12 Famous Battles That Were Won by Complete Accident
Throughout history, some of the most well-known victories were not the result of careful planning, but rather pure chance. In these cases, leaders and armies stumbled into success through unexpected twists of fate. From unexpected reinforcements to lucky terrain, these battles prove that sometimes, luck plays a bigger role than strategy.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Many of history’s most famous battles weren’t won through precise tactics, but because of serendipitous events. Whether due to unforeseen weather, surprise mistakes, or simple bad luck for the enemy, these accidental victories altered the course of history. These unexpected moments of triumph show how, in war, even the smallest misstep can lead to a major change. The following battles stand as examples of how chance can sometimes make all the difference in the heat of conflict.
1. The Battle of Agincourt (1415)
Thomas Burke on Wikimedia
The French had superior numbers and heavily armored knights, yet they were defeated by the English. The turning point came when rain turned the battlefield into a quagmire, slowing down the French knights. This unexpected weather allowed the English longbowmen to pick off the French forces at a distance.
2. The Battle of Midway (1942)
U.S. Navy on Wikimedia
The Japanese fleet, confident in its superiority, made a strategic mistake by attacking the U.S. base at Midway. American codebreakers had intercepted their plans and were prepared. In the chaos of the battle, an accidental dive-bomber attack on the Japanese carriers changed the tide, sinking four of their aircraft carriers.
3. The Battle of Marathon (490 BC)
John Steeple Davis n Wikimedia
The Persian army vastly outnumbered the Athenians, making a Greek victory seem impossible. However, the Persians made a strategic error by underestimating the speed and determination of the Athenian soldiers. After a forced march, the Athenians caught the Persians off guard, leading to a surprising victory.
4. The Battle of Hastings (1066)
Poliphilo on Wikimedia
William the Conqueror’s forces seemed poised for defeat when his troops appeared to break ranks. However, a feigned retreat lured the English forces into a trap. The English pursuit of the retreating Normans allowed William’s forces to regroup and win the battle, changing English history forever.
5. The Battle of New Orleans (1815)
William Momberger on Wikimedia
Fought after the War of 1812 had officially ended, the Battle of New Orleans was largely due to miscommunication. British forces were unaware that peace had been negotiated, leading to an unnecessary and disastrous assault on American defenses. The Americans, led by Andrew Jackson, won the battle with minimal losses.
6. The Battle of Zama (202 BC)
anonymous on Wikimedia
Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, had terrorized Rome for years, but at the Battle of Zama, he was defeated by Scipio Africanus. One key moment of luck came when Hannibal’s elephants were thrown into disarray by a few well-placed cavalry units. This unexpected turn allowed the Romans to secure victory and end the Second Punic War.
7. The Battle of Plassey (1757)
Bonhams on Wikimedia
Robert Clive’s victory over the much larger Nawab of Bengal’s army was largely due to betrayal within the enemy ranks. A key ally of the Nawab, Mir Jafar, defected and helped the British. This sudden shift of loyalty led to an unexpected and decisive British victory.
8. The Battle of Waterloo (1815)
Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht on Wikimedia
Napoleon’s army was poised for victory at Waterloo, but unexpected rain turned the battlefield into mud. This delayed Napoleon’s planned attack, allowing the Prussian forces to arrive and support the British. The Prussian reinforcements were the key to Napoleon’s downfall.
9. The Battle of Saratoga (1777)
Edward Percy Moran, 1911 on Wikimedia
The British were marching confidently toward victory, but unexpected delays and confusion within their ranks led to their defeat. American forces, led by General Gates, took advantage of the disarray and encircled the British. The victory at Saratoga turned the tide of the American Revolution by securing French support for the colonies.
10. The Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC)
Stanisław Kaczor-Batowski on Wikimedia
Though the Persian Empire crushed the Greek defenders, the Battle of Thermopylae was considered a victory for Greece in the long run. The Persian army, slowed by the narrow pass, suffered heavy losses, and the heroic stand of the 300 Spartans inspired Greek unity. This led to a chain of victories that eventually defeated Persia.
11. The Battle of Cannae (216 BC)
Public domain on Wikimedia
Hannibal’s army wiped out a much larger Roman force at Cannae using unexpected tactics. Instead of simply attacking head-on, he surrounded the Roman forces in a double-envelopment maneuver. This brilliant, but somewhat lucky, strategy decimated the Romans and marked one of their worst defeats.
12. The Battle of Crécy (1346)
Jean Froissart on Wikimedia
The French, under King Philip VI, charged at the English with knights and cavalry but were caught in a defensive position. Heavy rain and muddy ground worked in favor of the English, and their longbowmen, positioned on higher ground, decimated the French cavalry. The weather, combined with the English defensive tactics, turned the tide of the battle.