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This Week's Hot Historical Topics

This Week's Hot Historical Topics

📚 19th-Century Predictions

Is history repeating itself? A bizarre 19th-century series predicts modern politics. It’s going viral again!

Discover the connection ➡️

🏰 Museums Go Viral

History meets memes! The Royal Armouries are rocking Gen Z slang in a hilarious viral video. Who knew history could be this fun?

Watch the video 🔥

💄 Vintage Cosmetics

Old-school beauty is back in action! Vintage makeup is having a major comeback. Who would’ve thought?

Learn more about it 💋

⚛️ Who Split the Atom?

Atomic drama! A fierce debate is happening over who truly split the atom first. Was it Rutherford or the Americans?

Find out who's claiming victory ⚡

Feature

Environmental History

Environmental history is a multidisciplinary field that delves into the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world throughout history. It investigates how the environment has shaped human societies and how human actions, in turn, have transformed the environment. By exploring this interconnected past, historians seek to uncover the intricate ties between nature and culture and how they have evolved over time. Discover our latest article, where we journey through the origins of modern environmentalism and explore innovative green solutions for a sustainable future.

Articles 

The Controversy of the Koh-I-Noor

Uncover the captivating history of the world's most debated and controversial diamond.

 

 

LGBTQ+ in Hidden Figures in History

Discover the untold stories of the LGBTQ+ community in this exclusive installment of our Hidden Histories series.

 

Discovering Ancient Food Recipes

Ever wondered what it was like to dine in ancient times? Take a journey through history with our article and explore the flavors of the past in our culinary time machine. 

Trending

From Scrolls to E-books: A Journey Through Reading Technology

The Dark side to the Industrial Revolution

Medieval Trade Routes and Their Global Legacy

What happened in history this month?

January

On January 1, 1660 Samuel Pepys started his renowned diary, documenting life in London, including events like the Great Plague of 1664-65 and the Great Fire of 1666.

 

On January 1st 1877, Queen Victoria was declared Empress of India.

 

On January 1st  1959,  Fidel Castro took control in Cuba following a revolution that ousted Dictator Fulgencio Batista, subsequently establishing a Communist regime.

 

On January 1st  1999, Eleven European countries commenced using the Euro as their new single currency for electronic financial and business transactions. These countries included Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

 

On January 19th  1966, Indira Gandhi was elected as the prime minister of India, succeeding Lal Shastri. She held office until 1975 and returned to power from 1980 until her assassination in 1984 by her own bodyguards. Following her death, her only surviving son, Rajiv, took on the role of prime minister. 

 

On January 30th, 1933,  Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler went on to become the leader of Nazi Germany. He then waged a war in Europe, seeing the deaths of an estimated 50 million persons through military conflict and through the Holocaust.

February

On February 1st, 1901, the royal yacht Alberta carried the body of Queen Victoria into Portsmouth Harbour. The Queen, who passed away at the age of 82 on January 22 at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, was being transported for her funeral in London the following day.

 

On February 8th, 1587, Mary Queen of Scots, was executed on the orders of her cousin, England’s Queen Elizabeth I.

 

On February 11th, 1975, Margaret Thatcher, famously nicknamed "The Iron Lady," became the first female leader of the British Conservative Party.

 

On February 16th, 1659, Britain saw the first recorded use of a cheque when Mr. Nicholas Vanacker used it to settle a debt.

 

On February 21st, 1804, British engineer Richard Trevithick showcased the first steam engine designed to run on rails, marking a groundbreaking moment in railway history.

 

On February 26th, 1797, the Bank of England issued its very first one-pound note. This was partly prompted by the panic in London caused by the French invasion of Fishguard. 

 

March

On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy threw down the gauntlet with a signature, launching the Peace Corps! This program sent American volunteers globetrotting to spread education, health, and development knowdledge worldwide.

 

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made history with the very first telephone call to his sidekick, Thomas Watson. He uttered the now-legendary words: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” And just like that, the telecom revolution kicked off!

 

On March 15, 44 BCE in a plot twist straight out of a drama, Roman ruler Julius Caesar met his untimely end, thanks to a not-so-friendly group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius. This shocking moment sent the Roman Republic spiraling down and paved the way for Augustus and the glorious Roman Empire!

 

On March 25, 1957, six European nations—Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany—got together for a signature party, signing the Treaty of Rome! This was a major stepping stone toward the European Union we know and love today!

