Today in 1865, Congress passes the US Constitution's 13th Amendment which abolishes slavery nationwide. Thirty states will ratify it before year's end. Mississippi, one of a handful of states to reject the amendment in the months after the Civil War, won't ratify until 1995.

@world_history

On this day in 1865, Robert E. Lee is promoted to General-in-Chief of the collapsing Confederate States Army. Just 68 days later Lee will surrender the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the U.S. Civil War.

@world_history

On this day in 1944, 46,000 U.S. troops storm the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The Japanese offer fierce resistance; of the 3,500 Imperial troops dug in there, only 51 survive after four days of savage fighting.

@world_history

Today in 1943, Friedrich Paulus, commander of the doomed German army at Stalingrad, surrenders to the Soviets. Moments earlier, he learns that Hitler has promoted him to field marshal. "One can't help feeling it's an invitation to suicide," he says. "I'll do him no such favour."

@world_history

Today in 1943, Stalingrad is back in Soviet hands as the last pockets of German resistance in the city are finally overwhelmed. The Axis suffered more than 800,000 casualties in five-months of fighting; Red Army losses are heavier: an est. 1 million killed, wounded or missing.

@world_history

A nurse administers a vaccine to an American serviceman in 1944.

“You got in line, took your shot, and that’s it. It was no big deal,” recalled one vet.

(Image source: U.S. Army Center for Military History)

@world_history

On this day in 1942, aircraft from the carriers Yorktown and Enterprise carry out raids on Japanese forces near the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Taking place just 56 days after Pearl Harbor, the action marks America's first sizeable offensive operation of WW2.

@world_history

In February of 1945, soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division pass a tank destroyer on the battle-scarred streets of Düren, Germany as they enter the heart of the city. 🪖

@world_history

A lot of big names in this Carentan photo of 101st Airborne paratroopers receiving medals for their heroism in Normandy. 🪂

@world_history

On this day in 1509, a Portuguese fleet annihilates the warships of the Mamluk and Gujarat sultanates at the Battle of Diu. The victory, the first of many by Europeans in Asia, helps establish Portugal as a military and commercial power in India.

@world_history

On this day in 1933, Hitler announces his plans for the "ruthless Germanisation" of Eastern Europe. His long-standing goal of achieving "Lebensraum" or 'Living Space' will now be the official foreign policy of Nazi Germany.

@world_history

Today in 1848, the two-year Mexican-American war ends with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Under its terms, the U.S. acquires more than 529,000 square miles of new territory. Arguments between pro-slavery interests and abolitionists soon erupt over the future of the region.

@world_history

SSgt. Joseph Beyrle of the 101st Airborne Division, the only American soldier who officially fought in the American & Red armies on the eastern & western fronts of WW2.

- Combat jump 🪂
- Bronze Star 🎖️
- 5 Purple Hearts 💜
- POW 🪖
- Croix de Guerre 🇫🇷
- 6 Soviet awards 🇷🇺

@world_history

The Dick Winters Leadership monument between Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and Utah beach in Normandy, France. 🇺🇸

@world_history

82 years ago today, Pvt. Richard Sorenson threw himself on a Japanese grenade on Namur Island, saving five fellow Marines. 🪖
Gravely wounded, Sorenson survived and would earn the Medal of Honor. 🇺🇸

@world_history

Clark Gable addresses the troops on the Flightline at March Field in 1938, during the filming of “Test Pilot” 😎

@world_history

81 years ago today, T/5 Wilbert Moran of the 11th Airborne Division leads a small pack mule along the Cavite Road on Luzon. 🪖

@world_history

In February of 1945, an exhausted soldier of the US 1st Army just returns from the front lines near the town of Mürringen, Belgium.🪖

@world_history

In 1944, Lt. Clarence Coggins of the 45th Infantry Division was captured by German Forces while on reconnaissance in France. 🪖

While captured, he convinced a German major that escape from the Allies was impossible, leading nearly 1000 Germans to surrender. 🇺🇸

@world_history