8 Bloodiest Battles of the American Revolution

1/ The American Revolution (1775–1783) killed ~50,000, with battles marked by muskets, bayonets, and disease. Exact casualty counts are estimates—records were spotty, especially for militia and civilians. The bloodiest clashes, ranked by total casualties (dead, wounded, missing/captured), shaped the fight for independence. From Bunker Hill’s early shock to Yorktown’s climax, these battles tested patriot resolve against British might. This thread details the top 8, based on best estimates, exploring context, combat, and toll—a brutal foundation for a new nation. Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775)

2/ Bunker Hill (mostly Breed’s Hill), near Boston, saw ~2,440 casualties (British ~1,150; American ~450 dead/wounded, 30 captured). 2,200 British under Gen. William Howe attacked 1,200 patriots under Col. William Prescott on fortified hills. Three frontal assaults faced musket volleys—“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” British victory came at a cost: 226 dead, 828 wounded. Americans lost 140 dead, 310 wounded. The battle’s heavy toll boosted patriot morale, proving they could stand against redcoats, setting a defiant tone for the war.

Marquis de Lafayette, America’s French Ally 🧵

1/ Marquis de Lafayette, the young French noble who became a Revolutionary War hero, forged a bond with America that shaped its fight for independence. His daring and devotion earned him lasting fame. Join me to explore his life of courage and alliance—a story of passion and liberty. Early Life

2/ Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was born on September 6, 1757, in Chavaniac, France, to a wealthy aristocratic family. His father, Michel de Lafayette, died in battle when he was 2, leaving his mother, Marie-Louise, to raise him. Educated in Paris at the Collège du Plessis, Lafayette joined the French army at 13, his noble roots and ambition fueling a drive for glory.

Battle of the Crater and the Siege of Petersburg 🧵

1/ On July 30, 1864, the Battle of the Crater erupted during the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia—a grueling 9-month campaign that foreshadowed WWI trench warfare. Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s 100,000 troops besieged Gen. Robert E. Lee’s 50,000 Confederates defending Petersburg, a key rail hub supplying Richmond. The Crater involved a Union mine explosion under Confederate lines, creating chaos but ending in disaster. Total siege casualties exceeded 70,000; the Crater alone claimed 5,300. This thread details the siege’s buildup, the Crater’s drama, and its impact—a brutal chapter in the Civil War’s final year. Background to the Siege of Petersburg

2/ By spring 1864, Grant’s Overland Campaign had bloodied Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia through battles like the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, costing 55,000 Union casualties. Grant shifted south, crossing the James River to target Petersburg—Richmond’s lifeline with five railroads. Capturing it would starve the Confederate capital. Lee, anticipating the move, rushed troops to defend the city’s 10-mile fortifications. On June 15, Union Maj. Gen. William F. Smith probed but delayed, allowing Lee to reinforce. The siege began as Grant opted for encirclement over direct assault, setting a prolonged stalemate.

The USS Indianapolis Sunk 🧵

1/ On this day in history: July 30, 1945 – The USS Indianapolis, a heavy cruiser that had just delivered critical components for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, was sunk by two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58 in the Philippine Sea. The ship went down in just 12 minutes, marking one of the worst naval disasters in U.S. history. Of the nearly 1,200 crew aboard, about 300 perished immediately – but for the 900 who made it into the water, the real nightmare was just beginning. Let’s unpack the horrors they endured over the next four days. 2/ The initial sinking was chaotic: Hit just after midnight, the first torpedo blew off the bow, and the second struck amidships, causing explosions and fires. Many men were asleep; others were thrown overboard. The ship listed heavily, and with communications knocked out, no distress signal was sent – or at least, none was acted upon promptly. Survivors clung to debris, life rafts, and each other in oil-slicked waters, unaware that rescue might not come for days.

General Hunter Liggett, WWI American Commander 🧵

1/ General Hunter Liggett, a key American commander in World War I, helped solidify victory over Germany with his strategic leadership of the First Army. A career soldier, his life exemplified perseverance and tactical brilliance. Join me to explore his journey from frontier posts to European battlefields—a story of duty and innovation. Early Life

2/ Hunter Liggett was born on March 21, 1857, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to a modest family. His father, James Liggett, a farmer and miller, and mother, Margery Templeton Liggett, raised him with values of hard work. Educated locally, Liggett entered West Point in 1875 on a competitive appointment, graduating 3rd in his class (1879). His academic excellence and determination set the foundation for a distinguished military career.

