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, February 16, 2026
French Revolution
French Revolution, revolutionary movement that shook France between 1787 and 1799. It reached its first climax in 1789 when...
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....
Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan was a Mongolian warrior-ruler, one of the most famous conquerors of history, who consolidated tribes into a...
Russian Revolution
Russian Revolution, two revolutions in 1917, the first of which, in February (March, New Style), overthrew the imperial government...
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...
World History Quizzes
Botany Basics: Fact or Fiction?
How much do you know about plants? Test your knowledge of botany with this quiz.
Bovine: Fact or Fiction?
Which country raises the most cattle? Are cape buffalo the same size as elephants? Sort out the facts in this quiz all about...
Boxing Quiz
Boxing first appeared as a formal Olympic event in the 23rd Olympiad (688 BCE). Take a jab at this...
Branches of Genetics
Microbial versus molecular? Behavioral versus evolutionary? Test your knowledge of the branches of genetic study with this...
Bridge Quiz
Where is the longest bridge? Where is the Golden Gate Bridge? Learn about famous bridges as well as world record setting...
Brightest Star in the Solar System
This giant ball of energy regulates our perspective of time, but how much do you really know about the sun? Turn on your...
British Culture and Politics
In what year was King John forced to sign the first Magna Carta? Mercantile theory holds that colonies best serve their mother...
BTS Quiz
BTS started out with a small fan base in South Korea and then became a worldwide sensation. The multitalented group has members...
Buddha and Buddhism
Founded by one man, this religion now inspires millions. Test your "enlightenment" in this quiz about Buddha and Buddhism.
Buffalo or Bison?
What’s the difference between buffalo and bison? Take this quick quiz to find out.
World History Videos
World History Subcategories
Accidents & DisastersNature 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
- Eastland disastermaritime disaster, Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois,...
- Ebola outbreak of 2014–16
- 2010 Haiti earthquake
Age of RevolutionsThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- French Revolution1787–1799
- Meiji RestorationJapanese history
- Haitian RevolutionHaitian history
The Ancient WorldThe 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
- Aegean civilizations
- ancient Egypt
- Cleopatraqueen of Egypt
HistoriansThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Thomas CarlyleBritish essayist and historian
- HerodotusGreek historian
- Ibn KhaldūnMuslim historian
Historic Dynasties & FamiliesThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Medici familyItalian family
- Tang dynastyChinese history
- house of EsteItalian family
Historic NobilityThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Philiplandgrave of Hesse
- Ivan the Terribletsar of Russia
- Saint Alexander Nevskyprince of Russia
Global ExplorationThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Baroque art and architecture
- Ann BancroftAmerican explorer
- European exploration
The Middle AgesThe 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
- CharlemagneHoly Roman emperor [747?–814]
- Middle Ageshistorical era
- Holy Roman Empirehistorical empire, Europe
Military LeadersThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Kemal Atatürkpresident of Turkey
- Oliver CromwellEnglish statesman
- HannibalCarthaginian general [247-c.181 BCE]
The Modern WorldThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Franklin D. Roosevelt32nd president of the United States
- Soviet Unionhistorical state, Eurasia
- Mahatma GandhiIndian leader
Prehistoric AgeThe 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
- Stonehengeancient monument, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom
- Neolithicanthropology
- megalithancient monument
United States HistoryAs 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
- Mexican-American WarMexico-United States [1846–1848]
- United States Presidential Election of 2016United States government
- Louisiana PurchaseUnited States history
Wars, Battles & Armed ConflictsWars, 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
- American Civil WarUnited States history
- Vietnam War1954–1975
- Afghanistan War2001–2014

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