 

On March 30, 1981,in a nail-biting moment, President Ronald Reagan faced an assassination attempt outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, courtesy of John Hinckley Jr. Luckily, the bullet dodged his heart, and after a dramatic emergency surgery, he lived to tell the tale, leading to tighter security for future presidents!

April

 

On April 4, 1968, the world lost a legend when civil rights champion Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated in Memphis, igniting a fierce wave of protests and demands for justice.

 

On April 12, 1961, when cosmic history was made as Soviet space hero Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth aboard Vostok 1, giving the Space Race a stellar boost!

 

On April 14, 1865, the nation held its breath as President Abraham Lincoln was shot by the infamous John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in D.C., leading to heartbreak the following day.

 

On April 15, 1912, was a day of doom when the RMS Titanic met an iceberg in the chilly North Atlantic, claiming the lives of over 1,500 souls—talk about a tragic voyage!

 

On April 26, 1986, chaos erupted in Ukraine as a reactor explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant kicked off one of the worst nuclear disasters ever, leaving a lasting mark on the environment and public health.

 

May

 

On May 1, 1886, Workers across the United States protested for an eight-hour workday. The movement led to the Haymarket Riot in Chicago, where a bomb explosion resulted in violent clashes, shaping the labor rights movement.

 

On May 7, 1915, A German U-boat torpedoed the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, killing 1,198 people, including Americans. This event increased tensions between the U.S. and Germany, contributing to America’s entry into World War I.

 

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Celebrations erupted worldwide as the long war in Europe finally concluded.

 

On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was officially declared, marking the end of British rule in Palestine. The announcement led to immediate conflict as neighboring Arab states opposed its creation, sparking the first Arab-Israeli War.

 

On May 25, 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous speech urging America to land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade. This commitment led to the Apollo program and the historic Moon landing in 1969.

 

June

 

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, landing on the beaches of Normandy, France. This marked the turning point of World War II in Europe, leading to the liberation of Nazi-occupied territories.

 

On June 12, 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech in West Berlin, urging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle the Berlin Wall. The speech became a symbol of the Cold War’s end and the push for German reunification.

 

On June 16, 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space aboard Vostok 6. Her historic flight paved the way for future female astronauts and highlighted the Soviet Union’s advancements in space exploration.

 

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the last enslaved people in the U.S. The date is now celebrated as Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in America.

 

On June 28, 1914 the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip. This event set off a chain reaction that led to the outbreak of World War I.

 

July

On July 5, 1687, Sir Isaac Newton shook up the science scene with his mind-blowing "Principia," spilling the beans on his epic laws of motion and gravity.

 

Fast forward to July 2, 1644, when the Battle of Marston Moor kicked off, giving the English Parliamentarians a high-five in the Civil War.

 

Then boom! July 4, 1776, the United States ditched British rule with Thomas Jefferson's mic-drop Declaration of Independence, sparking the epic party we now call Independence Day.

 

Turning the clock to July 1, 1916, the Battle of the Somme went down as a dark chapter in World War I, with the British Army facing a gut-wrenching loss of 20,000 heroes in one brutal showdown.

August

On August 6th and 9th 1945, the U.S. dropped a mind-blowing atomic bomb on Hiroshima during the chaos of World War II. The colossal blast tragically snatched away about 80,000 lives in an instant. Just three days later, another bomb hit Nagasaki, nudging Japan to throw in the towel.

 

India throws the ultimate bash on August 15th each year. Back in 1947, after nearly a century of British rule, they finally broke free! The Indian Independence Act of July 18, 1947, set the stage for a brand new Indian nation, and the rest is history. It's a day filled with pride, honoring the epic journey of the Indian Independence Movement.

 

Meanwhile, Pakistan pops the confetti as it marks the birth of its own sovereign nation, cutting ties with the United Kingdom. Thanks to the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Pakistan was born, with West Pakistan (hello, present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in tow. The Pakistan Movement, led by the legendary Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League, were the true heroes of this historic tale.

 

On August 1944, the Nazis discovered the hiding place of 15-year-old Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family and were sent to concentration camps. The only surviving family member as Ann's father Otto Frank.

September

On September 2, 1666, the Great Fire of London erupted in a bakery on Pudding Lane near London Bridge. Fueled by winds, it turned into an uncontrollable blaze, rampaging through the city.

 

On September 1, 1939, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany invaded neighboring Poland, triggering World War II.

 

World War II finally concluded on September 2 in 1945, with Japan’s surrender.

