8 Times the Weather Changed the Course of History

The weather affects people’s lives every day, sometimes it just makes us change our picnic plans, and other times extreme weather events can even change the course of a war or lead to the decline of civilization. It is hard to blame nature for ruining people’s lives, but the world as we know it today might look different if not for its interference.

1. The Mongol Empire vs. Typhoons

In the 13th century, the leader of the Mongol Empire, Khan Khubilai, was this close to seizing Japan, but two typhoons ruined his plans. Shinto priests believed that these winds were the embodiment of everyone’s prayers and called them Kamikaze (divine wind).

2. Spanish Armada vs. Storm

The decimation of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was one of the greatest battles of Western civilization. During the attempt to conquer England, the armada suffered significant losses due to the harsh weather conditions. Only 65 out of 130 ships returned to Spain; 24 ships were destroyed by a storm near the coast of Ireland.

3 King Charles XII vs. Russian Winter

In 1709, Charles XII became the first European ruler to lead his troops against Russia during winter. The long journey and severe sub-zero conditions played a significant role in the defeat of the Swedish troops. The funniest thing is that Charles XIII was not the last general who had made this mistake.