World History

Does history really repeat itself, or can we learn from the mistakes of those who came before us? History provides a chronological, statistical, and cultural record of the events, people, and movements that have made an impact on humankind and the world at large throughout the ages.
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Featured content, December 09, 2024

Was Johnny Appleseed a Real Person?
Johnny Appleseed is an American folk hero. But is he just a legend or did he really exist?
The Plot to Assassinate George Washington
If an attempt to assassinate George Washington had not been foiled in 1776, American history would be very different.
5 Famous Border Walls
If you build it, they won't come.
Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived for a thousand years after the western half had crumbled...
Mexican Revolution
Mexican Revolution, (1910–20), a long and bloody struggle among several factions in constantly shifting alliances which resulted...
Seven Years’ War
Seven Years’ War, (1756–63), the last major conflict before the French Revolution to involve all the great powers of Europe....
Thirty Years’ War
Thirty Years’ War, (1618–48), in European history, a series of wars fought by various nations for various reasons, including...

World History Quizzes

U.S. States Dates of Admission to the Union Quiz
Do you know when California became a state? How about New York? Test your knowledge of when each of the 50 states became...
Popes and Antipopes
The papacy has existed for more than two millennia. Can you identify the years that every pope—and every antipope—held his...
Prime Ministers of India Quiz
Test your knowledge of when each of India’s prime ministers served in that office.
Explorers and Explorations (Part One) Quiz
Who colonized New York? Where did James Cook first land in Australia? Take a voyage of discovery through this quiz to find...
Explorers and Explorations (Part Two) Quiz
Which English admiral circumnavigated the globe? Who initiated the Age of Discovery that began in the 15th century? Board...
Who Was First? Quiz
Who was Ireland’s first woman president? Who was the first pope? Be the first to figure out how much you know about firsts...
Which Battle? Quiz
In which battle were Antony and Cleopatra decisively defeated? How about Napoleon? Fight through this quiz and prove your...
Historic Firsts Quiz
There’s a first time for everything—and there’s a lot of everything across all of history. Take a deep dive into who, or...
Egyptian History Quiz
From the pyramids to the Suez Canal, Egypt has a vast history. How well do you know it? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
France: A History Quiz
What French woman was arrested for wearing men’s clothing? What French landmark was supposed to last only 20 years?
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World History
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World History Subcategories

Chile earthquake of 2010 Accidents & Disasters
Nature isn’t always peaceful and idyllic. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other powerful natural phenomena can have devastating consequences on communities and regions throughout the world. But nature is far from the only instigator of large-scale misfortune; human-made disasters and tragedies, both accidental and intentional, can cause significant misery, damage, and loss of life.
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Louis XVI: execution by guillotine Age of Revolutions
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ancient Middle East The Ancient World
The modern world may look very different from the world that existed in the time of ancient civilizations, but our modern-day life continues to show the influence of cultures, traditions, ideas, and innovations from hundreds of years ago. Learn more about important historical civilizations, sites, people, and events.
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Livy Historians
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branches of the Medici family Historic Dynasties & Families
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subcategory placeholder Historic Nobility
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David Livingstone. Global Exploration
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subcategory placeholder The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages comprise the period in European history that began with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE and lasted until the dawn of the Renaissance in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century. This interval of time saw the development of the Gothic style of art and architecture, flying buttresses and all. It was also the era of the Crusades and of papal monarchy, and it was during this period that the idea of Europe as a distinct cultural unit emerged.
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Kemal Atatürk Military Leaders
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Kindertransport The Modern World
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Mississippian culture: Ocmulgee National Monument Prehistoric Age
The prehistoric age covers the millions of years that took place before human beings began to create written records of their life and of the world in which they lived. Archaeology and similar fields of study allow us to fill in the gaps and piece together an image of what life was like for our ancestors, including what kinds of flora and fauna they might have encountered.
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Pearl Harbor attack United States History
As with most nations, the history of the United States contains a number of twists and turns throughout the centuries, from the time of the English colonization of North America up to the modern-day America that we're familiar with. Learn more about the people, events, and movements that left an indelible mark in history and shaped the development of the United States as a nation.
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World War I Wars, Battles & Armed Conflicts
Wars, battles, and other domestic or international conflicts, whether armed or diplomatic, are often the outcome of a dispute over natural resources or a struggle for power, influence, and wealth. Major conflicts between nations, peoples, and political groups can end up shifting the cultural and political geography of the world and can also effect change, whether intentional or not, in societal values and the balance of power.
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