Frederick William of Brunswick vs Husni al-Zaim

Frederick William raised a volunteer corps known as the Black Brunswickers, named for their black uniforms. This force fought against Napoleon's occupation of Germany, conducting guerrilla-style operations and later serving in the British army.

After Napoleon's defeat at Leipzig, Frederick William returned to Brunswick and reclaimed his duchy, which had been annexed to the Kingdom of Westphalia. He re-established the Duchy of Brunswick under his rule.

Frederick William was killed while leading his troops at the Battle of Quatre Bras, a preliminary engagement before Waterloo. His death made him a symbol of German resistance against Napoleon, and his corps continued to fight.

Husni al-Zaim led the first military coup in Syria's history on March 30, 1949, overthrowing President Shukri al-Quwatli. He seized power with support from the military and intelligence services, establishing a short-lived dictatorship.

After the coup, al-Zaim appointed himself President of Syria and Prime Minister. He implemented reforms including land redistribution and women's suffrage, but his rule was marked by authoritarian measures and suppression of political opponents.

Al-Zaim's government signed an armistice agreement with Israel in July 1949, ending the 1948 Arab-Israeli War for Syria. He also proposed a peace plan that included resettling Palestinian refugees, which was rejected by other Arab states.

Husni al-Zaim was overthrown by a counter-coup led by Colonel Sami al-Hinnawi on August 14, 1949. He was captured and executed by firing squad the same day, ending his rule after only four and a half months.