1. Education

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.
1960s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1960s, from 1960 to 1969.
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.
1980s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1980s, from 1980 to 1989.
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.
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.
1950s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1950s, from 1950 to 1959.
1970s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1970s, from 1970 to 1979.
1990s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1990s, from 1990 to 1999.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Famous People
An collection of biographies of some of the most famous and important people that shaped the 20th century.
Charles Manson
Historical Importance of Charles Manson: Charles Manson is a convicted serial killer who has become an
1920s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the roaring '20s, from 1920 to 1929.
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.
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.
1940s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1940s, from 1940 to 1949.
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.
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.
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.
1930s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1930s, from 1930 to 1939.
1900s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the first decade of the twentieth century, from 1900 to 1909.
The U.S. Presidents
A list of the U.S. presidents, in order of entering office.
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.
Timeline of the 20th Century
Browse through this history timeline of the 20th century to examine each decade within this amazing century.
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.
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.
World War 2 Timeline
World War 2 (WW2) was a long and bloody war that lasted for six years. Officially beginning on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, World War 2 lasted until both the Germans and the Japanese had surrendered to the Allies in 1945. Find out what happened in this timeline of World War 2.
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.
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.
Concentration Camps Map
A Holocaust map of Eastern Europe showing the locations of Nazi death and concentration camps.
Twins of Auschwitz
Josef Mengele's favorite experiments at Auschwitz were on twins. What did he do and why?
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.
The History of the Swastika
The history of the swastika spans 3,000 years. Does this symbol represent good or evil?
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.
WWI Timeline
World War I (WWI) was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 and ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Find out what happened in between these momentous events in this WWI timeline.
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.
Hillary Climbs Mount Everest
After years of dreaming about it and seven weeks of climbing, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Tenzing Norgay reached the top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953.
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.
Vietnam War Timeline
A wonderful timeline of the history of the Vietnam War.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Versailles Treaty
The Versailles Treaty was the peace settlement between Germany and the Allied Powers that officially ended World War I. However, the conditions in the treaty were so punitive upon Germany that many believe the Versailles Treaty laid the groundwork for the eventual rise of Nazis in Germany and the eruption of World War II.
Fleming Discovers Penicillin
In 1928, bacteriologist Alexander Fleming made a chance discovery. From a contaminated experiment, he found a powerful antibiotic, penicillin.
1910s Timeline
A detailed history timeline of the 1910s, from 1910 to 1919.
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.
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.
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.
Auschwitz Pictures
A large collection of pictures of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
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.
Concentration and Death Camps Chart
A chart of death and concentration camps established by Nazis during World War II.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Russian Revolution of 1917
The Russian Revolution of 1917 changed not only the future of Russia but of the entire world. It toppled a monarchy and brought about the first communist country in the world. Follow the drama of both the February and October Revolutions.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X was a controversial figure during the Civil Rights era. While he advocated for black pride, he also believed in the inherent evil of the white man. Malcolm X didn't believe in integration, which was the goal of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement; instead, he advocated for a separate black community. Find out more about the life of Malcolm X, including how he transitioned from being a criminal in prison to a nationally recognized advocate for the black community.
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.
Stalin
No one was prepared for the brutality that accompanied Stalin's first Five Year Plan, which began in 1928. In an attempt to reorganize industry and agriculture, Stalin's cruel tactics killed millions of his own people.
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.
WW1 Timeline
World War 1 was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 and ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Find out what happened in between these momentous events in this World War 1 timeline.
Trenches in World War I
In World War I, many soldiers were forced to fight in trenches, with horrible conditions such as mud, water, blood, gore, rats, artillery, and more. Find out details about what life in the trenches was like and how trenches were constructed.
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.
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.
History of the Olympics
After 1500 years with no Olympics, the modern Olympic Games were established. Learn how and why the Games began again.
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev was the last General Secretary of the Soviet Union. He brought about massive economic, social, and political changes and helped bring an end to both the Soviet Union and the Cold War. Learn more about this amazing man through this biography.
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.
Saddam Hussein
A profile of Saddam Hussein, the ruthless dictator of Iraq from 1979 until 2003.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lorena Bobbitt Takes Brutal Revenge
Lorena Bobbitt made headlines around the world when she cut off half her husband's penis and threw it out a car window on the night of June 23, 1993. Find out what led up to this brutal act.
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.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe captured the hearts of millions during her short life. Monroe started out a neglected and molested young girl named Norma Jeane Mortenson, but soon became a model, pinup girl, actress, and finally a major movie star. Find out more about the life and death of Marilyn Monroe.
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.
