1694day.year
The warrior queen Dandara, leader of the runaway slaves in Quilombo dos Palmares, Brazil, is captured and commits suicide rather than be returned to a life of slavery.
Dandara, leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares escaped slaves, is captured and chooses death over a return to slavery.
Dandara was a formidable warrior and strategist who played a central role in the resistance of runaway slaves at Quilombo dos Palmares in Brazil. On February 6, 1694, Portuguese forces finally captured her after years of fierce defense. Facing the prospect of return to bondage, Dandara reportedly took her own life rather than endure the horrors of slavery anew. Her sacrifice symbolized the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for freedom and autonomy in colonial Brazil. The fall of Quilombo dos Palmares dealt a blow to organized resistance but cemented Dandara’s legacy as a heroine. Today, she is revered as a powerful icon of resistance against oppression in Afro-Brazilian history.
1694
Dandara
Quilombo dos Palmares
1806day.year
Battle of San Domingo: British naval victory against the French in the Caribbean.
The British navy secures a decisive victory over the French at the Battle of San Domingo in the Caribbean.
On February 6, 1806, during the Napoleonic Wars, a British squadron under Vice-Admiral Sir John Thomas Duckworth engaged and defeated a French naval force off the coast of Santo Domingo. The encounter, known as the Battle of San Domingo, resulted in the capture or destruction of several French ships. This victory reasserted British naval supremacy in the Caribbean and disrupted French plans to reinforce their colonial positions. The battle demonstrated the Royal Navy’s capacity to project power globally and protect British interests at sea. Casualties were significant on both sides, but the outcome solidified British control over the region. The triumph at San Domingo contributed to the broader strategy that would ultimately isolate Napoleon’s empire.
1806
Battle of San Domingo
1862day.year
American Civil War: Forces under the command of Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew H. Foote give the Union its first victory of the war, capturing Fort Henry, Tennessee in the Battle of Fort Henry.
Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew H. Foote secure the first major Northern victory of the American Civil War by capturing Fort Henry, Tennessee.
On February 6, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant and Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote launched a combined army-navy attack on Fort Henry.
The Confederate fort’s low-lying defenses were overwhelmed by Union ironclads and infantry within hours.
Capture of Fort Henry opened the Tennessee River as a strategic avenue into the Confederate heartland.
This joint operation marked the first significant Union victory, boosting Northern morale.
It also showcased the effective cooperation between Grant’s forces and river gunboats in the Western Theater.
1862
American Civil War
Union
Fort Henry, Tennessee
Battle of Fort Henry
1899day.year
Spanish–American War: The Treaty of Paris, a peace treaty between the United States and Spain, is ratified by the United States Senate.
The United States Senate ratifies the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Spanish-American War and reshaping colonial holdings.
On February 6, 1899, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, to end the Spanish-American War.
Under its terms, Spain relinquished sovereignty over Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, and sold the Philippines to the United States.
The treaty marked America’s emergence as a colonial power with territories beyond its continental borders.
Debate over imperialism and annexation intensified in the U.S., shaping foreign policy for decades.
The ratification concluded hostilities but began a complex era of colonial administration and Filipino resistance.
1899
Spanish–American War
Treaty of Paris
peace treaty
United States Senate
1944day.year
World War II: The Great Raids Against Helsinki begins.
During World War II, Soviet forces launched the Great Raids Against Helsinki, targeting Finland’s capital.
On February 6, 1944, the Soviet Air Force commenced a large-scale bombing campaign known as the Great Raids Against Helsinki.
Over the next two days, more than 300 bombers attacked the Finnish capital, aiming to break civilian morale.
Despite heavy damage to infrastructure and civilian areas, Finnish air defenses and shelters mitigated the worst impacts.
The raids marked the deepest Soviet air assault on Finland during the Continuation War.
Finland's resilience under bombardment strengthened its negotiating position in subsequent peace talks.
1944
World War II
Great Raids Against Helsinki
1951day.year
The Canadian Army enters combat in the Korean War.
The Canadian Army engaged its first combat operations in the Korean War, joining United Nations forces.
On February 6, 1951, troops from the Canadian Army officially entered frontline combat during the Korean War.
Deployed as part of the United Nations Command, Canadian forces joined Commonwealth units defending the 38th parallel.
They faced harsh winter conditions and fierce engagements against Chinese and North Korean troops.
Canada's participation bolstered UN efforts and demonstrated its commitment to collective security.
Over the next two years, Canadian regiments earned a reputation for tenacity and professionalism in Korea.
1951
Canadian Army
Korean War
1981day.year
The National Resistance Army of Uganda launches an attack on a Ugandan Army installation in the central Mubende District to begin the Ugandan Bush War.
The Ugandan Bush War begins with an NRA assault on a military base in Mubende.
On February 6, 1981, Uganda’s National Resistance Army (NRA) initiated its insurgency by attacking a Ugandan Army installation in the Mubende District. This bold strike marked the official start of the Ugandan Bush War, led by Yoweri Museveni. Over the next five years, the NRA engaged in guerrilla warfare that eventually toppled Milton Obote’s government. The conflict reshaped Uganda’s political landscape and led to Museveni’s long tenure as president. The war is remembered for its impact on regional stability and the emergence of new tactics in African insurgencies.
1981
National Resistance Army
Uganda
Ugandan Army
Mubende District
Ugandan Bush War
2000day.year
Second Chechen War: Russia captures Grozny, Chechnya, forcing the separatist Chechen Republic of Ichkeria government into exile.
Russian forces seize Grozny, driving Chechen separatist leaders into exile.
On February 6, 2000, Russian troops captured Grozny after months of intense urban combat, effectively ending major hostilities in the Second Chechen War. The fall of the Chechen capital forced the separatist Chechen Republic of Ichkeria government to flee and go into exile. The battle devastated the city’s infrastructure and resulted in heavy civilian casualties. Russia’s victory reasserted federal control over the region but led to ongoing insurgency and unrest. The siege of Grozny is remembered for its ferocity and the humanitarian challenges it created.
2000
Second Chechen War
captures
Grozny
Chechnya
Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
exile