged by a British Hudson bomber, was salvaged and became a part of the Royal Navy as the HMS Graph. It was this week in 1932 that the famous head of the Nazi Air Force(Luftwaffe), HermannGoering, became president of the Reichstag. Goering, a former WWI ace with over 20 victories, was Hitler's second-in-command and was to take over the rule of Germany once Hitler was gone. However, just before the end of the war Goering realized the hopelessness of the situation and began to secretly communicate with the Allies hoping to achieve some peace. Hitler found out about it and furiously booted Goering out of his high position, making Karl Donitz, originally commander of the U-boats but later promoted to command the entire German Navy, his lieutenant. When Hitler died, it was Donitz who became the next Fuerher of Germany. Also this week, early in the French and Indian War Fort William Henry was captured by French commander Louis Montcalm. The French and Indian War was eventually won by the British, who drove the French out of the New World. A key battle in the war was the capture of Quebec, in which the leaders of both sides, Montcalm for the French and Wolfe for the English, fell in battle. The city of Quebec is situated next to the St. Lawrence River, and is in an easily defensible position if manned by a capable and well supplied garrison. An American attempt to sieze Quebec early in the War for Independance met with dismal failure. Led by Benedict Arnold, a fervent optimist and believer in the cause(although when his optimism failed he ended up turning back to the British), it fought its way across a wild and freezing route and ended up on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec, unable to attack the garrison. Another American general, Montgomery, had captured Montreal and marched up to join Arnold's forces outside Quebec. An attack was launched but it was driven back with loss and the American's had to retreat. However, failure though the campaign was, it caused the British to pour needless men and resources into Canada and ended up benefiting the American cause greatly. Additionally, it was this week Aaron Burr was arrested for his conspiracy to create an empire in the south and charged with treason. However, because there was only one witness to testify against him, he was acquitted. Furthermore, it was this week the last battle of the Franco-Prussian War was fought at Sedan, ending in a significant victory for the Prussians. Also this week the Great Fire of London began in 1666. Lastly, it was this week that WWII both began and ended with the invasion of Poland by Hitler in 1939 and the formal Japanese surrender on V-J day in 1945.
August 20-26
This week in history was the battle of Fallen Timbers, in which General Anthony Wayne decisively defeated a large body of Indian warriors causing their harassment of settlers and resistance to American expansion in the Northwest to cease. Also this week, skilled Russian Soviet General Leon Trotsky, creator of the 'Red Army', was assasinated in Mexico City. The same day radar was first used in the Battle of Britain. Because of radar the British fighters did not have to maintain costly patrols, but could conserve their strength for concentrated defense at key areas. The advantage that radar gave the RAF is often credited with saving the island of Britain from Nazi occupation. Also this week, France was forced to surrender the island of Corsica to Britain in 1794, which lasted only until 1796 when Corsica returned to French control. Of old, Corsica belonged to Rome until the fall of the Roman Empire after which it was fought over and owned by Vandals, Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, and Franks. There were also Moorish invasions from 713-930 A.D. but the island eventually passed to Papal control. In 1077 the papacy bestowed it as a fief on the Bishop of Pisa which heralded the beginning of a centuries long struggle between Genoa and Pisa for control of Corsica. It wasn't until 1768(one year before the birth of Napolean Bonaparte) that Corsica was sold to France. Also this week was the Nat Turner rebellion, when many slaves rebelled against their masters and some 60 whites were killed. Also this week was the Battle of Bosworth Field, in which Richard III was slain, and Henry Tudor, the seventh English king of that name, assumed the crown establishing the Tudor dynasty. He was followed by his son Henry VIII, who was followed by his son Edward VI. However, Edward died at a young age with any children. His will stipulated that his cousin, Jane Grey, be queen but after nine days Mary, oldest daughter of Henry VIII, assumed the throne upon a wave of popular support. She was followed by Elizabeth, one of Britain's most beloved queens and victor over the Spanish Armada. She never married, so after her death James VI of Scotland became James I of England. Speaking of Scotland, it was this week that William Wallace was executed for his resistance to English rule. Though Wallace failed in his attempt to free Scotland it was less than 10 years after his death that Robert the Bruce secured Scottish independance at the Battle of Bannockburn. Speaking of independance, it was this week Mexico gained it from Spain, and also this week King George III declared the American colonies to be in rebellion. Also this week was the Battle of Crecy, in which Edward III defeated the French during the Hundred Years War. Futhermore, this week the non-agression pact between Germany and Russia was signed, enabling Germany to invade Poland and Russia to do the same to Finland. Also this week Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and Rome was sacked in 410 by the Germans. In inventions history, it was this week a man successfully jumped from a plane in flight with use of a parachute and also this week the Thomas Edison patented his motion picture camera. Lastly, it was this week that the British sacked Washington D.C. during the War of 1812.
