Historical Events
72 sourced historical stories, arranged by subject.
Historical EventsResponses across China helped change the political order in 1911
The 1911 Revolution was connected with the Wuchang Uprising and responses in many regions, eventually leading to the Qing emperor's abdication and the establishment of the Republic of China. It was not confined to a single city.
Historical EventsAn ancient temple was cut apart to escape a rising lake
When the Aswan High Dam threatened Abu Simbel with inundation, engineers developed a plan to move its rock-cut temples. Workers cut the monuments into blocks and reconstructed them at a higher site. The rescue combined archaeological conservation with demanding surveying, lifting, and structural engineering.
Historical EventsAn old parliamentary tradition began with outdoor assemblies
Iceland's parliamentary tradition is usually traced to 930, when free people met at Thingvellir to address laws and public affairs in an outdoor setting.
Historical EventsA rebellion transformed Tang politics
The An Lushan Rebellion began with An Lushan's uprising and continued for years, profoundly affecting population, finances, and relations between central and regional powers. The rebellion's end did not immediately restore earlier conditions everywhere. Regional military governors and related problems remained influential in later Tang politics.
Historical EventsOne Apollo 11 astronaut stayed in lunar orbit
During Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin traveled to the Moon's surface in the lunar module. Michael Collins remained in the command module, carrying out his work in lunar orbit.
Historical EventsAn armistice did not settle every question of peace
The armistice of November 11, 1918, halted major fighting on the Western Front. Peace treaties, borders, and postwar political arrangements still required later negotiations and faced further conflicts.
Historical EventsGold discoveries transformed Australia's population and towns
Australia's gold rushes drew workers, migrants, investment, and new settlements to successive discoveries. The first major rush in 1851 followed earlier finds that authorities had often discouraged. Later fields in Western Australia show how the search for gold continued to reshape towns and regional economies.
Historical EventsAn African army defeated a colonial invasion at Adwa
At Adwa in 1896, Ethiopian forces defeated an Italian army during an attempted colonial expansion. Disagreement over a treaty helped lead to war, while mobilization and battlefield decisions shaped its outcome. The victory secured Ethiopia's position and carried significance far beyond the immediate conflict.
Historical EventsA Greek victory reshaped the story of a Persian invasion
The Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BC during the first Persian invasion of Greece. It was fought between the citizens of Athens, aided by Plataea, against a Persian force commanded by Datis and Artaphernes.
Historical EventsA Mexican army defeated a larger French invasion force
The Battle of Puebla, also known as the Battle of the Fifth of May took place on 5 May 1862, near Puebla de los Ángeles, during the second French intervention in Mexico. The anniversary of the victory is primarily celebrated in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla.
Historical EventsNarrow waters helped a Greek fleet face a larger invading force
The Battle of Salamis was a naval battle fought in 480 BC, between an alliance of Greek city-states under Themistocles, and the Achaemenid Empire under King Xerxes. It resulted in a victory for the outnumbered Greeks.
Historical EventsWaterloo ended Napoleon's Hundred Days
At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon's army was defeated by allied forces commanded by Wellington, Blucher, and others. His Hundred Days rule ended soon afterward.