International
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt, one of the world’s most enduring civilizations, emerged around 3100 BCE when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified under the rule of King Narmer. It thrived for over 3,000 years along the banks of the Nile River, shaping history, culture, and religion in profound ways.
Assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand (June 28, 1914)
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914, was a turning point in world history that led directly to the beginning of World War One. The assassination of the Archduke in Sarajevo, Bosnia was planned and carried out by Serb nationalists from Bosnia who wanted to
Australian Penal Colonies
The British Empire’s attitude to criminal punishment and colonialism is reflected in Australia’s notorious penal camps. In an effort to relieve prison overcrowding, the British government began sending criminals to Australia beginning in 1788. With the dual goals of creating a disciplined workforce and spreading British influence, the British established
Aztec Civilization and Conquest by the Spanish (Early 16th Century)
The Aztec Civilization was an outstanding Mesoamerican society that existed from the 14th to the early 16th century and was known for its sophisticated agriculture, architecture, and social organization. The Aztecs’ skilled urban planning was on display in the massive temples, causeways, and markets they constructed in and around Tenochtitlan
Banana Wars
Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States was heavily involved in a string of military interventions, occupations, and wars known as the Banana Wars across Central America and the Caribbean. These interventions were initiated to safeguard American investments and guarantee regional stability, and were motivated by
Bataan Death March
After American and Filipino soldiers surrendered to the Japanese in the Philippines in April 1942, the terrible Bataan Death March unfolded. A torturous march of about 65 miles was imposed on tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers after the bloody Battle of Bataan. The detainees were beaten, starved, and otherwise
Battle of Balaclava (1854)
On October 25, 1854, during the Crimean War, a significant battle took place on the Crimean Peninsula: the Battle of Balaclava. This combat occurred during the Siege of Sevastopol, which pitted the armies of the British, French, and Ottoman Empires against those of the Russian Empire.
Battle of Culloden
On April 16, 1746, at what is now known as Culloden Field, the final conflict of the Jacobite Rising of 1745–46 was fought. A battle between government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland and Jacobite rebels who supported Charles Edward Stuart, commonly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, for the
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
In March and May of 1954, in what is now northwest Vietnam, the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu took place. The French were trying to establish a foothold in the region when the Viet Minh, led by General Vo Nguyen Giap, laid siege to their positions. With the help
Battle of El Alamein (1942)
The North Africa Campaign, a pivotal theater of World War II, unfolded between 1940 and 1943 and involved a series of intense battles and strategic maneuvering across the deserts of North Africa. This campaign, primarily between the Axis Powers, led by Germany and Italy, and the Allied Forces, mainly composed
Battle of Guadalcanal
The Battle of Guadalcanal, a pivotal engagement in the Pacific Theater of World War II, unfolded from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943. Fought between American and Japanese forces, it marked the Allies’ first major offensive against Japan.
Battle of Ia Drang Valley
Battle of Ia Drang Valley Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email In 1965, the United States and North Vietnamese forces fought a critical battle in the Vietnam War known as the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. It was the first significant battle between the two antagonistic groups. The combat, which took place
Battle of Iwo Jima
Taking place on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima between February 19 and March 26, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima was a turning point in the war between the United States and Japan. U.S. Marines engaged in fierce fighting as they attempted to seize the island’s strategically vital airfields.
Battle of Leyte Gulf
During World War II in the Philippines, the naval combat known as the Battle of Leyte Gulf took place from October 23rd to the 26th, 1944. It included a number of separate engagements and proved to be a watershed moment in the Pacific theater of war. The United States and
Battle of Singapore (1942)
When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, it was the culmination of a crucial event in World War II: the Battle of Singapore. The defending British, Australian, and Indian troops in Singapore suffered heavy losses in this combat during the Pacific War.
Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of Stalingrad Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email The German-Soviet conflict at Stalingrad, which lasted from August 23, 1942, to February 2, 1943, was a turning point in World War II. Stalingrad, an important industrial city on the Volga, was a bloody battlefield due to the intensity of the fighting and
Battle of the Bulge
From December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, the Allies and the Germans battled in a decisive battle known as the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans launched this assault in the heavily wooded Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg as a last-ditch effort to change the course of the war.
