← Military & Defence

19th Century Military Events

Historical illustrations of military and political scenes from the 19th century, highlighting significant events, communications, and societal impacts in Europe.

Engraving depicting the Battle of Ocaña, during the Peninsular War. Dated 1812

military Germany artillerymen swearing the oath of allegiance at the Berlin armoury 1888 wood engraving after drawing,

Working at the Siege of Toulon (1793), France, Historical, digitally restored reproduction of a 19th century original, exact date unknown, Europe

The visit of Emperor Wilhelm II to Friedrichsruh, Germany. Handshake between the Emperor and Bismarck. Otto von Bismarck, 1815, 1898, Prussian statesm...

The colliery disaster at Seaham, explorers descending the pit to rescue the men below. Over 160 lives were lost in the explosion which was caused by shot fired in an area of stone were there was a large concentration of dust. No one in the immediate area survived and many more dies after rescuers were unable to reach them. Date: 18th Sept 1880

Jefferson Davis and his wife Varina are arrested by Union soldiers on the morning of May 10, 1865, in Irwinville, Georgia. This print shows Davis wearing a women's dress and hat, which was an appealing fiction started because Davis was wearing an all-weather overcoat. The military report of his capture made no mention of a knife or any aggressive resistance (BSLOC_2019_5_119)

Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880): Yakub (Yakoob) Khan, ruler of Afghanistan, at a review at Gundamuck, 30 May 1879, after signing of Treaty of Gundamuck on 26 May. At top, Lieut Hamilton rides at the head of a native regiment of Guides. Wood engraving

Auctioning mackerel on the beach at Hastings.

Japan in the late Middle Ages, soldiers, illustration from 1870 / Japan im späten Mittelalter, Soldaten, Illustration aus 1870, Historisch, historical, digital improved reproduction of an original from the 19th century / digitale Reproduktion einer Originalvorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert,.

Indian Mutiny 1857-1859, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the Great War of Independence. First relief of Lucknow by General Henry Havelock 15 September 1857. Engraving.

RECEPTION OF THE PRINCE OF WALES AT PORTSMOUTH, UK, 1876: "THREE CHEERS FOR THE PRINCE"

Franco-Prussian War: showing a waiting room at Chemin de Fer l'Ouest used as a hospital. Wood engraving by P. de Kartow.

Desperate for men, the Federal government introduces conscription : in New York this is effected by ballot. It is less than popular... Date: 1865

The 48th French Regiment of the Line embarking on board "The St. Vincent" English ship, at Calais, 1854. Northern France: the French Expeditionary Force for the Baltic board Royal Navy ships destined for the Crimean War. '...the French troops marched down from their respective encampments to the quay side, where, according to previous arrangements, they deposited their arms and accoutrements in boxes, which were at once conveyed on board the ships of war by small vessels engaged for that service. Large quantities of ammunition and powder were also embarked by the same means...The t

WITH THE CHANNEL SQUADRON, 1881: CHRISTMAS NEWS FROM HOME

ADMIRALS SIR E. LYONS AND SIR HOUSTON STEWART, WITH OTHER OFFICERS, IN A CASEMATE IN THE SPIT BATTERY, KINBURN

Emperor Joseph II saving Bohemian farmers from starvation, historical engraving, about 1888

Army officers are involved in 'decoration scandals' (the usual "honours for cash" naughtiness) : scene during the trial at Paris, which will continue into next year. Date: 1887

The Atlantic slave trade or transatlantic slave trade took place across the Atlantic Ocean from the 16th through to the 19th centuries. The vast majority of those enslaved that were transported to the New World, many on the triangular trade route and its Middle Passage, were West Africans from the central and western parts of the continent sold by western Africans to western European slave traders, or by direct European capture to the Americas. The numbers were so great that Africans who came by way of the slave trade became the most numerous Old World immigrants in both North and South America before the late 18th century. Far more slaves were taken to South America than to the north. The South Atlantic economic system centered on producing commodity crops, and making goods and clothing to sell in Europe, and increasing the numbers of African slaves brought to the New World.

