EXPLORE THE MODERN WORLD
Modern History
Revolutions, industrialization, nationalism, empires and global wars transformed societies on an unprecedented scale. Explore the events and people that shaped the modern world.
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Essential reading
World War I: 1914–1918 Timeline
A year-by-year guide to the July Crisis, trenches, Gallipoli, Verdun, Somme, U.S. entry and the 1918 Armistice.
Great Depression: 1929 Crash & New Deal
From the Wall Street crash and bank failures to mass unemployment, the New Deal and global recovery.
5 Incredible Facts About Napoleon
A quick entry point into Napoleon’s life, rule and historical legacy.
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Revolutions of 1848–1849: Causes, Timeline and Why They Failed
Revolutions of 1848 explained: why uprisings spread through France, Germany, Vienna, Hungary and Italy, the Frankfurt Parliament, their defeat and lasting impact.
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Congress of Vienna (1814–1815): Decisions, Map and Legacy
Congress of Vienna explained: 1814–1815 timeline, Metternich, Talleyrand, balance of power, European map changes, German Confederation, slavery declaration and legacy.
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Spanish American Wars of Independence (1808–1826): Causes and Timeline
Spanish American independence wars explained: Napoleon’s 1808 invasion, Mexico, Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín, Ayacucho, a timeline and the limits of freedom.
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Haitian Revolution (1791–1804): Causes, Toussaint Louverture and Independence
Haitian Revolution explained: causes of the 1791 uprising, abolition, Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Vertières, independence in 1804 and its legacy.
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American Revolution (1763–1783): Causes, Battles and Independence
Why did the American Revolution happen? Causes and taxes, thirteen colonies, battles, Declaration of Independence, Yorktown and the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
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Napoleon Bonaparte: Rise, Empire, Wars and Defeat
How did Napoleon rise from artillery officer to Emperor of the French? Explore his coup, reforms, Napoleonic Code, wars, Russia, Waterloo, exile and death.
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World War I Timeline: 1914–1918, Major Battles and Key Events
Follow World War I from 1914 to 1918 with a complete timeline of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Marne, Gallipoli, Verdun, Somme, U.S. entry, Russian Revolution and Armistice.
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Industrial Revolution: Causes, Inventions and Effects
Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain? Explore its causes, inventions, factories, steam power, railways, child labor, cities and long-term effects.
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French Revolution: Causes, Timeline and Key Events
Why did the French Revolution begin in 1789? Explore its causes, Bastille, Louis XVI, Reign of Terror, Robespierre, timeline and rise of Napoleon.
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The Eiffel Tower Was Supposed to Be Dismantled After 20 Years
The Eiffel Tower was originally expected to stand for only 20 years. Scientific experiments and radio communications helped save it from dismantling.
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The Shortest War in Recorded History Lasted Less Than an Hour
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 27 August 1896 lasted roughly 38 to 45 minutes, depending on how its beginning and end are measured.
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The First World War: Causes, Alliances, and Key Figures
PASSION FOR HISTORY Stories that shaped our world Explore History Latest Historical Facts Contact Search Home / Modern History The First World War: Causes, Alliances, and Key Figures The First World War , also known as the Great War , erupted in 1914 due to a complex web of political, economic, and social tensions. Its…
Stories, people and events that shaped our world. Explore history with context, clarity and curiosity.
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