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, October 26, 2025
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...
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...
Napoleon I
Napoleon I was a French general, First Consul (1799–1804), emperor of France (1804–1814/15), and one of the most celebrated...
Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution, in modern history, the process of change from an agrarian and handicraft economy to one dominated...
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was a celebrated Roman general and statesman, the conqueror of Gaul (58–50 bce), victor in the civil war of...
World History Quizzes
Basketball Quiz
The only major sport invented in the United States, basketball has become a global phenomenon. Dribble through history with...
Bats: True or False?
Are bats really blind? How many species of bats are there, anyway? See if you can tell fact from fiction in this quiz all...
Bats: What Vampires Don’t Want You To Know
Do you know what bats use to control their wings? Learn about the natural habitats and characteristics of these flying mammals...
Batter Up
You may be familiar with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, but who was the first African American to play major league baseball...
Battlefields and Places of Intrigue in Shakespeare Quiz
“Witness our too much memorable shame,” recalls the French king inHenry V, when a battle at what site “fatally...
Bauhaus
Who founded the Bauhaus school? What was taught there? Test your knowledge about the famous design school with this quiz.
Bear Fruit
Are pears genetically related to apples? Pick from the tree of knowledge and learn more about apples, pears, and kumquats...
Bear in Mind: Fact or Fiction?
Do brown bears live in the southern hemisphere? Do polar bears travel? Sort out the facts in this quiz about bears.
Beatlemania!
The Beatles are one of the most popular music acts of all time. How much do you know about the Fab Four? Test your knowledge...
Beatlemania: Fact or Fiction?
The premier band during the 1960s British Invasion, were The Beatles influenced by Indian music? Test the diversity of your...
World History Videos
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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
- Chernobyl disasternuclear accident, Soviet Union [1986]
- Deepwater Horizon oil spillenvironmental disaster, Gulf of Mexico [2010]
- Great Chicago FireAmerican history
Age of RevolutionsThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Russian RevolutionRussian history [1917]
- Iranian Revolution[1978–1979]
- Mexican Revolution
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
- Han dynastyChinese history
- ancient Romeancient state, Europe, Africa, and Asia
- cuneiformwriting system
HistoriansThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- A.J.P. TaylorBritish historian and journalist
- ThucydidesGreek historian
- Edward GibbonBritish 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
- Ludovico Sforzaduke of Milan
- Louis IVHoly Roman emperor
- Diana, princess of WalesBritish princess
Global ExplorationThis general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
- Meriwether LewisAmerican explorer
- Leif EriksonNorse explorer
- Christopher ColumbusItalian explorer
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
- Norman ConquestBritish history
- Black Deathpandemic, medieval Europe [1347–1351]
- Hundred Years’ WarEngland and France [14th–15th century]
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
- Fidel Castropolitical leader of Cuba
- Tokugawa periodJapanese history
- Nelson Mandelapresident of South Africa
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
- Aurignacian cultureprehistoric technology and art
- Stone Ageanthropology
- prehistoric religion
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
- Spanish-American WarSpain-United States
- assassination of John F. KennedyUnited States history
- Afghanistan War2001–2014
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
- Pacific Wartheater of war, World War II
- Wars of the RosesEnglish history
- Napoleonic WarsEuropean history

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