8 Bloodiest Battles or Operations of the Korean War

1/ On this day, July 27, 1953, the Korean War armistice was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of conflict that killed over 2.5 million. No peace treaty followed, leaving the peninsula divided. The war’s bloodiest battles featured U.S. and South Korean forces, with allied support, against North Korean/Chinese armies in brutal terrain. This thread ranks the top 8 by estimated casualties, from Chosin’s freeze to Pusan’s siege, exploring context, combat, and toll—a grim legacy of the “Forgotten War.” Battle of the Chosin Reservoir (November 27–December 13, 1950)

2/ Chosin Reservoir was the Korean War’s bloodiest, with ~78,000 casualties (U.S. ~17,843 including non-battle; Chinese ~60,000 est.). 15,000 U.S. Marines and Army troops faced 120,000 Chinese in sub-zero cold. Ambushed in mountains, U.S. forces fought a fighting retreat, using air support and artillery. Frostbite claimed thousands; the “Frozen Chosin” became legend. The U.S. evacuation saved forces but at horrific cost, halting Chinese advances and stabilizing the front, a strategic draw amid tactical hell.

Thread: McClellan Takes Command and the Army of the Potomac 🧵

1/ On this day in 1861—July 26—following the Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, Major General George B. McClellan assumed command of the newly formed Army of the Potomac. McClellan, a West Point graduate and experienced engineer, was tasked with rebuilding and organizing the demoralized forces around Washington, D.C. He transformed it into a well-drilled army of over 100,000 men, emphasizing training and logistics. However, his cautious approach would later draw criticism from President Lincoln for delays in engaging Confederate forces. 2/ McClellan’s tenure ended on November 9, 1862, when he was relieved by Lincoln after the Antietam Campaign. Despite stopping Lee’s invasion of Maryland, McClellan failed to pursue the retreating Confederates aggressively, frustrating the administration. He was replaced by Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, a loyal subordinate known for his distinctive sideburns and prior successes like capturing Roanoke Island. Burnside reluctantly accepted, inheriting an army eager for action but soon leading it into the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg in December.

8 Bloodiest Battles or Operations of the Vietnam War

1/ The Vietnam War (1955–1975) claimed over 3 million lives, with battles and operations marked by guerrilla warfare, heavy firepower, and high civilian tolls. Bloodiest engagements, measured by total casualties (dead, wounded, missing across all sides), reflected the war’s attrition and controversy. From Tet’s urban chaos to Easter Offensive’s invasions, these clashes defined U.S. involvement and North Vietnamese resilience. This thread ranks the top 8 by estimated casualties, based on historical records. Each post covers context, combat, and impact, highlighting the human cost of a divisive conflict. Easter Offensive (March 30–October 22, 1972)

2/ The Easter Offensive was the Vietnam War’s bloodiest operation, with ~200,000 casualties (PAVN ~100,000 dead/wounded; ARVN/U.S. ~10,000 dead, 33,000 wounded; civilians unknown but high). North Vietnam’s PAVN launched a conventional invasion across three fronts to seize territory and influence peace talks. ARVN, backed by U.S. airpower (Operation Linebacker), repelled attacks at An Loc and Quang Tri. Heavy artillery and bombing devastated both sides. The offensive failed to topple South Vietnam but weakened ARVN, hastening U.S. withdrawal and foreshadowing 1975’s fall.

The 8 Bloodiest Battles of the Civil War 🧵

1/ The American Civil War (1861–1865) produced over 620,000 deaths(some estimate up to 1 million), with battles claiming tens of thousands in days. Bloodiest clashes, measured by total casualties (dead, wounded, missing/captured), shattered armies and illusions of glory. From Gettysburg’s turning point to Antietam’s single-day slaughter, these fights defined the war’s brutality. This thread ranks the top 8 by casualties*, drawing from historical records. Each post explores a battle’s context, combat, and toll, reminding us of the human cost in a divided nation’s struggle for survival.

*estimates vary based on the source Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)

2/ The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the Civil War’s bloodiest, with ~51,000 casualties (7,058 dead, 33,264 wounded, 10,790 missing). Lee’s 75,000 Confederates invaded the North, clashing with Meade’s 90,000 Union troops. Day 1 saw Union retreats to Cemetery Hill; Day 2 featured fights at Little Round Top and Wheatfield; Day 3’s failed Pickett’s Charge ended the Confederacy’s chance at victory. Union victory halted Lee’s advance, boosting Northern morale. Casualties strained both sides, with fields strewn with dead. Gettysburg’s toll marked the Confederacy’s high-water mark, shifting war momentum.

