Weird Wars From Real History
The Great Emu War (Australia)
In 1932, Australia declared war on emus. The birds won. Soldiers armed with machine guns failed to control the population of giant flightless birds.
The Pastry War (France vs. Mexico)
A French pastry chef’s complaint over damages led France to invade Mexico in 1838. Yes, it started because of a ruined dessert shop.
The Pig War (US vs. UK)
A war almost broke out in 1859 after an American shot a British pig on disputed land. Both sides sent troops, but no shots were ever fired.
The Football War El Salvador vs Honduras
Tensions over immigration and a soccer match led to a four-day war in 1969. Nearly 3,000 people died in this deadly and surreal conflict.
The War of the Oaken Bucket
In 14th-century Italy, two rival cities fought a deadly battle over a stolen wooden bucket. Over 2,000 people died over the bizarre trophy.
The War of Jenkins’ Ear
In 1739, Britain went to war with Spain after a captain’s severed ear was shown in Parliament. The war lasted nearly a decade.
The Lijar War on France
In 1883, a tiny Spanish village declared war on France after their king was insulted. They finally made peace—93 years later, in 1976.