9 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.
What happened
China (8)
Censor Ding Xuan and Captain Liu Fu beheaded Deng Maoqi, the ringleader of the Fujian rebellion, at Yanping. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷10 正統十四年)
When Esen of the Oirat invaded Datong, the emperor decided on a personal campaign despite opposition from Minister of Personnel Wang Zhi and others; Prince of Cheng guarded Beijing. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷10 正統十四年)
The campaign army reached Datong, but the garrison eunuch Guo Jing proposed a withdrawal, and they soon turned back. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷10 正統十四年)
Duke of Cheng Zhu Yong and Earl Yongshun Xue Shou were ambushed at Yao'er Ridge, and the whole army was wiped out. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷10 正統十四年)
The emperor's main army was surrounded at Tumu; the next day it was destroyed, hundreds of thousands died, and the emperor was captured (the Tumu Incident). (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷10 正統十四年)
Prince of Cheng Zhu Qiyu (Jingtai) ascended the throne, honored Yingzong as Grand Emperor, and the following year was named the first year of Jingtai. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷11 正統十四年)
Esen took Zijing Pass; with Sun Xiang killed, the capital was placed under martial law. (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷11 正統十四年)
Esen approached the capital but was repulsed at the Zhangyi Gate; Yu Qian and Shi Heng repeatedly defeated him beneath the walls, and the enemy withdrew (the Defense of Beijing). (History of Ming (Mingshi), Annals 明史 卷11 正統十四年)
Southern Europe (1)
Constantine receives the imperial crown (augustalis corona) at Sparta. (Sphrantzes, Chronicle Bonn p.205)