Today in History: 06 April 1862

American Civil War: The Battle of Shiloh Begins

ABOVE: Scene depicting the Battle of Shiloh

 

On this day in 1862 during the American Civil War, the Battle of Shiloh begins in Tennessee, when Union troops under General Ulysses S. Grant confront Confederate troops under General Albert Sidney Johnston and P. G. T. Beauregard. Though the battle started well for Confederate forces on the first day, it ultimately turned to defeat on the second.

ABOVE: Generals Sherman and U. S. Grant

 

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Shiloh

Books:
The Illustrated Comprehensive History of the Great Battle of Shiloh, by Samuel Meek Howard

Today in History: 23 February 1836

Texas: San Antonio – the Battle of the Alamo

On this day in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, then part of Mexican Texas. This battle was part of the wider Texas Revolution. The siege of the Alamo ended on the 6th March 1836 with a Mexican victory. Killed in the battle were James Bowie, William B. Travis and Davy Crockett.

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo

Today in History: 21 February 1916

France: World War I – The Battle of Verdun Begins

On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun began on the Western Front in World War I, between French and German forces. This battle waged in northeastern France killed close to 700 000 troops. Some 40 million artillery shells were fired before the battle concluded on the 18th December 1916 in a virtual stalemate, though regarded as a French win.

For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Verdun

Today in History – 21 April 1509

King Henry VIII: Begins His Reign in England

Henry VIII was born Henry Tudor, to Henry VII (King of England) and Elizabeth of York on the 28th June 1491. His reign began on this day in 1509 and continued until his death on the 28th January 1547. He succeeded his father, Henry VII as King of England, Lord of Ireland and claimant to the throne of France. his reign lasted over 37 years and was perhaps one of the greatest (certainly one of the most powerful) kings in English history – not that this necessarily made him a great man.

Henry VIII is well known for his six wives and what became of them. He is also known for the part he played in the English Reformation. His split with the Roman Catholic Church saw the advance of Protestantism and the Reformation in England, though he remained theologically ‘Roman Catholic.’

For more on Henry VIII and the Tudor Dynasty, visit:
http://www.tudorhistory.org/