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 10, 2024

What Were Contraband Camps?
Finding freedom as a “contraband of war.”
Attendees of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Funeral
Find out who was who at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral.
9 Mysterious Disappearances of People Other Than Amelia Earhart
People other than Amelia Earhart have disappeared without a trace. Really!
Was Napoleon Short?
Find out if the most-known aspect of Napoleon’s legacy is really true.
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

Which English Words Have Native American Origins?
Which mammal’s English name traces back to an Algonquian word meaning “white animal”? The English name of which antlered...
Women in Power Quiz
Empresses, queens, prime ministers, and more—throughout history there have been many notable women in positions of power....
Emperors and Empresses from Around the (Non-Roman) World Quiz
You may know the emperors of ancient Rome, but do you know emperors and empresses from China, Russia, the Holy Roman Empire,...
Understanding the Titanic Disaster
While the doomed ocean liner Titanic might be the most famous ship in the world, how well do you really know its...
Understanding the Ottoman Empire
What locations were under Ottoman rule? Who were some of the most notable Ottoman leaders? This quiz will test what you know...
Understanding the American Revolution
You may be familiar with the road to the Declaration of Independence, but how much do you know about the war that delivered...
Comprehension Quiz: Cold War
Do you know when the Cold War almost turned hot? Test your knowledge of the
Iconic Faces Quiz
How many of these iconic faces can you identify?
American Mobsters Quiz
For a large chunk of the 1900s, the Mafia had a hand in almost everything in the United States, from gambling to politics....
Who's on that Stamp?
This quiz requires attention—you can't just mail it in.
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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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