Illustration depicting a condemned man being led to his execution at the guillotine. Dated 19th Century

Attempt to assassinate king Henry IV of France (1553-1610) by Jean Chatel (1575-1594) on December 1594. Engraving by Chamb Aron, 1851.

Paul Revere (1735-1818) American patriot and silversmith, arriving at Lexington from Boston with the news that the English under Pitcairn were on the move: 18 April 1775. American War of Independence. Engraving published 1886

Dressing of a diver in 1885, England, Historic, digitally restored reproduction of a 19th century original, exact original date unknown

Morning mustering of the "Contrabands" at Fortress Monroe on their way to their Day's Work, USA Civil War, circa 1862

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870 1924) addressing Russian troops

Conrad V of Germany. King of the Germans, Sicily and Jerusalem. Scene of his Execution. Engraving by Germania, 1882.

Scene in camp life--mess no. of the 13th Illinois Volunteers, in their camp before Corinth, Miss. / from a sketch by our special artist Henri Lovie. | Library of Congress

Robert E Lee surrenders to Ulysses S Grant, 9 April 1865, (1872). Artist: Unknown

Hamburger picture arch / for the reform / 1.own warriors: Pictures from the golden latitude / no. 2. / Our prisoners (TI)

For Valor - A nurse is decorated in France during World War I

Scenes near Richmond. Morgan collection of Civil War drawings. Bridge construction, 1860-1870, Military uniforms, Union, 1860-1870, Newspapers, 1860-1870, Cemeteries, 1860-1870, Guards, 1860-1870, Soldiers, Union, 1860-1870, Railroads, 1860-1870, Bridges, 1860-1870, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Military life, United States, Virginia, Chickahominy River

THE CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE, CAMDEN TOWN

Army of the Potomac--Sleeping on Their Arms Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910). , 1864. Wood engraving, Image: 13 3/4 x 20 7/8 in. (34.9 x 53 cm). American Art 1864

American Civil War 1861-1865: Cartoon from 'Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper', New York, 1861, showing how 'contrabands' could be made useful. 'Contrabands' were Negro slaves who had escaped or been brought across Union (northern) lines. Wood engraving

Women Participating in the Flag Presentation at the Front by unknown artist

Emperor Heinrich in front of his marquee, signing documents, original drawing by Paul Heydel, Germany, historical, digitally restored reproduction of ...

Engraving showing part of the Ceremony of the Keys at one of the gates of the Tower of London, 1875. A detachment of guardsmen, in their bearskin hats, stands by as the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower locks the gate. Date: 30 January 1875

One man sows and another reaps | Library of Congress

American Civil War soldiers are punished for gambling by being compelled to gamble Date: 1863

Arrest of Francois Koenigstein (1859-1892) French Anarchist known as Ravachol, 30 March 1892. Guillotined 11 July 1892. From Le Petit Journal, Paris, 16 April 1892. France, Criminal, Murderer, Bomber, Terrorist

Lieutenant Montagu O'Reilly explaining his Sketch of Sebastopol to the Sultan, 1854. Crimean War: Royal Navy officer with Ottoman sultan Abdulmejid I. 'On the 6th of February last, his Majesty granted to Lieut. O'Reilly, at his palace on the Bosphorus, a private audience, which is thus described by the Lieutenant, who likewise sketched the scene..."He was very glad to see me, and...had heard of my drawings from Lord Stratford. I acknowledged these expressions by another obeisance, and began to unrol my panorama of Sebastopol, and his Majesty instantly took one end, and the Secretary the o

France. End of the 1st French empire. April 20, 1814. Napoleon I farewell to the Old Guard. Courtyard at Fountainebleau.