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.
World War II Timeline
World War II (WWII) was a long and bloody war that lasted for six years. Officially beginning on September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, World War II lasted until both the Germans and the Japanese had surrendered to the Allies in 1945. Find out what happened in this timeline 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Bataan Death March
On April 9, 1942, the Battle of Bataan ended with the surrender of 72,000 American and Filipino soldiers to the Japanese. The attempt to transfer these POWs resulted in the bloody Bataan Death March. Learn more about the Bataan Death March.
Chernobyl
On April 26th, 1986, reactor four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, releasing massive amounts of radiation into the environment. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster killed 31 people shortly after the explosion and thousands more have, or are expected to, died from the long-term effects of radiation.
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.
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.
Hitler Commits Suicide
After hearing about the fate of Benito Mussolini, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was determined not to be caught alive. With the Russians enclosing Berlin, Hitler killed himself on April 30, 1945 by swallowing cyanide and shooting himself in the head. Find out more about his underground bunker, his final days, and what happened after that fatal shot.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Mt. St. Helens
On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens erupted, leaving in its wake death and destruction.
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.
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.
Balfour Declaration
The 1917 Balfour Declaration declared that the British favored a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Pol Pot
From 1975 to 1979, Pol Pot, as the leader of the Khmer Rouge, was the dictator of Cambodia. During these five years, Pol Pot attempted to transform Cambodia into an agrarian utopia; however, in attempting to do this, Pol Pot was responsible for creating the Cambodian Genocide, which saw the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million people.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Rosa Parks Refuses to Give Up Her Seat
Rosa Parks was on her way home from work on December 1, 1955 when the bus driver asked her to give up her seat for a new white passenger. Rosa Parks refused. Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and is considered the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
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.
Jim Jones
Historical Importance of Jim Jones: Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple cult, was both charismatic
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mussolini
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, leader of the fascists, gained power during his March on Rome in 1922. His country had many years of peace until Mussolini's ego got the better of him, leading Mussolini to join forces with Hitler. After a number of defeats during World War II, Mussolini lost favor with his countrymen. Mussolini was executed by partisans in 1945.
Jackie Robinson
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history by becoming the very first African American to play in a Major League Baseball team. Find out more about Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier.
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.
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.
Crimes of Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein, the president of Iraq from 1979 until 2003, has gained domestic and international notoriety for torturing and murdering thousands of his own people. These are five of Saddam Hussein's most heinous crimes.
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.
World War I Pictures
A large compilation of World War I pictures, including soldiers in combat, destruction, and injured soldiers.
Nicholas II
Nicholas II was the last czar of Russia. Thrust into the position of czar with no real training, Nicholas made mistake after mistake. Nicholas' inflexibility and seeming disinterest in his own people, pushed Russia into both a revolution and a civil war. In the end, Nicholas was forced to abdicate, ending the monarchy in Russia.
Robert Kennedy Assassination
Just after midnight on June 5, 1968, Palestinian-born Sirhan Sirhan shot presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Find out what happened that night.
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.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to ever fly across the Atlantic Ocean and then also became the first woman to fly solo across it. Her fate remains one of the century's greatest mysteries after she disappeared in 1937 while trying to become the first woman to fly around the world.
First Woman on Supreme Court
On September 25, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor officially became the first woman to be a judge on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was the intense air battle between the Germans and the British over Great Britain's airspace from July 1940 to May 1941, with the heaviest fighting from July to October 1940.
JFK's Man on the Moon Speech
On May 25, 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy stood in front of a joint session of Congress and stated that the United States should set as a goal the 'landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth' by the end of the decade.
World War 1
World War 1 (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.
Silly Putty History
Though invented in 1943 by James Wright, Silly Putty was not placed onto the market as a toy until Peter Hodgson packaged the goo in plastic eggs and sold them in 1950. Learn the history of the accidental invention and surprising marketing of one of the most popular toys of the 20th century.
Terracotta Army Discovered
On March 29, 1974, three farmers stumbled upon one of the greatest archaeological finds of the twentieth century - the discovery of Qin Shihuangdi's ancient terracotta army.
What Did Rosa Parks Do?
What did Rosa Parks do? Rosa parks sparked the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on December 1, 1955. Find out more about why Rosa Parks is famous.
Wright Brothers First Flight
On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made the very first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Find out more about the Wright Brothers, how they made the Flyer, and what happened on that historic day.
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.
Auschwitz Picture - Entrance Sign to Auschwitz That States Arbeit Macht Frei
Picture of the entrance into Auschwitz, the sign that reads: Arbeit Macht Frei.

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