Believing that a war with the United States was inevitable, Canada’s first Prime Minister proposed a plan to amass an army of Sikhs, well-known for their courage in battle, to invade California on behalf of Canada. His strategy was to send these Sikh warriors to California to take control of San Francisco, using it as a safeguard for Montreal and Canada. This perceived threat of a U.S. invasion in 1867 was predicated on a proposed bill from 1866 – which ultimately did not pass – that would have allowed the British colonies to become part of the USA if they wished. This idea wasn’t completely off the table, as there were still discussions about Newfoundland potentially joining the United States instead of Canada up until the late 1940s.
1898: Guam’s Surrender – A Tale of Miscommunication and Unfired Salutes
In the Spanish-American War of 1898, Guam fell into US hands without any resistance. The island was such a neglected and isolated Spanish colonial outpost that the local governor was oblivious to the war’s commencement. As US ship arrived and began firing poorly aimed shots at the decrepit Spanish fort, the inhabitants mistook it for a salute. They even rowed to the ship to apologize for their delayed return salute, explaining that their only cannon had to be transported from the island’s other side. By the end of the day, the island had capitulated without a single injury, save for the Spanish governor’s wounded pride.
Great Emu War
During the Great Emu War in Australia in 1932, the Australian military used machine guns to fight against an army of emus. Despite the use of heavy artillery, the emus proved too elusive and only a small number were killed, leading to the military’s defeat in the so-called “war”.
In 1841 France almost broke off…
In 1841 France almost broke off relations with Texas due to a hotel owner’s marauding pigs eating the French ambassador’s bed linens.
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In 1325 in Italy, Modenese soldiers…
In 1325 in Italy, Modenese soldiers stole a well bucket from Bologna. 30,000 Bolognese foot-soldiers were sent to invade Modena. Outnumbered 6 to 1, Modena won in just a few hours and chased the enemy all the way back to Bologna. Then they stole another bucket.
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In 1898, during the Spanish American war…
In 1898, during the Spanish American war, when the USS Charleston fired upon the island of Guam, the Spanish, unaware that a war was going on, rowed out to the ship and asked for gunpowder in order to return the American “salute”.
The phrase “The First World War” was used…
The phrase “The First World War” was used as early as 1918, by a journalist who felt it would not be the last. 10
In the month before the ancient Olympics…
In the month before the ancient Olympics no wars were permitted so that spectators could travel from across Greece unharmed. 10
When Vietnam invaded Cambodia, the Cambodian king sent…
When Vietnam invaded Cambodia, the Cambodian king sent a beautiful woman who convinced the Vietnamese commander to withdraw. The Vietnamese then sent a famous general, who also withdrew after meeting the same woman.
Last time when US president formally declared…
Last time when US president formally declared a war supported by Congress was in 1942. Everything since were conflicts without war proclamation.