History’s Most Influential Battles
Throughout the ages, mankind has embarked on numerous wars throughout the centuries, and the battles that ensued determined the course of history. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top decisive battles in history and consider how their outcomes shaped the world as we know it.
- Battle of Marathon – 490 B.C.
The Battle of Marathon has been immortalized as one of the most famous battles in history. This was a confrontation between the Athenians with their 7,000 strong army, taking on the vastly larger Persian force of 30,000. The battle is famous not only for the bravery of the tiny Athenian force but also of their eventual victory. This battle has become synonymous with the phrase “run a marathon” as it was after this battle that the runner Pheidippides ran the whole way to Athens to announce their victory, a feat he achieved in just 2 hours.
- Battle of Tours – 732 A.D.
The Battle of Tours is a decisive encounter between the Franks, led by Charles Martel, and the Ummayyad Caliphate that sought to expand into Europe. After repelling the Ummayyad’s swift offensive advance with daring tactics, the Franks were able to drive them out of Gaul (what is now known as France). This battle served as a barrier to stop the march of Muslims into Europe, signaling the end of an era of Muslim domination. This victory allowed for the Renaissance to take place, which created a major modern arts, science, culture, and commerce movement.
- Battle of Hastings – 1066 A.D.
The Battle of Hastings is well known as the battle in which England united under one crown. William Duke of Normandy invaded and conquered England, overthrowing the Saxon King Harold. This allowed William to install himself as the new King of England, setting a major precedent for the English monarchy in the centuries to come.
- Battle of Manzikert – 1071 A.D.
The Battle of Manzikert served as a major strategic victory for the Turkish Seljuk Empire, which served to bolster the spread of Islamic influence in Eastern Europe. The victory at Manzikert allowed for the Turks to expand further into Anatolia and set the stage for their eventual capture of Byzantine Constantinople in 1254 A.D.
- Battle of Waterloo – 1815 A.D.
The Battle of Waterloo played a major role in ending the Napoleonic Wars. As Napoleon Bonaparte marched to take over the continent, his enemies, the British and Prussian forces, finally met him at the Battle of Waterloo. The allies struck a decisive blow to the French forces that ended any hope of Napoleon keeping control. The Battle of Waterloo represented the end of the Napoleonic period and the rise of a new European order.
- Battle of Stalingrad – 1942-1943 A.D.
The Battle of Stalingrad was the pivotal battle in World War II that marked the turning point of the war in favor of the allies. Taking place in the winter of 1942, the German forces were put up against the brilliant tactics employed by the Soviet forces that allowed for the demise of the German army in Eastern Europe.
- Battle of the Bulge – 1944-45 A.D.
The Battle of the Bulge was the last ditch effort by Hitler to stop the Allied forces’ advance through Europe. Despite the efforts of the German forces, the Allies successfully anticipated their attack and were able to push back their counteroffensive. This was a major victory for the Allies and solidified their victory in the war.
Throughout the eons since man first stepped foot on the planet, these battles have had a major impact in determining the course of history. From the Athenian’s victory at Marathon and the end of the Napoleonic Empire with the Battle of Waterloo, these battles and the stories behind them represent some of the most important moments in the history of humanity. Such events remind us that heroic acts, courage, and bravery can create the kind of legacy that lasts for centuries.