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20th Century History: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (1959-1975) was the prolonged struggle between nationalist forces attempting to unify the country of Vietnam under a communist government and the United States (with the aid of the South Vietnamese) attempting to prevent the spread of communism.
Interesting Olympic Facts
Ever wondered what the five rings on the Olympic flag symbolize? What do gymnasiums have to do with being naked? Find out the answers to these questions plus learn a lot more interesting Olympic facts.
The Holocaust
Whether you are just beginning to learn about the Holocaust or you are looking for more in-depth stories about the subject, this page is for you. You will find basics such as a timeline, a glossary, a map, and pictures plus more in-depth articles on such topics as the yellow star, ghettos, camps, resistance, and much more.
1980s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1980s, from 1980 to 1989.
History of the Olympics
After 1500 years with no Olympics, the modern Olympic Games were established. Learn how and why the Games began again.
1960s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1960s, from 1960 to 1969.
1950s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1950s, from 1950 to 1959.
1990s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1990s, from 1990 to 1999.
1970s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1970s, from 1970 to 1979.
Holocaust Facts
How many people were killed in the Holocaust? What does the word Shoah mean? What was the largest Nazi concentration camp? Learn the answers to these questions plus much more through these 33 Holocaust facts that everyone should know.
The Berlin Wall
On August 13, 1961, the East German government erected the Berlin Wall in order to keep its citizens from fleeing to the West. For 28 years, the Berlin Wall separated West from East and became a symbol of the Cold War. Learn more about the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall.
Famous People
An collection of biographies of some of the most famous and important people that shaped the 20th century.
10 Facts About the Titanic
You may already know that the Titanic hit an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on the night of April 14, 1912 and sunk just over two-and-a-half hours later, but do you know the following ten facts about the Titanic?
Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is considered the father of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi spent twenty years in South Africa working to fight discrimination. It was there that he created his concept of satyagraha. While in India, Gandhi's obvious virtue, simplistic lifestyle, and minimal dress endeared him to the people. He spent his remaining years working diligently to both remove British rule from India as well as to better the lives of India's poorest classes.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression struck the United States with surprising force. It began on October 29, 1929 with the Stock Market Crash and only ended after over a decade of hardship and suffering. Learn more about what caused the Great Depression, what life was like during it, and how it ended.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On August 6, 1945, the United States used its massive, atomic weapon against Hiroshima, Japan. This atomic bomb, the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT, flattened the city, killing tens of thousands of civilians. While Japan was still trying to comprehend this devastation three days later, the United States struck again, this time, on Nagasaki.
Holocaust Pictures
A huge collection of pictures of the Holocaust, including pictures of the concentration camps, death camps, prisoners, children, ghettos, displaced persons, Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing squads), Hitler, and other Nazi officials.
Charles Manson
Historical Importance of Charles Manson: Charles Manson is a convicted serial killer who has become an
Columbine Massacre
On April 20, 1999, in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado, two high-school seniors, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, enacted an all-out assault on Columbine High School during the middle of the school day. Shooting guns and throwing bombs, the two boys killed twelve students and one teacher and injured many more.
Timeline of the 20th Century
Browse through this history timeline of the 20th century to examine each decade within this amazing century.
Great Depression Pictures
A large compilation of pictures from the Great Depression, including pictures of dust storms, farm foreclosures, migrant workers, women and children, unemployed, and breadlines and soup kitchens.
Auschwitz Pictures
A large collection of pictures of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
1900s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the first decade of the twentieth century, from 1900 to 1909.
MLK Assassinated
At 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968, a shot rang out. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who had been standing on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, now lay sprawled on the balcony's floor. What happened that evening?
Hitler Facts
A listing of 34 interesting facts about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Through these Hitler Facts find out more about the man who many consider to have been one of the most evil people in the world.
Concentration Camps Map
A Holocaust map of Eastern Europe showing the locations of Nazi death and concentration camps.
The History of the Swastika
The history of the swastika spans 3,000 years. Does this symbol represent good or evil?
1940s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1940s, from 1940 to 1949.
Flappers
In the 1920s, a new woman was born. She smoked, drank, danced, and voted. She cut her hair, wore make-up, and went to petting parties. She was giddy and took risks. She was a flapper.
Woodstock Festival of 1969
From August 15-18, 1969, 500,000 young people from across the United States converged on Max Yasgur's 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York. They were there to listen to the best rock 'n roll of the time at the Woodstock Festival of 1969.