August 13-19 August 6-12 July 30- August 5
The Offical Schola Historian in charge of shipwrecks and the Birthday Heraldress in a combined effort hereby shall attempt to substitute for the unsubstitutable Offical Schola Historian.
Here goes...please bear with this pathetic little attempt. I've split the week up day by day isntead of a paragraph like Aaron does.
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August the 13th:
1787 The Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia.
1889 The first coin-operated telephone was pateneted by William Gray.
In 1910 British nurse Florence Nightingale died. Born in Florence, Italy, to a wealthy English family, she could have chosen an easy life. Instead, her love for Christ caused a desire in her heart to resist the pressure from those around her. She chose not to marry and devoted her life to her God given call to become a nurse. Her family and friends accused her of throwing her lif away on lower-class work. Miss Nightingale is most famous for ministering to thousands of soldiers during the Crimean War. These men suffered barbarously amidst inhumane conditions. Florence was a true beacon of light to these men. A true witness to the love of Christ. Eventually, her influence helped institute healthcare reforms in many places and she aided in elevating nursing to a respected profession for women.
During 1948 The Berlin Airlift was in progress. August the 13th was the most difficult day American planes had to land their supplies. The weather over Berlin had become very stormy, making flight conditions treacherous thus the day was deemed "Black Friday."
August the 14th:
In 1457 The first book ever to be printed was published by the German Astrologer Faust. He was then thrown into jail while attempting to sell books in Paris. The Authorities believed that the identical books were a sign that Faust had dealth with the devil.
In 1756 French commander Louis Montcalm took Fort Oswego, New England, from the British. This is related to the French and Indian war going on in America. Alas..I feel compelled to sidetrack from the "brief" post I am attempting to do and devote a little paragraph or two (or three or four
1942-Dwight D. Eisenhower was named the Anglo-American commander for Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa.
1945-Japan announces its unconditional surrender in World War II.
Part Two.
This week in history, the events that spring first to mind are the atomic bombs, dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki 55 years ago this August 6 and 9, respectively. The decision to drop the atomic bomb was a wrenching one for Harry Truman but it was made in order to save both American and Japanese lives. Judging from the fanatical defence the Japanese had put up on their isolated island fortresses throughout the war, the recent Kamikaze(or "Divine Wind," named after the wind that scattered the invading Mongol fleet in the hope that the suicidal pilots would prove to be the wind that drove off another invading fleet) attacks on the American naval fleet, and the mostly unnaffective "Fu-go" attempt to release bombs into the jet stream suspended on balloons that would(theorectically) explode in the US, it was assumed the Japanese would put up a far fiercer resistance for their homeland. US casualties were anticipated to mount upwards of 1 million if the invasion was pressed. The Japanese had already had their merchant fleet almost annihilated, without which they could not operate an effective military force, their air force had been grounded because of lack of fuel, and the extensive bombing had already destroyed almost 1 out of every 3 buildings in Japan. The atomic bombs were dropped to save the Japanese from themselves. However, seeing as it was about that time that the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, it is possible that had the a-bombs not been dropped, the communist threat would have spread into Japan as well, effectively barring Chinese General Chiang Kai-Shek from much western aid in his struggle against the Chinese communists. Also this week, George Washington authorized the Purple Heart award for soldiers wounded in combat. It was also this week that the first American offensive operation of the war got underway with the invasion of Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Near the eastern end of the Solomon Islands, the airport built by the Japanese on Guadalcanal threatened American shipping lines and the routes to and from Australia. Were Guadalcanal allowed to become fully operational it would have proved to be a major thorn in the side of the navy; more so than the heavily fortified bases at Rabaul and Truk. The landing on Guadalcanal was uncontested - the first casualty was a Marine who cut himself trying to hack open a coconut with his machete. However, resistance was soon met, and though American forces captured the air field(also this week) there were hard put to hold it; while on the straight between Guadalcanal and Tulagi numerous naval