10 Forgotten Wars That Changed History

by World's Top Insider Team
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Introduction

Since ancient times many conflicts fought across land and sea have shaped human existence. Even though history books often overlook them these hidden conflicts formed essential parts of global and regional transformations. We will analyze ten wars that modified historical direction even though they received minimal attention.

10) The Anglo-Zanzibar War (1896)

Duration: 38–45 minutes

Anglo-Zanzibar War gets the title shortest war on record because it ended after only 38 to 45 minutes. When British Empire forces attacked in 1896 they went against Sultan Khalid bin Barghash because he refused to cede power to their chosen successor.

Why It Mattered:

  • The fight made England the top power in East African trade and control from its base at Zanzibar.
  • European imperialism in Africa started its growth as Arab control over this area reached its end.

Though the war lasted only an hour it created permanent changes for Zanzibar and its neighbors.

Anglo Zanzibar War - A black and white photo of an old building - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Image

 

9) England and Spain fought the War of Jenkins Ear

Duration: years 1739 -1748

A conflict between Spain and Britain started when British Captain Robert Jenkins claimed Spanish coastguards removed his ear. The war joined forces with events in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Why It Mattered:

  • The conflict showed how much European nations disagreed about colonial matters in the Americas.
  • By fighting the war British armies expanded their control over the Caribbean while developing better naval war strategies.

Although less significant than other wars it still strengthened Europe’s colonial rivalries.

The taking of the Princessa a Spanish Man of War, April 8, 1740 by His Majesties Ships the Lenox, Kent, and Oxford Ba-obj-4525 - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Image

 

8) The fighting between Russia and Turkey

Duration:  1877 to 1878

The conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire aimed to free Bulgaria Serbia and Montenegro from Ottoman control of their Balkan lands.

Why It Mattered:

  • As a result, the Berlin Treaty of 1878 rebalanced Balkan borders and lessened Ottoman political control.
  • The war brought nationalistic movements into existence across Europe’s Balkan states which later led to issues during World War I.
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Our understanding of current Balkan power dynamics was strongly shaped by this conflict.

Great Northern War - World History Encyclopedia

 

7) Greco-Persian Wars took place

From 499BC through 449BC

Most people focus only on Marathon and Thermopylae even though the entire Greco-Persian Wars receive less attention. The Persian Empire battled Greek city-states for control over coastal seas from the Aegean Sea to beyond.

Why It Mattered:

  • Through these wars, Greece remained free and the Western world later developed both democratic systems and philosophical thinking.
  • After the wars Persian power in the Mediterranean took its first major step toward decreasing.

The historical conflicts between the Greeks and Persians made all of the Greek culture evolve as we know it today.

Greco-Persian Wars (Illustration) - World History Encyclopedia

 

6) The United States fought Mexican troops 

Duration: 1846- 1848

The United States and Mexico conflicted which made the US take control of large Southwest American regions including California Texas and Arizona.

Why It Mattered:

  • Through territorial expansion, the Mexican-American War defined our current North American military borderlines.
  • The war renewed American debates about slavery which later helped spark the Civil War.

After playing a small part in history books people may still learn important lessons from this war’s effects.

Battle of Buena Vista. Fought Feby. 23rd, 1847. In which the American Army under Gel. Taylor were completely victorious - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search

 

5) The Korean War (1950–1953)

The Korean War emerged between South Korea and North Korea with UN backing as the war divides historical accounts as “The Forgotten War.”

Why It Mattered:

  • After the war, the world entered 1945 with Korea split into two separate countries which remain this way to this day.
  • During the Cold War era, the conflict added to ongoing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and created a lasting struggle.
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Although the Korean War held great meaning it often takes a backseat to World War II and the Vietnam War in popular discussion.

Public domain photograph related to Korean War, 1950-1953, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Image

4) The Thirty Years’ War lasted from 1618 until 1648

A dispute between Holy Roman Empire nations started as religious between Catholics and Protestants before becoming a major political conflict between European states.

Why It Mattered:

  • States set up their own independence rights through the Westphalia peace agreement which created today’s nation rule format.
  • Through its destruction, the war changed politics and society in Central Europe.

Despite killing more people than any other European war in history people still fail to learn from the Thirty Years War experience.

Cavalry in the English Civil Wars - World History Encyclopedia

3) The Crimean War (1853–1856)

An alliance of British, French, Ottoman, and Sardinian forces clashed with Russia to control land surrounding the Black Sea in the Crimean War.

Why It Mattered:

  • Internal change needed to happen because the Crimean War showed Russia’s vulnerable spots.
  • The Crimean War brought new medical care standards to the world through the nursing leadership of Florence Nightingale.

During this conflict nations first used photography and war reporting to show audiences what combat actually looked like.

During the 19th century, military powers around the world refined their strategies while building alliances because of the Crimean War.

The Crimean War 1853-1856 Q69784 - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Image

 

2) The Falklands War (1982)

British forces stopped Argentina’s short military campaign to grab control of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

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Why It Mattered:

  • Under Margaret Thatcher’s guidance, the war restored British hold over the Falkland Islands and made the nation stronger.
  • Argentina’s weak military government did not survive the war which led to its collapse.

Despite its short 10-week duration, the Falklands War produced major permanent impacts on military strategy and British politics.

File:British war graves Falkland Islands 1982.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

 

1) The Punic Wars (264–146 BCE)

The Punic Wars ran for three decades between Rome and Carthage to decide who would rule the Mediterranean Sea.

Why It Mattered:

  • After dominating Mediterranean politics Rome established its Roman Empire territory.
  • During his campaign, Hannibal demonstrated groundbreaking military methods alongside the other conflicts.

 

In the Third Punic War Rome destroyed Carthage which marked the end of Rome’s premier foe.

Through the Punic Wars Western civilization saw Rome become its main cultural and political force.

Punic Wars - World History Encyclopedia

 

Conclusion

Despite the lack of public focus on them, they left permanent marks on history. These overlooked battles formed national limits and drove progress while starting revolutionary changes in history. By studying these historic events we learn about the many ways military actions shaped our existing society today.

10 Forgotten Wars That Changed History

https://youtu.be/hrLPrTqtwJc?si=yU6bDYw2OUYZQf1H

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