The Battle of Long Island Begins

1/ On this day, August 26, 1776, skirmishes sparked the Battle of Long Island, fought fully on August 27 in Brooklyn, New York—the first major clash after the Declaration of Independence. Gen. George Washington’s 10,000 patriots faced British Gen. William Howe’s 20,000 troops. The battle cost ~2,400 casualties, a crushing American defeat that lost New York City. This thread details the Revolutionary War’s context, the battle’s chaos, and its legacy—a pivotal setback that tested the young nation’s resolve. Background

2/ By 1776, the American Revolution escalated after Lexington and Concord (1775). The Declaration of Independence (July 4) defied Britain, prompting a massive response. British strategy targeted New York City, a Loyalist stronghold and port, to crush rebellion. Howe landed 32,000 troops (including Hessians) on Staten Island by July. Washington, expecting attack, fortified Brooklyn Heights with 10,000 men—Continentals and militia—while skirmishing on Long Island. British naval dominance and manpower set a daunting stage for the war’s largest battle yet.

General Patrick Cleburne, Stonewall of the West 🧵

1/ Patrick Cleburne, the Irish-born Confederate general dubbed “Stonewall of the West,” stunned Union armies with tactical genius at Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Franklin, earning a legend as one of the South’s finest commanders. His immigrant grit and tragic end captivate history. Join me in exploring his life of valor and strategy—a story of brilliance and sacrifice Early Life

2/ Patrick Ronayne Cleburne was born on March 16, 1828, in County Cork, Ireland, to a Protestant family. His father, Joseph Cleburne, a physician, died when Patrick was 15, leaving his mother, Mary Ronayne Cleburne, to raise four children. Educated at private schools, Cleburne joined the British Army’s 41st Regiment of Foot at 17 but left after three years. Immigrating to Arkansas in 1849, he worked as a pharmacist, his determination shaping a new path in America.

On This Day - The Battle of Fallen Timbers Begins

1/ On this day, August 20, 1794, the Battle of Fallen Timbers erupted in present-day Ohio—a decisive clash in the Northwest Indian War. Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s 3,000-man Legion of the United States faced ~1,500 Native warriors of the Western Confederacy, led by Blue Jacket and Little Turtle. Fought amid downed trees, the battle produced ~400 casualties and crushed Native resistance in the Ohio Country. This thread details the war’s roots, the battle’s fierce combat, and its aftermath—a pivotal moment in America’s westward expansion. Background to the Northwest Indian War

2/ After the American Revolution, the 1783 Treaty of Paris ceded the Northwest Territory (modern Ohio, Indiana, Michigan) to the U.S., ignoring Native claims. Tribes like the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware, united as the Western Confederacy, resisted settler encroachment, backed by British traders from Canada. Early U.S. campaigns under Harmar (1790) and St. Clair (1791) ended in disasters—St. Clair’s defeat cost 900 lives, the young republic’s worst loss to Native forces. In 1792, President Washington appointed Wayne to build a disciplined army to secure the region for settlement.

General J.E.B. Stuart, The Dashing Cavalier 🧵

1/ J.E.B. Stuart, the Confederate cavalry commander known for his daring raids and flamboyant style, became a legend with bold reconnaissance and charges that turned battles. His charisma and tactical flair defined Southern cavalry. Join me to explore his life of gallantry and glory—a story of speed, bravery, and tragic end. Early Life

2/ James Ewell Brown Stuart was born on February 6, 1833, in Patrick County, Virginia, to a planter family. His father, Archibald Stuart, a War of 1812 veteran and politician, and his mother, Elizabeth Letcher Pannill Stuart, raised 11 children on Laurel Hill farm. Young “Jeb” developed a love for horses and adventure. He attended Emory and Henry College before entering West Point in 1850. He graduated 13th in his class in 1854. His charisma and equestrian skill marked him for cavalry service.