 

Black September refers to two historical events:

 

Jordanian Civil War (1970):

This conflict was also known as Black September, occurred between Jordan, led by King Hussein, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), led by Yasser Arafat. The fighting took place in September when Jordanian military fought against Palestine guerrillas, which saw thousands of people killed and the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan. 

 

Black September Organization (BSO):

Black September was named after the Jordanian Civil War, this militant faction of the Palestinian organisation Fatah was formed in 1971, the organisation is know for the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre. 

October

On October 1, 1207, King Henry III was born at Winchester Castle. He ascended the throne at the tender age of nine after the death of his father, King John, in 1216. Henry's reign was marked by a long period of rebuilding and consolidation following the tumultuous years of his father's rule. He was known for his deep religious faith, which influenced many of his decisions throughout his reign.

 

In 1911 the first escalator opened in Earl Court London. It was an engineering marvel of its time, sparking both curiosity and excitement among the public. The moving staircase, a novel concept, promised to revolutionize the way people navigated large buildings, offering a glimpse into the future of urban transit.

 

On 31st October 1922, Benito Mussolini assumed the role of prime minister of Italy, marking him as the first of Europe’s fascist dictators in the 20th century.

 

On 2nd October 1925, the first television transmission of a moving image is made by the Scottish inventor John Logie Baird.

 

On 31st October 1926 Harry Houdini died from a stomach injury. He remains a celebrated figure in magic and entertainment. Renowned for his escape acts, such as freeing himself from underwater shackles and sealed coffins, he captivated audiences and cemented his status as the ultimate escape artist.

November

 

On November 2, 1936, the British Broadcasting Corporation kicked off the world’s very first regular TV service, and guess what? A whopping 100 curious TV owners tuned in for the big show!

 

On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth—who would wear the crown as Queen Elizabeth II—tied the knot with her cousin, Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (the Duke of Edinburgh), in a royal bash at Westminster Abbey! Talk about a family reunion with a crown jewel twist!

 

On November 22, 1963, the world grieves the shocking announcement of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas.

 

On November 25, 1984, a fabulous flock of rock stars, dubbed Band Aid, gathered at Sarm Studios in London to belt out "Do They Know It's Christmas." Their mission? To sprinkle some holiday magic by directing all proceeds to help tackle the Ethiopian famine! Talk about a star-studded charity jam!

 

 

December

On the 24th December 1508, London houses receive piped water again for the first time in over a thousand years, since the departure of the Romans.

 

On the 20th December 1803, The United States doubles in size when it acquired 88831,321 square miles of land from France for $15 million, this is known as The Louisiana Purchase.

 

On the 10th December 1901, The first Nobel Peace Prizes were awarded worth $30,000 each. Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, had died five years earlier leaving the fortune he had amassed from his invention of dynamite, to the awarding foundation.

 

On the 23rd December, 1922 the world’s first regular entertainment radio broadcasts are transmitted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

 

On the  11th December 1936, Britain’s King Edward VIII renounces the throne in a radio broadcast to the nation. After the broadcast he boarded a ship to set off into the sunset with the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson in France.

Era's

Peek into our time-travel guide of epic historical periods, uncovering ancient lifestyles and sparking fresh ideas for your own research journey!

Whether you're fascinated by the grandeur of ancient Rome, the mystique of India, or the wisdom of classical Greece, our guide offers a treasure trove of insights. Imagine strolling through the bustling markets of medieval Europe, or witnessing the dawn of the Renaissance, with its explosion of art and science.

Each chapter is meticulously researched, providing vivid descriptions and intriguing anecdotes that bring history to life. You'll find detailed timelines, cultural highlights, and key figures that shaped each era. 

Let your curiosity lead the way as you delve into the rich tapestry of human history. Whether you're a seasoned historian or a passionate amateur, there's something here to inspire every researcher. Happy time traveling!

Roman Era (Roman Kingdom 753-509 BC, Roman Republic 509-27 BC, Roman Empire 27 BC-476 AD)

 

Let's journey back to a time of epic wins and mind-blowing makeovers that totally rocked history! Imagine the jaw-dropping wonders like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, proving that the Romans were the ultimate bosses of creativity and construction. With the empire expanding, they brought together a melting pot of cultures, languages, and ideas.

Their legal system was all about fairness and order, laying down the law for societies even today. And those roads and aqueducts? Total game-changers for trade, communication, and zooming armies around, making the world seem a lot smaller.