battles were fought and so many cruisers and destroyers were sunk there it acquired the name "Ironbottom Sound." Also in WWII history, it was this week the the Battle of Britain began, as the German Luftwaffe began its campaign to knock out the British air force in preparation for "Operation Sea Lion," the invasion of the British Isles. However, not to focus on WWII, it was this week that, after a long and courageous stand at Thermopylae, Leonidas and his 300 men finally fell to the Persian invaders, but not before giving the rest of Greece valuable time to prepare her armies, most notably Athens and her fleet, which would later defeat the Persian fleet at the Battle of Salamis in one of the most significant naval battles in all of history. It was also this week that Pompey, having foolishly left the protection of his fleet and headed inland, was defeated by Julius Caesar at Pharsallus. This, however, did not end the civil wars in Rome, because Julius Caesar was later assassinated by Brutus, who was subsequently defeated at Phillipi by the second triumvirate of Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus who then, after the death of Lepidus, lapsed battle between each other until Antony was finally defeated at Actium, 31 B.C. and Octavian, for all practical purposes, became sole ruler of Rome and later(in 27 B.C.) changed his name to Augustus. Also this week, Otto defeated the Magyar invaders at the Battle of Lechfeld. You may recall(but probably don't) the Henry the Fowler earlier defeated different Magyar raiders some 22 years earlier. Lastly, it was this week the Spanish-American War ended, gold was discovered in Alaska, construction began on the Berlin wall, and Godfrey of Bouillon led his Crusaders to victory against a relief column from Egypt intended to aid Jerusalem, which, however, had already fallen.
This week in history was a momentous battle between Roman and Carthaginian forces near Cannae(in 216 BC). Hannibal, the Carthaginian commander, devised a tactic in which he placed his cavalry on his flanks, his Celtic infiantry in the center and curving back in a convex shape had his African infantry anchoring the ends of his line. When the Romans attacked their cavalry were defeated and driven off(Hannibal relied heavily on the force of his cavalry, as he needed to do because of the unparalled excellence of Roman infantry), while the infantry pressed the bulge of the Celtic line back, only to find themselves thus outflanked by the African infantry. Then the cavalry returned from chasing the Romans, and fell upon the rear of the Roman legions. The result was pure slaughter - every man trapped thus fell to the sword. Of a Roman army some 80,000 men in strength(plus some 6,000 cavalry), roughly 70,000 of the infantry fell(most of the rest were captured). After this crushing defeat, the Romans no longer dared to face Hannibal in open battle. It wasn't until Zama, some 14 years after Cannae, that Hannibal finally met defeat at the hands of Scipio Africanus. Zama, too, was a battle of horrific slaughter, for Hannibal chose to use his Celtic infantry in what basically amounted to a suicidal assault, its purpose to let the Roman infantry to grow weary of battle and to make, in the words of Polybius, "their swords lose their edge through the sheer volume of the carnage before the final engagement took place." However, this time the Romans wielded a superior force of cavalry, and just at the moment when the battle hung in the balance as the last and best troops of either side battled each other the Roman cavalry fell upon the Carthaginian rear and as a result the second Punic War came to an end. Also this week Julius Caesar declared "Veni, vidi, vici"(I came, I saw, I conquered) after defeating an opposing force in Syria. Other famous quotes from Caesar are "Let the die be cast" as he crossed the Rubicon effectively declaring a state of civil war, and "You too, my son?" when he saw that Marcus Junius Brutus was one of those about to take his life. Speaking of famous military commanders, it was this week the Napolean Bonaparte was declared "Consul for Life" of France in 1802. Speaking of Napolean, it was this week his British naval adversary, Admiral Horatio Nelson, defeated the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile off Egypt. Also this week, in 1914 Germany, getting carried away in the spirit of the thing, declared war on Russia and France, then invaded Luxemborg and Belgium thus inducing Great Britain to declare war. Also this week the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, crossed under the North Pole, while in 1096 the first crusaders under Peter the Hermit arrived at Constantinople. It was this week in 1834 that slavery was finally abolished in the British Empire, due largely to the efforts of William Wilberforce. Finally, it was this week that explorer Henry Hudson, searching diligently for the Northwest passage, discovered Hudson Bay in Canada. Another namesake of this great explorer is the Hudson River in New York.