Twins of Auschwitz
Josef Mengele's favorite experiments at Auschwitz were on twins. What did he do and why?
Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression
The pact signed in 1939 by Germany and the Soviet Union that enabled a one-front war when Germany started World War II.
1920s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the roaring '20s, from 1920 to 1929.
1930s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1930s, from 1930 to 1939.
Stock Market Crash of 1929
After a boom on the stock market that enticed many everyday people to invest their entire savings, the stock market crashed on October 29, 1929.
Pearl Harbor Facts
Finding out the basics facts about Pearl Harbor can often be troublesome. Hopefully you will find what you are looking for here for this collection of Pearl Harbor facts should prove both informational and interesting.
Prohibition
Prohibition was the period in United States history in which the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors was outlawed. It was a time characterized by speakeasies, glamour, and gangsters and a period of time in which even the average citizen broke the law.
Empire State Building Trivia
Ever wondered how many stairs are in the Empire State Building? Or how many windows there are? Find out the answers to these questions plus learn a lot more interesting Empire State Building facts.
Anne Frank
During the two years and one month that Anne Frank spent hiding in a Secret Annex in Amsterdam during World War II, she kept a diary of her experiences. Discover more about Anne Frank in this profile of her life.
Vietnam War Pictures
A large compilation of pictures of the Vietnam War, including combat action, life in the jungle, wounded, P.O.W.s, entertainers, tanks, helicopters, and ships.
Rwanda Genocide
Beginning on April 6, 1994, Hutus began slaughtering the Tutsis in the African country of Rwanda. As the brutal killings continued, the world stood idly by and just watched the slaughter. Lasting 100 days, the Rwanda genocide left approximately 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu sympathizers dead.
1910s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1910s, from 1910 to 1919.
World War II Starts
No one wanted war. Yet, when Germany attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, other European countries felt they had to act. The result was six long years of World War II. Learn more about what led to Germany's aggression and how other countries reacted.
Vietnam War Timeline
A wonderful timeline of the history of the Vietnam War.
Hitler Pictures
A large collection of pictures of Hitler, including pictures of Hitler giving the Nazi salute, as a soldier in World War I, official portraits, standing with other Nazi officials, wielding an axe, attending Nazi Party rallies, and much more.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was one of the most important artists of pop art, which became extremely popular in the second half of the twentieth century. Though he is best remembered for his paintings of Campbell's soup cans, he also created hundreds of other works including commercial advertisements and films.
Saddam Hussein
A profile of Saddam Hussein, the ruthless dictator of Iraq from 1979 until 2003.
Auschwitz
Auschwitz, one of the five death camps constructed by the Nazis, was the most streamlined mass killing center ever created. At Auschwitz, 1.1 million people were murdered. Learn more about Auschwitz: where it was located, when it was established, selection, the gas chambers, life within the camp, medical experiments, liberation, and more.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise air attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. After just two hours of bombing, more than 2,400 Americans were dead, 21 ships had either been sunk or damaged, and more than 188 U.S. aircraft destroyed. Find out more about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
First Test-Tube Baby
On July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown, the world's first successful test-tube baby was born. Though the technology that made her conception possible was heralded as a triumph, it also caused many to consider the possibilities of future ill-use.
Adolf Hitler
Known as one of the most evil people in history, Adolf Hitler was responsible for World War II and the Holocaust. Learn more about Hitler through this biography.
Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa was a Mexican revolutionary leader who advocated for the poor and wanted agrarian reform. Though he was a killer, a bandit, and a revolutionary leader, many remember him as a folk hero.
Oklahoma City Bombing
At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, a large bomb decimated the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people.
Fleming Discovers Penicillin
In 1928, bacteriologist Alexander Fleming made a chance discovery. From a contaminated experiment, he found a powerful antibiotic, penicillin.
Tet Offensive
On January 30, 1968, the Communist North Vietnamese troops and the Viet Cong staged a major offensive against the cities and towns of South Vietnam. The Tet Offensive, as this became known, was a major turning point in the Vietnam War.
Bonnie and Clyde
From 1932 to 1934, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, mostly commonly known just as Bonnie and Clyde, were a young couple who went on a two-year crime rampage that included bank robberies, car theft, and murder. Their lives and their crime spree ended abruptly when police succeeded in ambushing them; Bonnie and Clyde died in their car from multiple gunshot wounds on May 23, 1934.
Tomb of King Tut Found!
In November 1922, Howard Carter discovered not just an unknown ancient Egyptian tomb, but one that had lain nearly undisturbed for over 3,000 years. What lay within King Tut's tomb astounded the world.