Arts and culture were booming too, with poets like Virgil and Ovid shaping Western lit like pros. Roman art was everywhere, from grand sculptures to intricate mosaics, capturing the beauty of both gods and everyday life. And let's not forget the drama in politics! From the Republic to the Empire, leaders like Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine were the OG influencers, juggling power and drama like it was nobody's business, leaving behind tales that still give us all the feels. The Roman Era was like a blockbuster movie, shaping the very core of Western civilization and leaving behind a legacy that still echoes in every corner of the modern world.

 

Georgian Era (1830-1837)

The Georgian era was a glorious mash-up of fancy-pants luxury and out-of-this-world inventiveness! The Georgian era was like a carnival ride of change, mixing up society, politics, and culture in a big ol' melting pot.

Think huge mansions straight out of a fairytale, and public buildings that screamed "Look at me, I'm symmetrical and oh-so-pretty!" Fashion was a whole other level of extra, with folks decking themselves out in gear that practically shouted, "I've got cash and status!" Wigs, silk gowns, and fancy coats weren't just clothes; they were like walking billboards of who you were.

But wait, there's more! Science and industry were also throwing a wild party. The Industrial Revolution was kicking in, bringing in crazy new gadgets and ways of making stuff that totally shook things up. Steam engines were rolling in, making the world smaller and closer than ever.

Books, plays, and art were having a field day too. Writers like Jane Austen and poets like William Wordsworth were painting life and feelings with words. The stage was lit up, and opera houses were buzzing, giving the smart and rich folks a dose of entertainment and culture.

Now, it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns. There were some serious gaps between the haves and have-nots, with the poor struggling while the rich partied like there was no tomorrow. But hey, people were waking up to the idea of change and pushing for a fairer deal for everyone, setting the stage for better days ahead.

In a nutshell, the Georgian era was a wild rollercoaster of old meets new, planting the seeds for the crazy world we live in today.

Medieval Era (500 to 1500 AD, also known as the Middles ages and the Dark ages)

The Medieval Era was a whirlwind saga of knights, castles, and bustling markets, where the clanging of swords and the aroma of spices filled the air. Everyone had a role in this historical theater, from brave knights to hardworking peasants. Monasteries guarded wisdom, while cathedrals touched the sky with their stunning beauty. Amidst the drama, there were plagues and conflicts, but also progress and a peek into our modern world's birth.

The village square was often the heart of the community, a place where stories were exchanged and news traveled faster than the swiftest horse. Children played games of make-believe, imagining themselves as the heroes of grand tales, while merchants haggled over prices, their voices a constant hum of negotiation.

In the evenings, the tavern became a gathering spot, where laughter and music flowed as freely as the ale. Minstrels sang of epic battles and timeless love, their melodies weaving through the smoky air.

As seasons changed, so did the fortunes of many. Harvest festivals brought joy and gratitude, with tables laden with the fruits of the land and the community united in celebration.

Yet, beyond the village and the castle walls, the world continued to evolve. Scholars in distant lands made discoveries that would one day change the course of history. Explorers set sail on uncharted waters, driven by the promise of new horizons.

In this tapestry of life, every thread, no matter how humble, contributed to the rich and intricate story of an era that laid the foundation for the world we know today.

Elizabethan Era (1558-1603)

Buckle up for a wild ride through the Elizabethan era! Picture a time when queens ruled with an iron fist, and rebels plotted to unseat the mighty monarch. Citizens were head over heels for royalty, hoping a mere glimpse of a crown would bring them good luck. Life wasn't all rainbows and butterflies though - poverty was rife, education was a luxury, and diseases ran amok.

But hey, it wasn't all doom and gloom! This era was a hotbed of cultural coolness. Think Shakespeare rocking the stage, explorers like Drake sailing the high seas, and scientists laying down the law with groundbreaking discoveries. Fashionistas flaunted lavish threads, turning heads and making statements.

Amidst the chaos, the streets were alive with stories waiting to be told. Markets buzzed with activity, filling the air with a symphony of voices and smells. Coffeehouses became the place to be for a caffeine kick and a hearty debate.

Modern Era (1500-Present)

Let's hop into the time machine post-Middle Ages into the thrilling rollercoaster of modern history, from the 19th century to our current Netflix binge era! Think epic science breakthroughs, political dramas, high-tech gadgets, and some serious warfare action.

