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, April 15, 2024

A Teen Girl Recalls Juneteenth in the 1950s
The New York Times columnist Charles Blow recounts his mother’s recollections of celebrating Juneteenth as a free-spirited...
What Is an Executive Order?
How does the U.S. president’s primary instrument of executive action work?
World War I
World War I, an international conflict that in 1914–18 embroiled most of the nations of Europe along with Russia, the United...
Cold War
Cold War, the open yet restricted rivalry that developed after World War II between the United States and the Soviet Union...
Renaissance
Renaissance, period in European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages and conventionally held to have been characterized...
Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire, empire created by Turkish tribes in Anatolia (Asia Minor) that grew to be one of the most powerful states...

World History Quizzes

American Civil War: Who Won Which Battles?
While you probably know the Battles of Gettysburg and Antietam, do you remember who were the victors? Take this quiz to test...
Robert Mugabe: Fact or Fiction?
How much do you know about one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders? Test your knowledge with this quiz about Robert Mugabe’s...
Mount Everest
Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, has long been a place of fascination and an alluring draw for climbers and adventure...
Abraham Lincoln
He is arguably the most-popular U.S. president, but how well do you really know Abraham Lincoln? Take our quiz to find out.
African Leaders: Part One
Do you think you can match these African leaders to the countries they’ve led? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
Modern U.S. Political Scandals
How much do you know about political scandals? Test your knowledge of public officials behaving badly.
Salem Witch Trials
Do you know what really happened at the Salem witch trials? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
Match the Battle with the War
Can you tell your Hastings from your Hattin?
African Leaders: Part Two
Do you think you can match these African leaders to the countries they’ve led? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
Which John Adams?
Two U.S. presidents, one name: John Adams. Can you tell the father from the son? Prove it with this quiz.
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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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