Bay of Pigs
Due to a botched covert military operation in 1961, Cuba’s Bay of Pigs (Baha de Cochinos in Spanish) became famous around the world. The incident became emblematic of the Cold War and the escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Berlin Airlift (1948 – 1949)
In response to the Soviet Union’s siege of West Berlin, the spectacular Berlin Airlift occurred in 1948 and 1949. After WWII, the Allies partitioned Berlin, with the western half being under the control of the Western Allies. The Soviets attempted to win control by cutting off supplies to West Berlin
Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)
From 1899 to 1901, the Boxer Rebellion was a major anti-foreign and anti-Christian revolt in China. The Boxers (Righteous and Harmonious Fists) were a secret club that formed in Northern China out of frustration with foreign influence and economic hardship. They wanted to get rid of Western influences, so they
Brazilian Football History
The history of football in Brazil is a captivating tale that intertwines sport, culture, and national identity. It all began in the late 19th century when British expatriates introduced the sport to the country, laying the foundation for what would become a deep-seated passion. Brazil’s first recorded football match took
Brink’s-MAT Robbery
Brink’s-MAT Robbery The events that led up to the Brink’s-MAT Robbery in London in 1983 are fascinating because of their daring, intrigue, and criminal ingenuity. The heist, in which a group of armed men stole £26 million in gold bullion, diamonds, and cash from a Brink’s-MAT security warehouse, is widely
Building the Panama Canal
Regarding engineering and facilitating international trade, the Panama Canal is unparalleled. Initiated in the 1880s under French direction, construction was delayed by plague and economic hardship. In 1904 the United States seized control and, although facing similar challenges, finished the canal by 1914.
Building the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal, an impressive achievement of engineering that connected the Mediterranean and the Red seas, revolutionized international commerce. The French Suez Canal Company, working from a design by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, got to work on building the canal in 1859. When the canal was finally finished in
Carthage
The ancient city-state of Carthage, on the coast of northern Africa not far from modern-day Tunis in Tunisia, was an important player in the development of the Mediterranean. In the ninth century BCE, Phoenician settlers established Carthage, which would eventually become a maritime and trade power on par with Rome.
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
The Chernobyl disaster, one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history, occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. It was the result of a flawed reactor design and operator errors during a safety test.
Cinco de Mayo (1862)
On May 5th, Mexicans all around the world celebrate the day that the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. When Emperor Napoleon III of France attempted to build a French-controlled empire in Mexico, this critical incident occurred.
Colombia’s Drug Cartels
The rise and fall of Colombia’s drug cartels is a saga of wealth, power, and brutality that has changed the country and its reputation around the world. The demand for cocaine in the United States is widely credited with sparking the formation of drug cartels in Colombia in the 1970s.
Confederation of Canada (1867)
A turning point in Canadian history was the 1867 Confederation of Canada. Canada, a self-governing state inside the British Empire, was founded by delegates from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia against a background of colonization and regional rivalries. A federal system, in which the federal government and the
Costa Concordia Shipwreck Disaster
The maritime catastrophe of January 13, 2012, involving the cruise ship Costa Concordia, had a lasting effect on the cruise industry and safety laws. Costa Cruises’ vessel grounded itself near Giglio Island in Italian waters. Francesco Schettino, the ship’s skipper, veered off the course and ran into a reef.
Crisis of the Third Century
The Crisis of the Third Century, spanning roughly from 235 to 284 AD, marked one of the most tumultuous and perilous periods in the history of the Roman Empire. It was characterized by a series of complex and interrelated challenges that pushed the empire to the brink of collapse.