Ronald Reagan
Republican Ronald Reagan became the oldest President elected when he took office as the 40th president of the United States. He served two terms as President, from 1981 to 1989. Learn more about this influential man through this biography.
Concentration and Death Camps Chart
A chart of death and concentration camps established by Nazis during World War II.
First Man on the Moon
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the very first man to walk on the moon. Learn more about the amazing Apollo 11 mission that sent the first man to the moon.
Elizabeth Becomes Queen
After suffering from lung cancer for several years, King George VI died in his sleep on February 6, 1952 at age 56. Upon his death, his oldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, became queen. Elizabeth was 25 years old.
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is often referred to as the greatest baseball player who ever lived. In 22 seasons, Babe Ruth hit a record 714 home runs. Many of Babe Ruth's numerous records for both pitching and hitting lasted for decades. Learn more about one of the most famous athletes of all time.
Al Capone
Al Capone was a notorious gangster who ran an organized crime syndicate in Chicago during the 1920s. Capone, who was both charming and charitable as well as powerful and vicious, became an iconic figure of the successful American gangster. Find out more about this fascinating man in this biography of Al Capone.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales was what some have called the People's Princess. Her life seemed like a fairytale until the realities of depression and a royal marriage were exposed. She spent much of her time helping comfort people who were dying and supporting causes that would end AIDS and the use of landmines. Her death not only shocked the world, it caused many to examine the extremes of paparazzi and the public's fascination with celebrities.
Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill spoke at a small college in Fulton, Missouri. This famous speech, officially called The Sinews of Peace but more commonly called the Iron Curtain speech, described the split of Europe into democratic and Communist spheres.
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, the British passenger ship, the Lusitania, was sunk by a German U-boat. The high death toll shocked the world and the loss of American citizens swayed public opinion in the United States in favor of joining World War I.
Empire State Building
When the Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931, it was the tallest building in the world. How did this gigantic icon get built? It started with a race to the sky.
Auschwitz Picture - Large Pile of Brushes at Auschwitz
Picture of a large pile of brushes that were confiscated from arriving prisoners in Auschwitz.
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Here is the complete text of the 18th Amendment.
Boxer Rebellion
In 1900, a group known as the Boxers murdered thousands of foreigners, especially missionaries, in an attempt to rid China of all foreign influence.
Chernobyl
At 1:23 a.m. on April 26th, reactor four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, releasing more than a hundred times the radiation of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Thirty-one people died shortly after the explosion and thousands more will die from the long-term effects of radiation.
King Edward VIII Abdicated
King Edward was in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, not only an American, but also a married woman already once divorced. Yet, in order to marry the woman he loved, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne - and he did.
Hitler's Family Tree
Did you know that Adolf Hitler had a sister named Paula? Or that Hitler had four other siblings that died in their youth? Take a close look at Hitler's family tree and find out all sorts of interesting tidbits.
History of Oreo Cookies
Since Oreo cookies debuted in 1912, over 362 billion have been sold, making them the best-selling cookie in the United States.
Mt. St. Helens
On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupted, leaving in its wake death and destruction.
Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103
On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board as well as 11 on the ground. Though it was almost immediately evident that a bomb had caused the disaster, it took more than eleven years to bring anyone to trial. What happened to the plane? Why would someone plant a bomb on Flight 103? Why did it take eleven years to have a trial?
Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes
A collection of quotes by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. about justice, equality, life, law, freedom, peace, discrimination, and love.
Battles of World War II
There were numerous battles in World War II. Some of these battles lasted only days while others took months or years. Some of the battles were notable for the material losses such as tanks or aircraft carriers while others were notable for the number of human losses. Although this is not a comprehensive list of all battes of WWII, it is a list of the major battles of World War II.
Typhoid Mary
Typhoid Mary had no idea that she was infected with the disease yet her work as a cook infected many. Find out all about Typhoid Mary and why authorities had a difficult time capturing Mary.
Rwanda Genocide Timeline
In 1994, the Rwanda Genocide resulted in the deaths of 800,000 Tutsi and Hutu sympathizers. Learn more about the genocide by browsing this Rwanda Genocide timeline, which shows the history of Rwanda from its first European colonization to the end of the genocide.
Murder of Rasputin
To save the monarchy, several members of the Russian aristocracy attempted to murder Rasputin. On the night of December 16-17, 1916, they tried to kill the holy man. The plan was simple. Yet on that fateful night, the conspirators found that Rasputin would be very difficult to kill.