American Revolution: The Battle of Camden

1/ On this day, August 16, 1780, the Battle of Camden unfolded in South Carolina—a catastrophic American defeat in the Revolutionary War’s Southern Theater. Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates’ 3,700 patriots faced Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis’ 2,100 British/Loyalists. The clash produced ~2,200 casualties, mostly American, in a humiliating rout that shattered patriot morale. Gates’ overconfidence led to disaster, paving the way for British advances but sparking guerrilla resistance. This thread details the buildup, chaotic combat, and consequences—a low point that reshaped the Southern campaign. Background to the War in the South

2/ By 1780, British strategy shifted south after stalemates in the North. Capturing Charleston in May, with 5,500 American prisoners, gave Britain control of South Carolina. Loyalists rallied, while patriots faced repression. Congress appointed Gates, hero of Saratoga, to command the Southern Department, hoping to reclaim the region. Gates assembled a ragtag army of Continentals and militia, marching from North Carolina to challenge Cornwallis. Divided loyalties fueled guerrilla warfare, but British regulars under Cornwallis aimed to crush organized resistance and secure the Carolinas.

Andrew Jackson, Old Hickory 🧵

1/ Andrew Jackson, the fiery Founding-era hero turned polarizing president, shaped America with his iron will—from battlefield triumphs to the Bank War, where he dismantled the national bank in a fierce clash with financial elites. Known as “Old Hickory” for his toughness, his life was a whirlwind of duels, wars, and reforms. Join me to uncover the man behind the myth—a tale of defiance, victory, and debate. Early Life

2/ Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region on the Carolina border, to Scotch-Irish immigrants. His father, Andrew Jackson Sr., died before his birth, leaving his mother, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, to raise three sons in poverty. During the Revolutionary War, at age 13, Jackson served as a courier for Patriots. Captured by British forces, he was threatened by an officer who demanded he clean his boots; Jackson refused, suffering a sword slash to his hand and head, an incident that fueled his lifelong hatred of the British.

(Photo: monument claiming to be location of Jackson’s birthplace)

General P.G.T. Beauregard, The Little Creole 🧵

1/ P.G.T. Beauregard, the Confederate general who fired the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter, became a symbol of Southern defiance with his victories at Manassas and bold defense of Charleston. His tactical flair and clashes with Jefferson Davis made him controversial. Join me to explore his life of strategy and strife—a story of glory and grudge. Early Life

2/ Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard was born on May 28, 1818, near New Orleans, Louisiana, to a Creole family of French descent. His father, Jacques Toutant-Beauregard, a sugar planter, and mother, Hélène Judith Olivier, raised him in luxury on a plantation. Educated at French schools in New York and New Orleans, young Gustave developed a love for military history, entering West Point in 1834 and graduating second in his class in 1838.

Benjamin Franklin, The Witty Founding Father 🧵

1/ Benjamin Franklin, the Founding Father who shaped America with his pen, diplomacy, and unquenchable charm for the ladies, was a man who electrified revolutions and hearts alike. From inventor to statesman, his life was a whirlwind of genius and intrigue. Join me to uncover the man behind the kite—a tale of ambition, innovation, and irresistible allure. 2/ Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a candle-maker father, Josiah Franklin, and mother, Abiah Folger, in a large Puritan family of 17 children. Raised in modest circumstances, young Ben received little formal education, apprenticing under his brother James as a printer at age 12. His voracious reading and rebellious spirit against family strictures sparked a lifetime of self-improvement and independence.

Spanish-American War: Americans Enter Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 🧵

1/ On this day in history: August 11, 1898 – American troops entered Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, during the Spanish-American War, marking a key moment in the U.S. campaign to seize the island from Spanish control. This swift advance came amid broader hostilities that reshaped empires. Let’s explore the full story of the Spanish-American War: its causes, major battles, and lasting results.

(Photo: Buffalo Soldiers posing for a picture at Camp Wikoff after returning from Cuba during the Spanish-American War) 2/ The war’s roots lay in Cuba’s long struggle for independence from Spain, which began in 1895 with a rebellion led by José Martí. Spain’s harsh reconcentration policies, herding civilians into camps where thousands died, fueled U.S. sympathy and “yellow journalism” sensationalism in papers like Hearst’s and Pulitzer’s. Tensions escalated when the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing 266 sailors—blamed on Spain despite unclear causes. President McKinley, under pressure, demanded Spanish withdrawal from Cuba.