Brawl between English and German sailors at Millwall Docks, London, 1892. Artist: Henri Meyer

The capture of Ting-Hae, China, 1841 (c1895). Artist: Unknown

The seat of Paris. Obstos of General Guilhem. General Trochu pronounces a discourse on his coffin at the Palace of Industry. (IT)

When Irish farmers respond to Parnell's instruction and refuse to pay their rents, their cattle are seized by the authorities at Sligo. Date: 1881

Meeting between Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Louisa of Prussia, Tilsit. 6 July 1807. Engraving, 19th century.

US. History railroading. Labor movement, 1886 for an "eight-hour day with no cut in play" Members fo an armed citizens committee in Fort Worth, Texas, are arresting a striker. Frank Lesli'es Illustrated Newspaper.

events Tyrolean rebellion 1809 alleged atrocities committed by Tyroleans Bavarian flyer,

Spanish Civil War: 'Republican soldiers besieged, as the idea of surrender is considered inside the precincts of the Cathedral of Siguenza.' by J. Valverde 1937

They found the bread. (Painting by V.Vorobyov)
Group of Bolshevik revolutionaries at a secret meeting 1917

Painting depicting the proclamation of Hong Kong as a British possession in 1841

Charles V in the siege of Metz, 1552-1553. Engraving. SPAIN. ARAGON. Zaragoza. Academia General Militar (General Military Academy).

Guerra franco-prusiana de 1870. Embarque de tropas francesas en Metz. Grabado de 1870.

Stanley's Central African Expedition. Perspective from the roof of the house of Mr. Augustus Sparhawk. Frank Pocock, Frederick Barker, a boy from Zanzibar, Edward Pocock and Kalulu. Zanzibar. Journey to unexplored Africa, the mysterious continent by Henry Morton Stanley. Old 19th century engraved illustration from El Mundo Ilustrado 1879

At Irishtown, near Mullingar, a moonlighter (terrorist) murders Esther Croughan, and injures her sister, presumably for paying rent when the Land League told them not to. Date: 31 December 1880

Death of Nelson (1758-1805) on board 'HMS Victory' at battle of Trafalgar. Engraving 1827

Engraving depicting the heroism of José de Palafox y Melci, Duke of Saragossa (1780-1847) an Aragonese general who fought in the Peninsular War. Dated 19th Century

The turkish commander Osman Nuri Pasha surrendering Pleven to the Tsar. Russo-Turkish War, Bulgaria, 19th century.

Spectators and players at a football match at Kennington Oval between the Wanderers and the Clapham Rovers illuminated by the new lighting system, which on this occasion was reported to be unsatisfactory due to the positioning of the lights. As illustrated in the sketch, the light caused shifting shadows and was confusing to the players. 14th October 1878

Joseph Romain-Desfosses, 1798-1864, French Officer, Visits the Sultan of Anjouan, Historic, digital reproduction of an original 19th-century original

A fight breaks out on the streets of a city between top-hatted gentlemen who throw determined punches at the lower-classes. A man on the right-hand-side of the picture rolls up his sleeves, preparing to fight back. Date: 1887

1800S 1860S May 24 1861 Murder Colonel Ellsworth First Casualty Of American Civil War Arlington Virginia

Washington Call on Colonel Rall

Grand set to between rough and ready and Genal. Gas 1848. Zachary Taylor and Lewis Cass engage in a bout of fisticuffs in their battle for the presidency in 1848. J Dexter & Brother

Interior of l'hopital Blindé, Antwerp, with army patients and wounded men. Lithograph by D. Raffet, 1832.

General Sebastiani directing the work of defense of Constantinople, vintage engraving. General Sebastiani directing the work of defense of Constantinople, vintage engraved illustration. History of France 1885. Copyright: xZoonar.com/PatrickxGuenettex 10656520

Opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are extracted. Opium is the source of many opiates, including morphine, thebaine, codeine, papaverine, and noscapine. The Latin botanical name means the 'sleep-bringing poppy', referring to the sedative properties of some of these opiates.

