Battle facts for kids

The Battle of Waterloo

A battle is a big fight between two or more groups. Each group tries to beat the others. Battles usually happen during wars or military actions. If armies fight many battles over time, it's called a war. The place where a battle happens is a battlefield.

Battles can be very important. For example, the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 changed history in the Balkans and Europe. Even though it was a draw, it affected the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years.

Famous Battles in History

Battles have shaped the world we live in. Here are some of the most well-known battles from history. They are split into land battles and naval (sea) battles.

Famous Land Battles

• Battle of Hastings — This battle happened in 1066. It changed who ruled England.
• Battle of Kosovo — Fought in 1389. This battle had a huge impact on the future of Southeastern Europe.
• Battle of Waterloo — This key battle took place in 1815. It marked the end of an important era in European history.
• Battle of Gettysburg — A major battle in the American Civil War in 1863. It was a turning point in that war.
• Battle of Verdun — A very long and tough battle in World War I in 1916. Many soldiers were involved.
• Battle of the Bulge — A large battle during World War II in 1944. It was one of the last big German attacks.

Famous Naval Battles

• Battle of Trafalgar — A famous sea battle in 1805. It was a big win for the British navy.
• Battle of Midway — A very important naval battle in World War II in 1942. It changed the course of the war in the Pacific.

Images for kids

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  British (red) and French (blue) armies begin engagement of the decisive Battle of Waterloo, with Prussian forces (gray) arriving from the northeast

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  Finnish soldiers on the Raate Road during the Winter War

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  The Battle of Poltava between Russia and Sweden, by Denis Martens the Younger

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  Battle Scene-Detail from Deccan miniature painting, c. 19th century

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  The Battle of Scheveningen of 1653: episode from the First Anglo-Dutch War.

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  Heinkel He 111 bombers during the Battle of Britain

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  Battle of Gibraltar of 1607, Hendrick Cornelisz Vroom