WWI Pictures
A large compilation of World War I pictures, including soldiers in combat, destruction, and injured soldiers.
Hillary Climbs Mt. Everest
After years of dreaming about it and seven weeks of climbing, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Tenzing Norgay reached the top of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953.
The Jonestown Massacre
The Jonestown Massacre shocked the world. On November 18, 1978, Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple cult, instructed his followers to commit revolutionary suicide. After an attack on a U.S. Congressman, the group drank poisoned punch. Learn more about Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple, and what drove these people to mass suicide at Jonestown.
Munich Massacre
The Munich Massacre was a terrorist attack during the 1972 Olympic Games. Eight Palestinian terrorists killed two members of the Israeli Olympic team and then took nine others hostage. The situation was ended by a huge gunfight that left five of the terrorists and all of the nine hostages dead.
The Yellow Star
The yellow star, inscribed with the word Jude, has become a symbol of Nazi persecution. Discover the history of the badge and learn how the visual labeling of Jews led to organized persecution.
World War I
World War I (1914-1919), was an extremely bloody war, with huge losses of life and little ground lost or won. Fought mostly by soldiers in trenches, World War I saw an estimated 10 million military deaths.
Sinking of the Titanic
On the night of April 14, 1912, the luxurious ocean liner Titanic hit an iceberg. Just over two hours later, the Titanic sank, losing 1,517 lives. Find out the full story of the sinking of the Titanic.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is one of the most famous boxers of all time. His conversion to Islam and draft evasion conviction surrounded him with controversy and even exile from boxing for three years. Despite the hiatus, his quick reflexes and strong punches helped Muhammad Ali become the first person in history to win the heavyweight champion title three times. After his retirement from boxing, Muhammad Ali has struggled with Parkinson's syndrome.
St. Valentines Day Massacre
On the morning of St. Valentine's Day in 1929, seven men were gunned down in cold blood in a garage in Chicago. The massacre, orchestrated by Al Capone, shocked the nation by its brutality and made Capone a national celebrity.
Disneyland Opens
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened. Children and adults alike were able to enter the magical land and leave their problems behind while they enjoyed rides and shows in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.
Japanese Soldier Surrenders
Unaware that World War II had ended, Lt. Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese army spent 30 years hiding on the remote Philippine island of Lubang. After years of living in a jungle surviving on coconuts and bananas, Onoda finally surrendered in 1974.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Franklin D. Roosevelt led the United States during both the Great Depression and World War II. Paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a bout of polio, Roosevelt overcame his disability and was elected President of the United States an unprecedented four times.
Curse of the Hope Diamond
According to the legend, a curse befell the large, blue diamond when it was stolen from an idol in India - a curse that foretold bad luck and death not only for the owner of the diamond but for all who touched it. Is there really a curse? Where has the Hope diamond been? Why was such a valuable gem donated to the Smithsonian?
Vietnam War Picture - Machine Gunner and a Rifleman From the 5th Marine Regiment Fire at the Enemy
Picture of a machine gunner and a rifleman firing at the enemy near the Demilitarized Zone in Vietnam.
War of the Worlds Radio Show
On Sunday, October 30, 1938, millions of radio listeners were shocked when radio news alerts announced the arrival of Martians. They panicked when they learned of the Martians' ferocious and seemingly unstoppable attack on Earth.
James Dean Dies in Accident
On September 30, 1955, movie star James Dean was driving his new Porsche 550 Spyder when he hit another car nearly head-on. James Dean, only 24-years-old, died in the crash.
Balfour Declaration
The 1917 Balfour Declaration declared that the British favored a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
5 Things Don't Know Anne Frank
You have read her diary and you know her story. But do you know these five things about Anne Frank and her diary?
10 Things About Einstein
Most people know that Albert Einstein was a famous scientist who came up with the formula E=mc2. But do you know these ten things about this genius?
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was a businessman, a movie producer, and an aviator; however, he is perhaps best remembered for spending his later years as an eccentric, reclusive billionaire.
Henry Ford
Henry Ford became an icon of a self-made man. He began life as a farmer's son and quickly became rich and famous. Although an industrialist, Ford remembered the common man. He designed the Model T for the masses, installed a mechanized assembly line to make production cheaper and faster, and instituted the $5 per day pay rate for his workers. Learn more about this complicated man, from his birth to his death.
Anne Frank Goes Into Hiding
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942, which was ten days than they had planned.
FDR Memorial in Washington D.C.
