Napoleon Enters Moscow and the City Burns
On September 14, 1812, Napoleon entered Moscow as the Russians set the city on fire, beginning the end of his invasion.
The Mukden Incident Gives Japan a Pretext to Invade Manchuria
On September 18, 1931, the staged Mukden Incident gave Japan's Kwantung Army a pretext to invade and occupy Manchuria.
The Soviet Union Invades Eastern Poland
On September 17, 1939, Soviet forces invaded eastern Poland under the secret protocol of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, partitioning the country.
Italy Signs the Armistice of Cassibile With the Allies
On September 3, 1943, Italy signed the Armistice of Cassibile with the Allies, a secret surrender announced five days later as German troops moved in.
Operation Market Garden Begins in the Netherlands
On September 17, 1944, Operation Market Garden dropped 35,000 airborne troops into the Netherlands to seize bridges to Arnhem.
Japan Surrenders to China in Nanjing
On September 9, 1945, Japan surrendered to China in Nanjing, ending a war that had cost China tens of millions of lives.
UN Forces Land at Inchon
On September 15, 1950, UN forces landed at Inchon behind North Korean lines, reversing the course of the Korean War.
The Suez War Begins
On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces entered Sinai and the Suez war began, after Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal company.
British and French Troops Land at Port Said
On November 5, 1956, British and French forces began to land at Port Said, two weeks after Israel invaded the Sinai.