Meeting of hunters in the village inn, 1870, Bavaria, Germany / Treffen der Jäger im Dorfwirtshaus, Bayern, Deutschland, Historisch, historical, digital improved reproduction of an original from the 19th century / digitale Reproduktion einer Originalvorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.

The Midshipman is boarded by the enemy. Illustration from the Charles Dickens novel Dombey and Son by H.K. Browne known as Phiz

Prison Hulks: Warder watching prisoners entering their ward on board convict hulk 'Warrior' at Woolwich. This hulk held 600 and was an intermediate confinement between an ordinary gaol or transportation. Prisoners were used as labourers in the navy dockyards. The Hulks (Tenders) were usually naval vessels that were no longer seaworthy. From 'The Illustrated London News', 1848. Wood engraving.

Colonel Burnaby ascension to the Channel crossing, vintage engraved illustration. Journal des Voyages, Travel Journal, (1880-81).

Belgian Suffragettes upsetting ballot boxes. From 'Le Petit Journal', Paris, 17 May 1908

"The Mason Army camps whilst waiting for the definitive assault" says the Brother charged with explaining the grand battle plan tot eh new candidate. Date: 1890s

Outside the prison of La Roquette, Paris: letters for the prisoners, 1871. 'The prison called the Nouveau Bicêtre, in the Rue de la Roquette...is ordinarily used for the preliminary confinement, during six months, of felons sentenced to a term of penal servitude...Our own Artist, Mr. Simpson, visited La Roquette on the Monday morning, when there was still a large number of living prisoners, two thousand he was told, within this prison... Hundreds of the Communist insurgents, being captured at the barricades with arms in their hands, and having refused to submit to the officers commanding

A round of the Republican Guard in French theater, vintage engraving. A round of the Republican Guard in French theater, vintage engraved illustration. Paris - Auguste VITU 1890. Copyright: xZoonar.com/PatrickxGuenettex 10648440

Engraving depicting the recent TIR National at Vincennes, Paris, France. Dated 1860

Deutsche Militaers im Deutsch-Franzoesischen Krieg 1870, 1871, Behandlung und Pflege in einem Kriegslazarett, Reproduktion eines Holzschnitts von 1882, digital verbessert, Military people of Deutschland in the Franco-Prussian War 1870, Treatment and care in a war lazaretto or lazaret, reproduction of a woodcut from 1882, digital improved

The Army of the Potomac--Kearney's division fighting in the woods, Monday, June 30 / sketched by A.R. Waud.. Illus. in: Harper's weekly, 1862 Aug. 9, p. 500, bottom. United States, Army of the Potomac, Campaigns & battles, Virginia, 1860-1870, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Campaigns & battles.

Mining Operations during the siege operation of Lucknow. Vintage Lithograph following the Incidents of the Siege of Lucknow, India, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Illustration by Lieutenant C.H. Mecham

Commissioned as a pilot for a Dutch fleet in 1598, William Adams sailed to the East Indies Indonesia via Cape Horn in South America. The expedition was prior to those of the Dutch and British East India companies, but the objective was similar—to trade their cargo for silver in South America, which was to be exchanged for nutmeg, mace, pepper and cloves in the Moluccas. A secondary option was to obtain silver in Japan. Blighted severely by mutiny, scurvy, starvation and murder, Adams' fleet was much diminished when it reached Kyushu in April 1600. The Portuguese Jesuits did their best to dissuade the shogun from trading with the Dutch, but Ieyasu ignored their pleas and welcomed Adams into the fold, allowing him to trade, and inviting him to work as a naval architect. Adams married a local woman and never returned to Europe. He died in Japan aged 55 in 1620. Fondly remembered in Japan as 'Anjin-sama', Adams was the inspiration for the character of John Blackthorne in James Clavell's

Alexander I Russia and Napoleon I (Bonaparte) of France meeting on a raft in the middle of the river Nieman, 25 June 1807. Napoleonic Wars; Treaty of Tilsit. Wood engraving c1880

A sailor running away from the ships dentist who is attempting to pull out one of his teeth. Wood engraving by L. Raven-Hill, 1898.