For the first time in over half a century, a new presidential memorial was built in Washington D.C. Find out more about the 7.5 acre memorial that honors Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Auschwitz Picture - Gas Chamber in Auschwitz
Picture of the entrance to the gas chamber in Auschwitz I.
Auschwitz Picture - Entrance Sign to Auschwitz That States Arbeit Macht Frei
Picture of the entrance into Auschwitz, the sign that reads: Arbeit Macht Frei.
Fidel Castro
In 1959, Fidel Castro took control of Cuba by force and remained its dictatorial leader for nearly five decades. As the leader of the only communist country in the Western Hemisphere, Castro has been the focus of international controversy. Find out more about Castro in this biography.
1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic
In three waves, the Spanish flu spread quickly, killing an estimated 50 million to 100 million people around the world.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller was just like any other young child until she came down with a nearly fatal disease at the age of 19 months. Although she survived the illness, it left her both deaf and blind. She was able to escape a life of loneliness and despair only because her teacher, Annie Sullivan, taught her how to communicate. Learn more about the life of Helen Keller and the many obstacles she faced.
Albert Einstein
As a 26-year-old patent clerk, Albert Einstein revolutionized science in 1905 when he published five new theories, including the theory of relativity. Although it took several years for the scientific community to recognize Einstein's genius, he eventually became the most famous scientist of the twentieth century.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Pictures
A large compilation of pictures of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including pictures of the bombing, destruction, and victims.
First Credit Card
Though the concept of credit has existed longer even than money, it wasn't until 1950 that the modern credit card was invented.
The Mona Lisa Was Stolen!
It was unbelievable -- someone stole the most famous painting in the world. Follow this two year long caper that shocked the world.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Catholic order of nuns dedicated to helping the poor. Begun in Calcutta, India, the Missionaries of Charity grew to help the poor, the dying, orphans, lepers, and AIDS sufferers in over a hundred countries. Mother Teresa's selfless effort to help those in need has caused many to regard her as a model humanitarian. Learn more about this amazing woman through this biography of Mother Teresa.
Pictures of Roosevelt
A large compilation of pictures of Franklin D. Roosevelt, including pictures of Roosevelt as a young boy, on a boat, spending time with Eleanor, sitting at his desk, giving speeches, and talking with Winston Churchill.
100 Famous African-Americans
African-American men and women have made great contributions to American society throughout the 20th century. In this article, you will find a listing of 100 African Americans who truly achieved greatness by either advancing civil rights or making major impacts in science, government, sports, or entertainment.
1948 Olympic Games
After the end of World War II, the Olympics resumed in 1948 in London. Although athletes were asked to bring their own food, the 1948 Olympics were extremely popular.
Kent State Shootings
On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen fired upon an already dispersed crowd of student protesters, killing four and wounding nine others, at Kent State.
Empire State Building Crash
At 9:49 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building. Find out why the bomber crashed and what happened to the Empire State Building.
Dachau Pictures
Pictures of the first Nazi concentration camp, built in 1933, called Dachau.
D-Day Pictures
A large compilation of pictures of D-Day, including preparation, crossing the English Channel, landing on the beaches at Normandy, and casualties.
Reagan Assassination Attempt
On March 30, 1981, 25-year-old John Hinckley Jr. opened fire on U.S. President Ronald Reagan just outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. President Reagan was hit by one bullet, which punctured his lung. Find out more about the Reagan assassination attempt.
Auschwitz Picture - Execution Wall Next to Block 11
Picture of the execution wall next to Block 11 in the Auschwitz I camp after liberation.
Russian Revolution Timeline
Follow the events of the Russian Revolution of 1917 as they unfolded in this timeline of the Russian Revolution.
Youngest U.S. Presidents
Who is the youngest President in U.S. history? Who was the next youngest? Have fun exploring this list of the youngest U.S. Presidents.
TIME's Man of the Year List
Since 1927, TIME Magazine has chosen a man, woman, or idea that for better or worse, has most influenced events in the preceding year. View the listing of TIME's picks over the decades.
Auschwitz Picture - Door to a Gas Chamber in Auschwitz
Picture of a door to a gas chamber in Auschwitz.: nazi war crimes auschwitz photos photos of the holocaust ushmm photo archives holocaust index
Eleanor Roosevelt Pictures
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. Although she at first came to public attention because she was married to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor herself became a strong, influential personality during and after Franklin's years in office. Learn more about this tall first lady (she was 5 feet 11 inches tall!) by browsing this collection of historic pictures of Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Beatles
The Beatles shaped not only music but also an entire generation. People mimicked all that they did, including haircuts, clothing, and outlook. Learn more about John, Paul, George, and Ringo and how they came to be The Beatles.