It was a time of epic discoveries, global hugs, and Europe going all-in on the colonizing game. The modern vibe was all about being your unique self, chasing that dollar bill, moving into the city life, and riding the tech wave.

But, it wasn't all smooth sailing - wars, conflicts, and a bit of side-eye from postmodernism and postcolonial theory kept things spicy!

Pre-History (around 300,000B.C)

In a time long, long ago, over 2 million years in the rearview mirror, Pre-History rock 'n' rolled through four epic eras:

 

  • Paleolithic (Old Stone Age)
  • Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)
  • Neolithic (New Stone Age)
  • Chalcolithic (Stone Copper Age)
  • Iron Age

Back then, humans kicked off the ultimate DIY project, inventing the OG form of writing with cool symbols and marks. Archaeologists dove headfirst into the ancient sandbox, digging up artifacts like a treasure hunt, uncovering the secrets of our ancestors. They sifted through tools, pottery, cave doodles, and other leftovers to puzzle out how early humans rolled. Each artifact spilled the beans on how our ancient kin rocked at hunting, gathering, DIY shelters, and the whole farming and community gig.

In the Paleolithic jam, stone tools were the rage and folks were the ultimate nomads, chasing snacks with the seasons. The Mesolithic beat saw fancier tools and the start of the chill settled life vibe. Neolithic party people totally aced agriculture, building fancy permanent digs and throwing rad society shindigs. Chalcolithic was the age of stone and copper, bringing a tech upgrade.

Archaeologists are still digging up the past, hoping to score epic loot from the Iron Age - when iron gear and weapons became the next big thing, totally flipping human life on its head. Their finds are like time-travel tickets, giving us a backstage pass to the epic story of human evolution, from Stone Age hustle to the dawn of history books.

Victorian Era (1837-1901)

 

The Victorian Era (1837–1901) was like a grand stage show in British history, headlined by Queen Victoria’s epic reign and a whirlwind of innovations in industry, science, and society! This was the time when the British Empire flexed its muscles, becoming the ultimate global powerhouse. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, cities popped up faster than you can say "steam engine," bringing nifty gadgets like the telegraph and a bustling middle class along for the ride. But hold onto your corsets—society was also a bit of a mixed bag, with rigid moral codes, defined gender roles, and a literacy boom thanks to educational reforms.

Oh, and let’s not forget the show-stopping events that defined this era! In 1851, the Great Exhibition in London flaunted Britain’s industrial prowess like a peacock strutting its feathers. The Crimean War (1854–1856) was like a medical makeover, thanks to trailblazers like Florence Nightingale who transformed healthcare. Then, in 1863, London opened its first underground railway, proving that even cities could go underground in style! And who could overlook Charles Darwin’s mind-bending book, On the Origin of Species, which shook up religious beliefs and gave science a whole new playbook? By the end of the era, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 was like a royal block party, celebrating her 60 glorious years on the throne—talk about a testament to the empire's strength and unity!

The Victorian Era was a wild ride of change, laying the groundwork for modern Britain. It was a dazzling age of progress but also a glaring contrast of riches and social inequality. Its legacy? Still echoing through our culture, politics, and technology today!

 

Tudor Era (1485-1603)

The Tudor era (1485-1603) was one of the most dramatic and exciting times in English history, filled with powerful monarchs, scandalous marriages, and epic battles. It all started when Henry VII won the crown by defeating King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. With that, the Tudor dynasty was born!

Henry VII's son, Henry VIII, is probably the most famous Tudor king. He wasn’t just known for his six wives (two divorced, two beheaded, one died, one survived), but also for breaking away from the Catholic Church and starting the Church of England. Why? Because the Pope wouldn’t let him divorce his first wife, so he made his own rules! Classic Henry.

After Henry died, his children took turns ruling. Mary I (aka Bloody Mary) wanted England to be Catholic again, so she wasn’t exactly friendly to Protestants. But after her short reign, her sister Elizabeth I took over and ruled for an impressive 45 years! Elizabeth was known as the Virgin Queen (because she never married), and she led England into a golden age of exploration, Shakespearean theatre, and defeating the Spanish Armada.

The Tudors weren’t just about drama in the palace; they were also shaping the world! Sir Francis Drake sailed around the globe, spies worked in the shadows to protect the Queen, and William Shakespeare wrote legendary plays like Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet.

By 1603, Elizabeth I died without an heir, and the Tudor era ended. But one thing’s for sure—this was one of the most thrilling and game-changing periods in English history!

 

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