Major Historical Events in Order
This document presents the key historical events of the 20th century, arranged chronologically for clear understanding and easy memorisation.
World War I
- Timeline: 1914 - 1918
- Empire and Colonialism: Major imperial powers like Britain, France, Germany, and Austria-Hungary extended their colonies, which contributed to tensions leading to war.
- Revolutions and Transformations: The war triggered political upheaval, most notably the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the rise of communism.
- Trade Networks and Economic History: The war disrupted global trade and created immense economic turmoil, leading to the Great Depression in the 1930s.
- Religion and Belief Systems: Effects on worldview; many questioned the validity of traditional values and beliefs due to the war's catastrophic impact.
- Technological and Scientific Developments: Innovations such as tanks, aircraft, and chemical warfare transformed military strategies.
- Global Interconnectedness: A global conflict that involved many nations, highlighting the interconnectedness of international relations.
- Comparative Civilisations: The war highlighted contrasts between democratic and autocratic states, notably between the USA and Germany.
- Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons: Nationalism, militarism, and a tangled alliance system led to the outbreak of war.
World War II
- Timeline: 1939 - 1945
- Empire and Colonialism: Continued imperial ambitions led to conflict; Japan sought to expand its empire in Asia significantly.
- Revolutions and Transformations: The war precipitated decolonisation movements post-1945, as empires weakened and colonies pushed for independence.
- Trade Networks and Economic History: The war effort saw substantial economic mobilisation; the USA emerged as a global superpower post-war.
- Religion and Belief Systems: The Holocaust raised profound moral questions about humanity and ethics; many faiths grappled with the implications.
- Technological and Scientific Developments: Innovations included radar, jet engines, and the atomic bomb, which changed warfare permanently.
- Global Interconnectedness: The establishment of the United Nations in 1945 was aimed at fostering international co-operation.
- Comparative Civilisations: The ideological conflict between the capitalist West and communist East emerged, laying groundwork for the Cold War.
- Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons: Factors like the Treaty of Versailles and economic distress facilitated the rise of totalitarian regimes.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
- Timeline: November 9, 1989
- Empire and Colonialism: The end of Soviet control in Eastern Europe marked a significant retreat of imperial power.
- Revolutions and Transformations: The fall symbolised the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, leading to democratic reforms.
- Trade Networks and Economic History: Reintegration of Eastern economies into a global market; this moment accelerated European integration.
- Religion and Belief Systems: Many Eastern European Christians saw the fall as a triumphant moment for freedom of belief and expression.
- Technological and Scientific Developments: Advances in information technology facilitated the spread of ideas that challenged oppressive regimes.
- Global Interconnectedness: The event underscored the interconnectedness of global politics; demonstrations in one country influenced others.
- Comparative Civilisations: Clear contrast between Western democratic capitalism and Eastern communist authoritarianism.
- Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons: Widespread dissatisfaction with economic stagnation and lack of freedoms led to mass protests preceding the fall.
