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From today's featured article
The siege of Brest took place in 1342 during the Breton Civil War, a dispute over who should inherit the Duchy of Brittany, with Charles of Blois, supported by a large French army, besieging supporters of John of Montfort.
As France and England were engaged in the Hundred Years' War, the Montfortists appealed to the English king for military assistance, which was promised. The town was the last fortification held for the Montfort cause.
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On this day
August 19
- 1783 — A meteor procession blazed across the night sky over Great Britain.
- 1920 — The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified.
- 1966 — Vietnam War: Members of the 6th Battalion fought in the Battle of Long Tan.