Nicholas of Cusa. 1401-64. German. Proposed heliocentricity, calendar reform 1429. De Docta Ignorantia 1440. “A learned man is one who is aware of his own ignorance.”

Nicias, Peace. 421BC. Pause in Peloponnesian War.

Nightingale, Florence. 1820-1910. English pioneer of nursing in Crimean War. “The lady with the lamp.”

Nijmegen, Treaties. 1678-9. Ended Dutch Wars.

Nixon, Richard. 1913-94. US president 1969-74. Hiss investigation. Checkers. China relations. Vietnam cease-fire. Watergate. Pardoned.

Northampton, Battle. 1460. War of the Roses. York victory earns right to succeed Henry VI.

Northern War, First. 1655-60. Sweden vs Poland and allies. Sweden wins Danish territory. Poland renounces claim to Swedish throne.

Northern War, Great. 1700-21. Sweden vs Russia and allies. Ends Sweden’s power, begins Russia’s.

Nystad, Treaty. 1721. Russia/Sweden. Russia gains window on Baltic. Ends Great Northern War.

October War. 1973. Egypt, Syria attack Israel on Yom Kippur. Repulsed. UN creates buffer zone.

Oisin. (Ossian). 3C. Gaelic warrior bard. Legends of his father Finn MacCool.

Ojibwa. (Chippewa). North American Indians near Great Lakes. Supported French vs British in 7 Years War, British vs Americans in Revolution.

Old Ironsides. 1797. US frigate Constitution. Tripolitan War. War of 1812.

Oliva, Peace. 1660. Ended First Northern War.

Olive Branch Petition. 1775. Moderate Americans attempt to avoid war. Ignored by George III.

Opium Wars. 1839-42 Hong Kong ceded to Britain. 1856-60. French, British force China to open trade, legalize opium. Demonstrated European weapon superiority. Nanking Treaty.

Orange Free State. 1820 Boer colony. 1848 British. 1854 Independent. 1900 British. 1910 Union of South Africa. Boer War.

Oranges, War of. 1801. France and Spain defeat and divide Portugal.

Orff, Carl. 1895-1982. Modern German composer. Straightforward. Carmina Burana 1936.

Orléans, Siege. 1428-9. 8 month English siege ended by Joan of Arc. Turning point of 100 Years War.

Osceola. c1804-38. Seminole leader. Arrested at truce talks.

Oxford, Provisions of. 1258-66. Reforms barons forced on Henry III. Annulled, modified. Led to Provisions of Westminster, Barons War.

Pacific, War of. 1879-84. Chile wins land from Peru, Bolivia’s coastline.

Pacifism. Ethical, philosophical, or moral opposition to war or violence.

Paix des Dames. Cambrai Treaty. 1529. Francis I’s mother and Charles V’s aunt negotiate halt to Italian Wars.

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