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek

1/ On August 10, 1861, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek erupted near Springfield, Missouri—the Civil War’s second major engagement after First Bull Run. Union Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon led 5,400 troops against Confederate/State Guard forces of 12,000 under Gens. Benjamin McCulloch and Sterling Price. Fought in a divided border state, the battle produced ~2,300 casualties, testing control of Missouri. Lyon’s bold attack aimed to crush secessionists, but ended in tragedy. This thread details the buildup, fierce combat, and impact—a key clash in the war’s Western Theater. The War in Missouri - Divided Loyalties

2/ Missouri, a slave state with Unionist leanings, was a powder keg in 1861. Secessionists like Gov. Claiborne Jackson sought Confederate alliance, while Unionists controlled St. Louis arsenal. Guerrilla warfare erupted; Price’s Missouri State Guard (pro-Southern militia) clashed with federal forces. Lyon, aggressive commander, seized Jefferson City in June, driving Jackson south. By July, Lyon pursued Price/McCulloch’s combined 12,000 men to secure Missouri for the Union. The state’s division—brother against brother—foreshadowed brutal border conflicts, making Wilson’s Creek pivotal for control.

Stonewall Jackson’s Tactical Genius in the Civil War 🧵

1/ Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, the Confederate general whose tactical genius turned battles into masterpieces, earned his legend through audacious maneuvers that stunned Union forces. His brilliance defined the Civil War’s early years. Join me in exploring his four greatest battles, where his daring strategy shone brightest. First Manassas (July 21, 1861)

2/ At the First Battle of Manassas, Jackson earned his “Stonewall” nickname through unyielding resolve. Commanding a brigade of 2,300 men, he positioned on Henry House Hill, facing repeated Union assaults by Irvin McDowell’s 35,000 troops. As Confederates wavered, General Barnard Bee rallied them by shouting, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall!” His steadfast line held for hours, allowing reinforcements to arrive and counterattack, routing the Union army and securing the South’s first major triumph. Jackson’s cool-headed defense under intense artillery fire showcased his emerging tactical brilliance.

General George S. Patton, Old Blood and Guts 🧵

1/ General George S. Patton, known as “Old Blood and Guts,” remains a polarizing figure in American military history, celebrated for his brilliant armored tactics in World War II yet criticized for his reckless temperament and controversial actions. His relentless drive shaped Allied victories. Join me in exploring his life of audacity and command—a story of unparalleled valor and enduring debate. Early Life

2/ George Smith Patton Jr. was born on November 11, 1885, in San Gabriel, California, to a wealthy family with a storied military heritage. His father, George Smith Patton Sr., a lawyer, and his mother, Ruth Wilson Patton, raised him on a ranch, immersing him in tales of ancestral heroism. Despite struggling with dyslexia, Patton excelled in athletics and history, attending Virginia Military Institute before graduating from West Point in 1909, his ambition forging a path to leadership.

America’s 8 Bloodiest Indian Wars

🧵 1/ The American Indian Wars, spanning centuries, are often overshadowed in U.S. history by larger conflicts like the Civil War or WWII, yet they were brutal, transformative, and marked by staggering losses on both sides. This thread ranks the top 8 Indian Wars fought by the U.S. based on total casualties (U.S. military, civilians, and Native Americans). Data is drawn from sources like Gregory Michno and the U.S. Census Bureau, though estimates vary due to incomplete records. Let’s dive in. The Northwest Indian War (1785–1795)

2/ this ranks first, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 total casualties in the struggle for control of the Ohio Valley and Northwest Territory. Native tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami, formed the Western Confederacy to resist American settlers encroaching on their lands. The war saw devastating losses, notably at St. Clair’s Defeat in 1791, where approximately 900 United States soldiers and civilians perished in a Native ambush, with only about 75 Native losses. General Anthony Wayne’s victory at Fallen Timbers in 1794 led to the Treaty of Greenville, forcing tribes to cede vast territories. With a United States population of roughly 4 million and Native groups around 45,000, this conflict underscored the fierce resistance to early American expansion.

American War Deaths Ranked Per Capita

🧵1/ Ranking American wars by per capita deaths – a sobering look at the human cost relative to the U.S. population at the time. We'll use total military deaths (battle + disease/other) and mid-war population estimates to calculate percentages. This highlights how devastating some conflicts were proportionally. Sources from reliable stats like Statista and US Census data. Starting with the deadliest per capita... 2/ The Civil War (1861-1865) tops the list at about 2% of the population. With around 620,000 total deaths (Union and Confederate) and a U.S. population of ~31 million in 1860, that's a staggering toll – mostly from disease alongside battles. Recent estimates suggest up to 750,000 deaths, pushing it to 2.4%. If it were a million, as some debate, it'd hit 3%. No war has scarred America like this.

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.