1908 Olympic Games
The 1908 Olympic Games were relocated from Rome to London. The 1906 Olympics marked a number of firsts: the first opening ceremony, first time diving added as an event, and first time the distance of a marathon officially established.
Pearl Harbor Pictures
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The surprise attack destroyed much of the United States' fleet, especially the battleships. This collection of pictures of Pearl Harbor includes pictures of planes caught on the ground, battleships burning and sinking, explosions, and bomb damage.
Jim Jones
Historical Importance of Jim Jones: Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple cult, was both charismatic
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was both a music legend and a movie star. He had charisma, looked sexy, and always had a sense of humor. Elvis wowed his audiences and ultimately became an icon of the 20th century. Learn more about this amazingly talented man through this biography of Elvis Presley.
Laika
At the very beginning of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Soviets successfully launched Sputnik 2 with Laika the dog on board. Laika became the very first living creature to enter orbit. Learn more about this cute, little dog's journey and how she paved the way for human space exploration.
The Number of Jews Killed During the Holocaust by Country
A chart showing the number of Jews who died in each country during the Holocaust
Peace Symbol Created
The peace symbol, the circle with three lines within it, was originally designed in 1958 by British artist Gerald Holtom. Learn more about the history of the peace symbol.
Sobibor: Life and Death
The Sobibor Death Camp, located in Sobibor, Poland, was the second of three death camps to be established as part of Aktion Reinhard. Within the Sobibor Death Camp, in operation for only eighteen months, at least 250,000 men, women, and children were murdered. Only 48 Sobibor prisoners survived the war.
Triange Shirtwaist Fire
The fire at the Triangle Waist Company factory in New York City on March 25, 1911 killed 146 workers. The large number of deaths exposed the dangerous conditions in high-rise factories and prompted the creation of new building, fire, and safety codes around the United States.
Nobel Prize History
A newspaper mistakenly ran an obituary for Alfred Nobel which called him the merchant of death. Not wanting to go down in history with such a horrible epitaph, Nobel created a will that shocked his relatives but established the Nobel Prizes.
Clyde's Letter to Henry Ford
On April 10, 1934, Clyde Barrow wrote a letter to Henry Ford thanking him for the wonderful cars he builds. Learn more about the letter and why cars were so important to Clyde.
Gypsies and the Holocaust
The Gypsies of Europe were registered, sterilized, ghettoized, and then deported to concentration and death camps by the Nazis. Approximately 250,000 to 500,000 Gypsies were murdered during the Holocaust - an event they call the Porajmos.
1972 Olympic Games
The 1972 Olympic Games will probably be best remembered for the murder of eleven Israeli Olympians.
Titanic Timeline
A timeline of the fateful first and last voyage of the RMS Titanic, including dates about the Titanic's construction and its sinking.
Holocaust Picture - Naked Jewish Women, Some of Whom are Holding Infants, Wait in a Line Before Their Execution by Ukrainian Auxilliary Police
Picture of naked Jewish women, some of whom are holding infants, wait in a line before their execution by Ukrainian auxilliary police.
The "Fatty" Arbuckle Scandal
In 1921, Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle was arrested and tried for the murder of a young starlet named Virginia Rappe. The public was against him but the jurors could find no evidence. Find out more about this Hollywood scandal.
Cult Compound in Waco Raided
On April 19, 1993, after a 51-day siege, the ATF and the FBI attempted to force David Koresh and the other remaining Branch Davidians out of their Waco, Texas compound. However, when the cult members refused to leave the buildings after being tear gassed, the buildings went up in a blaze and all but nine died in the fire.
Castro Becomes Cuban Dictator
After several years of challenging Batista, Fidel Castro finally succeeded in ousting Batista from Cuba after two years of guerilla warfare. In 1959, Fidel Castro became the leader of Cuba, a position he has held for over four decades.
Color TV Introduced
On June 25, 1951, CBS broadcast the very first commercial color TV program. The problem, however, was that nearly no one could watch it on their black-and-white televisions. Find out more about the first color TV program.
List of the Olympic Games
A year-by-year overview of all the modern Olympic Games.
The Red Baron
Baron Manfred von Richthofen liked to fly in a blazing red airplane and shoot down plane after plane. With 80 credited victories, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron, defied the odds and became a legend in the air.

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