Patrick Henry Addressing the Virginia Assembly Alonzo Chappell (1828-1887 American) Engraving

The gallery of the convict hulk, "The Warrior", docked at Woolwich in London and capable of holding 600 men. Date: 1846

Engraving of a scene entitled 'Search on the Forecastle' on board the P&O steamer 'Sumatra'. It would appear that one of the ship's officers is conducting a search of a passengers' belongings. The 'Sumatra' had rescued the shipwrecked crew of the Turkish vessel 'Medina' on this voyage and it appears there might have been some tension between the two crews. Date: 1875

World War I (1914-1918). Generals Joffre and French studying the progress of operations in the fighting line in Flanders in an abandoned farm.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark holding a council with Indians at what became known as Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1804, woodcut illustration from the journal of expedition member Patrick Gass

Two thousand miles across South America. The withdrawal of the panel discovered an iron gate, vintage engraved illustration. Journal des Voyage, Travel Journal, (1880-81).

WORLD WAR II (1939-1945). British soldiers imprisoned in a German camp receiving packages of the Red Cross, 1943. Drawing.

William Allen Rogers, Police Athletics, 1878, wood engraving on paper.

The fire in Goldsmedsgränd in 1883 .Foto the war lap by woodcut .. The fire in goldsmedsgränd in 1883 .Foto the war lap after woodcut.

Cavalry transport by rail, horse stable of a guard corps officer, Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War 1870/1871, woodcut, France, Europe

A Thrilling scene in east Tennessee--Colonel Fry and the Union men swearing by the flag. Illus. from: Harper's Weekly, 1862 March 29, cover. United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Guerrillas, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Covert operations, Union, Oaths, Tennessee, Greene County, 1860-1870, Pledges of allegiance, Tennessee, Greene County, 1860-1870.

''The Last Muster', after Hubert Herkomer, Esq., A.R.A.From "Modern Artists" by F.G.Dumas. J.S.Virtue & Co Ltd, London, c1880

Star shooters, Modern Art in Master Woodcuts, yearbook from 1900

The Civil War. Southern ladies walk by Union soldier and ruins of Richmond going to receive government rations.

GUERRA RUSO-JAPONESA (1904-1905). Japón entró en guerra con Rusia con la finalidad de asegurarse intereses capitales en Corea y sur de Manchuria. "LA MOVILIZACION EN SIBERIA. SALIDA DE UN TREN MILITAR PARA MANCHURIA". Grabado.

Veteran's polka, Bach, Ch. (composer), Bach & Kuschbert, Milwaukee, 1866., Disabled veterans, United States, Songs and music, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Veterans, Songs and music, Piano music, Polkas, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Songs and music, Disabled veterans, United States, Portraits, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Casualties, Songs and music, Popular Songs of the Day, Songs and Music, War and Conflict, Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Music associated with the Union side, sheet music

World War I (1914-1918). Generals Joffre and French studying the progress of operations in the fighting line in Flanders in an abandoned farm.

Filling Cartridges at the United States Arsenal, at Watertown, Massachusetts Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910). Filling Cartridges at the United States Arsenal, at Watertown, Massachusetts, 1861. Wood engraving, 9 1/8 x 13 5/8in. (23.2 x 34.6cm). Winslow Homer spent the summer following the outbreak of the Civil War in Belmont, Massachusetts, not far from Watertown, which was the site of a major arsenal from the early nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. Eight hundred people were working there, making supplies for the new war effort. The men put powder into the cartridges, while the women assembled the bullets. The accompanying an article noted, It is evident that, in the course of a few weeks, there will be no lack of this material of war, at all events.” American Art 1861

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