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. It began when American U-2 spy planes discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly installing nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. This
D-Day Invasion
The bravery of the Allied forces on D-Day, a turning point in WWII, and their meticulous planning and dedication to achieving freedom inspire generations. The liberation of Western Europe from Nazi domination began on June 6, 1944, when Allied forces launched a huge amphibious assault on the beaches of Normandy,
Diary of Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank stands as an unforgettable testament to the human spirit amid the darkest chapters of history. The diary, which Anne Frank kept while hiding during the Holocaust, details her experiences living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam from 1942 to 1944. Forced into hiding with her family in a
Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance
Ernest Shackleton, the intrepid British explorer, is renowned for his extraordinary leadership and the ill-fated voyage of the Endurance. In 1914, Shackleton set his sights on a daring Antarctic expedition, aiming to be the first to traverse the entire continent. However, this ambitious journey would become one of the most
Fall of Pompeii
The fall of Pompeii is an enduring tale of tragedy and preservation, rooted in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A bustling Roman city located near Naples, Pompeii thrived as a commercial and cultural hub. However, on August 24, 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted violently, spewing ash and
French Revolution (1789-1799)
Taking place from 1789 until 1799, the French Revolution was a turning point in history that altered the course of European and global history. The revolution had multiple stages, each one marked by a dramatic shift in power and ideology, and it was sparked by severe economic misery, social inequity,
Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) Crisis 1970
The FLQ Crisis of 1970 marked a critical period in Canadian history, centered in Quebec. The Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a separatist group advocating for an independent Quebec, escalated its campaign for sovereignty with a series of bombings and kidnappings. The crisis reached a boiling point when the
Galapagos Islands History
The Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, have a storied history that is as captivating as their unique biodiversity. Discovered by chance in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama, Tomás de Berlanga, the islands were initially considered a desolate and inhospitable
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, an iconic symbol of human engineering and fortification, boasts a history spanning over two millennia. Construction of the wall began in the 7th century BC, during the Warring States period, when various Chinese states erected walls to protect their territories from invading nomadic tribes.
Halifax Explosion (1917)
The Halifax Explosion of 1917 remains a poignant chapter in Canadian history. On December 6th, in the midst of World War I, a catastrophic collision occurred in the Halifax Harbour between the French munitions ship SS Mont-Blanc and the Norwegian vessel SS Imo. The resulting explosion, one of the largest
Hannibal’s Crossing of the Alps (218BC)
The mythical crossing of the Alps by Hannibal in 218 BC is a watershed moment in the history of ancient warfare. During the Second Punic War, Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca staged an ambitious invasion into Roman territory with his army and war elephants. Hannibal’s strategic skill and resolve shone through
Hatton Garden Heist (2015)
The Hatton Garden Heist of 2015 is a remarkable and audacious criminal operation that captured international attention. A group of elderly thieves, dubbed the “Bad Grandpas,” executed an elaborate plan to break into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company, a vault in London’s jewelry district.
History of Morocco
Morocco’s history is a colorful tapestry that incorporates elements from many different cultures. It has been around since the time of the original Berber settlers. After the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Byzantines occupied the area, each left a distinct mark on the landscape. Cultural and religious shifts, however, were
History of Spain
Spain’s fascinating past is the result of several cultures and eras coming together over the course of many centuries. The different prehistoric tribes who settled the Iberian Peninsula are the ancestors of this language. The Roman invasion in 218 BC left an indelible mark on the region, establishing the framework
History of the Geneva Convention
The Geneva Convention, a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, was drafted in response to the horrors of war and the growing awareness of the need to preserve the rights and dignity of individuals. The idea of providing care for wounded troops gained traction in the middle of the 19th century,
Hungarian Revolution of 1956
In the context of the Cold War, the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a watershed moment. The unrest in Hungary against the Soviet Union’s communist regime began as a peaceful student protest in Budapest but soon spread across the country. People in Hungary wanted the Soviet Union to leave and
Iran-Contra Affair
In the mid-1980s, the United States was embroiled in a complex political scandal known as the Iran-Contra Scandal. Despite a congressional ban, the Reagan administration attempted to fund anti-Sandinista rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua while also negotiating the release of American hostages held by Iranian-backed militants in Lebanon. Secret arms transactions
Jack the Ripper
In 1888, Jack the Ripper committed a string of brutal murders in London’s Whitechapel neighborhood, earning him a place among history’s most notorious and mysterious serial killers. The mystery of who committed the murders continues to captivate people.