The Battle of Atlanta

1/ On this day, July 22, 1864, Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood launched an unsuccessful attack against Union forces during the Battle of Atlanta. Part of Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign, this clash involved 40,000 Confederates assaulting 34,000 Union troops under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman. Hood, newly in command, aimed to break Sherman’s siege of Atlanta, the South’s vital rail hub. The battle’s fierce fighting produced over 9,000 casualties, highlighting the war’s grinding attrition. This thread details the battle’s buildup, brutal combat, and consequences, a pivotal moment in the march to Union’s victory. Background to the Atlanta Campaign

2/ By spring 1864, Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman led 100,000 troops in a campaign to capture Atlanta, Georgia—a key Confederate manufacturing and rail center. Opposing him was Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s 60,000-man Army of Tennessee, retreating strategically through battles like Resaca and Kennesaw Mountain. Johnston’s caution frustrated Jefferson Davis, who replaced him with aggressive Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood on July 17. Hood, despite recent wounds, vowed bold action. As Sherman encircled Atlanta by July 20, Hood prepared a surprise attack on the Union left, hoping to roll up Sherman’s lines and relieve the besieged city.

The Battle of Bull Run

1/ On July 21, 1863, the fields near Manassas Junction, Virginia, hosted the Civil War’s first major battle—First Bull Run (or First Manassas). Over 60,000 troops clashed: 35,000 Union under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell against 30,000 Confederates led by Gens. P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston. The chaotic fight produced 4,700 casualties, shattering illusions of a short war. Union forces, urged by “On to Richmond!” cries, expected an easy win, drawing civilian spectators from Washington. This thread details the battle’s buildup, fierce combat, and stunning outcome, a pivotal moment that prolonged the conflict. Background and Union Expectations

2/ By summer 1861, Northern sentiment demanded quick action against the Confederacy. Lincoln, facing enlistment expirations, ordered McDowell’s 35,000 raw recruits to advance on Richmond. The press and public viewed the war as a brief adventure; “On to Richmond!” became a rallying cry, with many believing one battle would end the rebellion. McDowell, reluctant due to his troops’ inexperience, marched from Washington on July 16. Spectators—politicians, civilians, even picnickers—followed in carriages, expecting to witness a Union rout of the rebels. Meanwhile, Confederates under Beauregard fortified along Bull Run, awaiting Johnston’s reinforcements from the Shenandoah Valley.

The Six Day War

1/ The Six-Day War was the third war fought between Israelis and Arabs. The war was fought from June 5 to June 10, 1967, between Israel and an Arab coalition of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan…🧵 2/ Palestinian guerrilla attacks on Israel from bases in Syria led to increased hostility between the two countries. A series of miscalculations by both sides followed. Syria feared that an invasion by Israel was just a matter of time and appealed to Egypt for support. Egypt answered by ordering the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from the Sinai Peninsula and moving troops into the area.

🧵 On this day in history: July 20, 1917 –
The U.S. holds its first draft lottery for World War I. Let’s dive into this pivotal moment and then explore the broader history of the military draft in America. 1/10 It was a tense morning in the Senate Office Building. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, blindfolded, reached into a giant glass bowl filled with 10,500 capsules. He drew the first one: number 258. This marked the start of the WWI draft lottery. Men with that number on their registration cards were called first. 2/10

Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox 🧵

1/ Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox,” haunted British forces with guerrilla raids during the Revolutionary War, turning South Carolina’s swamps into a rebel stronghold. His cunning tactics made him a legend. Join me to explore his life of daring and defiance—a story of battle and brilliance. Early Life

2/ Francis Marion was born in 1732 in Berkeley County, South Carolina, to a Huguenot family. His parents, Gabriel and Esther Marion, raised him on a modest plantation. Small and wiry, young Francis survived a sickly childhood, finding strength at sea as a teenager. Shipwrecked at 15, he returned to farming, his grit and resourcefulness shaping a future warrior.

General John Hunt Morgan, The Confederate Raider 🧵

1/ On this day, July 19, 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s daring raid into Ohio met defeat at the Battle of Buffington Island, a key moment in his legendary Great Raid. Known for bold cavalry strikes, Morgan’s exploits thrilled the South. Let’s explore his life of raids and risks—a story of guerrilla warfare and controversy. Early Life

2/ John Hunt Morgan was born on June 1, 1825, in Huntsville, Alabama, to a prominent Kentucky family. His father, Calvin Morgan, a merchant, moved the family to Lexington. Raised in wealth, Morgan attended Transylvania University but was suspended for dueling. His early adventures and family ties shaped a charismatic leader with a taste for action.

