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.
Browse Subcategories

Featured content, December 07, 2024

Leaders of World War I
Learn more about the leaders of World War I.
What Was the Little Ice Age?
The Little Ice Age is known for its effects in Europe and the North Atlantic region over hundreds of years, but was it comparable...
Before the E-Reader: 7 Ways Our Ancestors Took Their Reading on the Go
Books have been around for a long time. But not always.
18 Food Crops Developed in the Americas
How Native peoples revolutionized your dinner.
French Revolution
French Revolution, revolutionary movement that shook France between 1787 and 1799 and reached its first climax there in 1789—hence...
history of Europe
History of Europe, history of European peoples and cultures from prehistoric times to the present. Europe is a more ambiguous...
South African War
South African War, war fought from October 11, 1899, to May 31, 1902, between Great Britain and the two Boer (Afrikaner)...
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong was the principal Chinese Marxist theorist, soldier, and statesman who led his country’s communist revolution....

World History Quizzes

Exploring Latin America: Fact or Fiction?
Did Chile gain its independence in 1818? Did the Incan people rule over ancient Mexico? Sort fact from fiction in this journey...
Submarines, Ships, and other Watercraft: Fact or Fiction?
Has a naval vessel reached depths of more than 10,000 meters? Was the first nuclear submarine launched in 1945? Test the...
European History: Fact or Fiction?
Was the euro introduced in 1999? Were the Normans descendants of Vikings? Sort fact from fiction—and euro from Nero—in this...
Warfare: Fact or Fiction?
One may describe a feeling of sadness as being "blue" and cowardice as being "yellow," but did American revolutionaries refer...
Wars Throughout History: Fact or Fiction?
Was The American Civil War fought between East and West? Did the Normans conquer England in 1066? From Hessians to the use...
History Makers: Fact or Fiction?
Was Nikita Khrushchev a tsar of Russia? Sort fact from fiction in this quiz of history makers.
The United States of America: Fact or Fiction?
Was Alaska once ruled by a king? Has an amendment to the U.S. Constitution ever been repealed? Earn your stars and stripes...
World Organizations: Fact or Fiction?
Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization limited to European countries? Is France a member of the Group of Eight? Sort fact...
Prehistory and Origins: Fact or Fiction?
Was the first metal to be worked in prehistory aluminum? Are Homo sapiens the only human species to have existed?...
New or Old: Fact or Fiction?
Is the census a modern invention? Has hemp been grown for centuries? Sort fact from fiction in this quiz of new and old discoveries...
Image Gallery
World History
Never Miss a Day in History
Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

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.
Articles
Louis XVI: execution by guillotine Age of Revolutions
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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.
Articles
Livy Historians
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
branches of the Medici family Historic Dynasties & Families
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
subcategory placeholder Historic Nobility
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
David Livingstone. Global Exploration
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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.
Articles
Kemal Atatürk Military Leaders
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Kindertransport The Modern World
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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.
Articles
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.
Articles
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.
Articles
Britannica Premium
Did you know you're not getting the full Britannica experience? Access unlimited content with none of the ads by becoming a Britannica Premium subscriber.