Japanese Emperors
The history of the Japanese emperor is a long and storied one, dating back over a thousand years. The institution of the emperor, known as the “Tennō” in Japanese, is one of the oldest continuous hereditary monarchies in the world. According to legend, Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended to
John F. Kennedy (PT 109)
PT 109, a naval vessel etched into history, gained prominence during World War II for its association with Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, the future President of the United States. A Motor Torpedo Boat (PT) in the Pacific theater, PT 109 operated in the Solomon Islands. In August 1943, under Kennedy’s
Jonestown Massacre
The Jonestown Massacre, one of the saddest events in modern history, happened in the jungle of Guyana, South America, on November 18, 1978. Over 900 members of the People’s Temple, including children, died in a mass murder-suicide led by the charming but delusional cult leader Jim Jones.
Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899
The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899 was a transformative event that drew tens of thousands of prospectors and fortune seekers to the remote Yukon Territory in northwestern Canada. It all began when gold was discovered in Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River, in August 1896. This discovery set
Korean Air Lines Flight 007
Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email The tragic history of Flight 007, also known as Korean Air Lines Flight 007 (KAL 007), has made it infamous. This commercial passenger aircraft, a Boeing 747, took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on September
Korean War (1950 – 1953)
From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War profoundly affected the development of contemporary society on the Korean Peninsula and worldwide. It originated after the Soviet Union and the United States partitioned Korea into North and South following World War II.
Lost in Shangri-La Rescue Mission
The Lost in Shangri-La rescue mission was a remarkable and daring operation during World War II that took place in the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea in 1945. It involved the rescue of a group of American military personnel and WACs (Women’s Army Corps) who crash-landed in a valley
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, holds a history shrouded in mystery and wonder. Built in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, it served as a royal estate or religious retreat. Its precise purpose remains debated by historians, but
Metropol “Propaganda” Hotel
The Metropol Hotel, located in the heart of Moscow, holds a storied history dating back to its opening in 1905. Designed by renowned architect William Walcot, the Metropol quickly became an iconic symbol of Russian opulence and hospitality. Over the years, it hosted countless dignitaries, artists, and political figures, playing
Miracle of the Andes
The Andes soccer plane crash, also known as the “Miracle of the Andes,” is a harrowing and inspiring tale of survival against all odds. On October 13, 1972, a Uruguayan rugby team, along with their friends and family, embarked on a flight from Montevideo to Santiago, Chile. Tragically, their plane,
Operation Jawbreaker
Operation Jawbreaker was an important early step in the military reaction of the United States to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was started after 9/11, and its goal was to stop and destroy Al-Qaeda’s activities in Afghanistan. The action was the start of a bigger U.S. campaign
Operation Just Cause
United States’ Operation Just Cause, which took place in December 1989, was a major military action. Its main goal was to get rid of Panamanian dictator General Manuel Noriega and bring back democracy government in Panama. The operation showed that military action can be used to protect American interests and
Operation Urgent Fury
The Invasion of Grenada, codenamed Operation Urgent Fury, occurred in October 1983 and marked a significant moment in the history of the Caribbean and U.S. foreign policy. It began when a Marxist-Leninist government came to power in Grenada, leading to concerns about the potential for Soviet influence in the region.
Paraguayan War (1864-1870)
From 1864 until 1870, South America was at war. This conflict was known as the Paraguayan War or the War of the Triple Alliance. Paraguay faced forth against an Argentinean, Brazilian, and Uruguayan alliance. It was the bloodiest war between independent states in Latin American history.
Rugged and Beautiful Baja
Baja California, the elongated peninsula stretching alongside Mexico’s western coast, has a history rich with cultural and geographical significance. The region was inhabited by indigenous peoples long before Spanish colonization, with the Kumeyaay and Cochimí being prominent groups.
Russian Revolution of 1917
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a watershed event that profoundly altered Russia’s trajectory and had far-reaching global repercussions. There were two independent uprisings within a year’s time, in February and October, which together made up this revolution.
Sepoy Mutiny of 1857
Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email A turning point in India’s fight against British colonial control, the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 is also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the First War of Independence. Indian sepoys (local soldiers) serving with the British East India Company army
Sicilian Mafia
The history of the Cosa Nostra, or Sicilian Mafia, is intricately entwined with the social and political fabric of the island. The movement emerged in the late 19th century in reaction to economic depression and tyrannical foreign authority. As time went on, the group morphed into a criminal empire that
Signing of the Magna Carta
The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 stands as a seminal moment in the history of constitutional law and the struggle for individual rights. King John of England’s oppressive rule had provoked widespread discontent among his barons, leading to a revolt against his tyrannical reign.
Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
The loss of the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania on May 7, 1915, was a turning point in World War I’s history. Off the coast of Ireland, a German submarine torpedoed the ship as it sailed from New York to Liverpool.
Sinking of the RMS Titanic
One of the worst maritime disasters in history occurred on April 15, 1912, when the RMS Titanic went down in the North Atlantic. On its maiden journey from Southampton to New York, the “unsinkable” luxury passenger ship tragically ran aground on an iceberg in the North Atlantic.
Six-Day War
Between June 5 and June 10, 1967, there was a major struggle that changed the course of Middle Eastern and Israeli history: the Six-Day War. Israel and other Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, fought most of it.
Soweto Uprising (1976)
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The Soweto Uprising, a watershed moment in South African history, unfolded on June 16, 1976, when thousands of black students in Soweto, a township near Johannesburg, protested against the compulsory use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. The peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into a brutal confrontation with
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army, one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient China’s history. This vast collection of life-sized, intricately crafted clay soldiers and horses was unearthed in the 1970s near Xi’an, in the Shaanxi province.
Thanh Hóa Bridge
Thanh Hóa Bridge One of the most recognizable images of the Vietnam War, the Thanh Hóa Bridge (or Dragon’s Jaw Bridge) would be a fascinating book topic. This important bridge in North Vietnam became famous after withstanding intense U.S. bombardment during Operation Rolling Thunder in the years 1965-1967. An intriguing
The Bridge Over the River Kwai
The Bridge Over the River Kwai is an iconic World War II historical landmark, known primarily through literature and film. It was constructed during the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand, between 1942 and 1943. The bridge’s construction was part of the infamous Burma Railway project, intended to
The Cod Wars (1950s-1970s)
The Cod Wars, a series of disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom over fishing rights in the North Atlantic, unfolded between the 1950s and 1970s. The conflicts stemmed from Iceland’s desire to expand its exclusive fishing zone and protect its crucial cod fisheries.
The Fall of Constantinople (1453)
To mark the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed the Conqueror, the city of Constantinople fell to the Ottomans in 1453. The powerful walls of Constantinople fell after a 53-day siege, triggering a ferocious and chaotic struggle within the city itself. The
The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
The Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a momentous turning point in world history, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. This concrete barrier, which had physically and ideologically divided East and West Berlin since 1961, fell on November 9, 1989, following a
The Renaissance
The Renaissance Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email One of the most influential eras in European history was the Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual resurgence that lasted roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. It began in Italy and signaled a rise in interest in classical antiquity, inspiring a renaissance in
The Troubles: Northern Ireland Conflict
Political, religious, and socioeconomic divisions in Northern Ireland led to a complicated and lengthy conflict that lasted about three decades, from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Protestant Unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain a part of the United Kingdom, faced off against Catholic Nationalists,
U.S. Army Nurses Behind Enemy Lines
During World War II, a group of courageous US Army Nurses were caught in the crossfire while stationed in Albania. After the German conquest of the country in 1943, these courageous nurses risked their lives to care for the injured and sick. As the Nazi forces advanced, the nurses became
Vietnam War
Vietnam War The Vietnam War, spanning from the mid-20th century, is a complex and transformative chapter in modern history. Fueled by Cold War tensions, the conflict emerged as a struggle for Vietnamese independence and reunification. The war saw the United States supporting South Vietnam against the communist forces of North
Viking Age (793–1066 CE)
From the end of the 8th century to the beginning of the 11th century, Europe went through a time called the Viking Age. The Vikings came from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in Scandinavia. They were seafaring fighters, traders, and explorers who went far from their homes.
Winnipeg General Strike (1919)
Regarding Canadian labor history, the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike represents a watershed event. It all started with a large labor protest in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which involved perhaps over 30,000 workers. Poor working conditions, low salaries, and the refusal of employers to recognize unions prompted the strike to begin on May 15, 1919.
Zapatista Rebellion
On January 1, 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) launched a surprise attack on numerous towns in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, sparking the Chiapas Uprising, also known as the Zapatista Rebellion. The mysterious Subcomandante Marcos led the Zapatistas in their fight for land rights, social justice,