Al Capone, The Notorious King of Chicago 🧵

1/ Al Capone, the infamous gangster who ruled Chicago’s underworld during Prohibition, remains one of America’s most polarizing criminals—villain to some, folk hero to others. His life of bootlegging and violence shaped the Roaring Twenties. Let’s explore his rise from streets to empire—a story of ambition and downfall. #AmericanHistory #AlCapone Early Life

2/ Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrant parents. His father, Gabriele, a barber, and mother, Teresa, raised nine children in a tough neighborhood. Young Al excelled in school but was expelled at 14 for hitting a teacher. Street fights and odd jobs introduced him to gang life, forging a street-smart survivor.

1/8 On this day in 1945, the world changed forever. In the remote deserts of New Mexico, the Manhattan Project successfully detonated the first atomic bomb in a test code-named “Trinity.” This marked the dawn of the nuclear age. Let’s dive into the history of this secretive endeavor. 🧵 2/8 The Manhattan Project began in earnest in 1942, amid fears that Nazi Germany was developing atomic weapons. Sparked by a letter from Albert Einstein to President FDR in 1939, warning of uranium’s potential, the U.S. launched a massive, top-secret program to beat the Axis powers to the bomb.

General John J. Pershing, America’s WWI Commander 🧵

1/ On this day, July 15, 1948, America lost General John J. Pershing, the commander who led U.S. forces to victory in World War I. A lifelong soldier, his career spanned decades of conflict and change. Let’s explore his life of discipline and leadership—a story of duty and determination. #AmericanHistory #JohnPershing Early Life

2/ John Joseph Pershing was born on September 13, 1860, in Laclede, Missouri, to a modest family. His father, John Fletcher Pershing, a storekeeper, and mother, Ann Elizabeth Thompson, encouraged education amid the post-Civil War frontier. Young John worked odd jobs and taught school before entering West Point in 1882. Graduating 30th in his class (1886), his quiet ambition and horsemanship set him apart.

The Death of Billy the Kid

1/ On July 14, 1881, the outlaw known as Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico Territory. Garrett, who had been pursuing him for months, fired in a darkened room after recognizing his voice. The Kid, aged 21, died almost instantly from a gunshot wound to the chest. 2/ Born Henry McCarty on November 23, 1859, in New York City, Billy the Kid’s early life was marked by hardship. He moved westward with his family, first to Indiana and then Kansas, before settling in Silver City, New Mexico, in 1873. His father had died earlier, and his mother, Catherine, remarried William Antrim.

Ulysses S. Grant, The Unyielding Union General 🧵

1/ As we approach the anniversary of Ulysses S. Grant’s death on July 23, 1885, we honor a polarizing figure in American history. His attritional Civil War tactics, often criticized for high casualties yet praised for securing Union victory, continue to spark debate. Let’s explore his life of perseverance and command—a story of grit and glory. #AmericanHistory #UlyssesGrant Early Life

2/ Ulysses Simpson Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, to a modest family. His father, Jesse, a tanner, and mother, Hannah, raised him in Georgetown. A quiet boy with a love for horses, Grant had little formal education beyond local schools. Appointed to West Point in 1839, he graduated 21st in his class (1843), his unassuming nature hiding a sharp mind that would later define his legacy.

July 10, 1832: Jackson’s Veto and the Beginning of the End for the 2nd National Bank

1/ On this day, President Andrew Jackson shocked the nation by vetoing the bill to recharter the Second Bank of the United States. It wasn’t just a policy decision—it was a declaration of war against what Jackson saw as a monstrous institution, a “hydra of corruption” that concentrated too much power in the hands of elites. His veto message was fiery, populist, and unapologetic, accusing the Bank of fostering inequality and undermining democracy. Let’s dive into the Bank War, one of the defining battles of Jackson’s presidency. 🧵 The Second Bank’s Creation

2/ To understand the Bank War, we need to go back to 1816. The Second Bank of the United States was chartered by Congress after the financial chaos of the War of 1812 when Congress suspend d specie payment, resulting in hyper-inflation. The Bank, headquartered in Philadelphia, was a hybrid: privately run but government-backed, with a 20-year charter. It controlled credit, issued currency, but it also wielded immense influence. By the 1820s, under its president, Nicholas Biddle, the Bank was a powerhouse, managing federal funds and shaping monetary policy. To its supporters, it was a pillar of economic order. To critics like Jackson, it was an unconstitutional, elitist tool to control wealth.