DK SMITHSONIAN TIMELINES OF EVERYTHING

Trench warfare

Each side dug a line of trenches along the
Western Front. The trenches ranged from
small dugouts to sophisticated structures,
but living conditions were horrendous. The
open space between, known as “No Man’s
Land,” was criss-crossed in miles of barbed
wire. New weapons, such as machine guns,
caused huge numbers of casualties.

Peace

Battle of Jutland U-boats Passchendaele With US troops now
helping the Allies,
The only naval battle of the Germany announces it will After relentless heavy the Germans are
war is fought off the Jutland use U-boats (submarines), rainfall, this four-month overwhelmed. Both
battle campaign near Ypres sides agree to end the
Peninsula in Denmark to fire torpedoes at sees 600,000 casualties. war. The fighting stops
between the British and unarmed British merchant The Allies gain only 5 miles officially on the 11th
German navies. There are ships carrying vital supplies (8 km) of land. The battle is hour of the 11th month.
heavy losses on both sides. of food and ammunition. Red poppies go on to
remembered for the be symbols of the tragic
The German navy horrendous conditions and waste of World War I.
withdraws for the duration
terrible death toll.
of the war.

July 31– November 11,
November 6, 1918

January 31, 1917 AFTER

May 31–June 1917
1, 1916 World War I costs
March 21, the lives of almost
April 6, 1918 10 million military
1917 personnel and six
February 21– July 1– million civilians. The
December 16, 1916 November Treaty of Versailles,
signed in 1919, ends
18, 1916 the Austro-Hungarian

and Turkish Empires.
It also leaves
USA joins the war The Spring Germany humiliated
Offensive and angry. Despite all
America has stayed neutral,
but the German sinking of After Russia surrenders,
Battle of Verdun Battle of the the passenger liner Germany focuses on a leaders promising
Somme series of huge attacks peace, by 1939 the
The war in France is at a Lusitania on May 7, 1915, against the Allied forces, world is at war again.
stalemate. The Germans Tanks are used, and British killing Americans on board,
plan a major offensive in soldiers climb out of their
the French city of Verdun. trenches toward the changes public opinion. which now include US
soldiers. The Germans
More than 700,000 men German line in a “big push.” When America discovers hope to achieve a quick
that Germany is urging
lose their lives in the They are met with Mexico to start a war with victory, but fail in their
ensuing battle, which is the unrelenting artillery fire. More
longest of the war. than 19,000 British troops them, America joins attempted “knockout blow.”

die on the opening day. the Allies.

249

The 1920s

After the horrors of World War I, the Roaring
Twenties proved to be a more carefree and
hopeful time, especially in the US. An economic
boom there meant people had money to enjoy
the finer things in life—from cars to culture. Music,
writing, and fashion all buzzed with new ideas,
and the powerful artistic medium of film began.

1920 Prohibition
Alcohol is prohibited in the US.
Criminal gangs grow rich by
illegally making and selling their
own alcohol and running bars
called speakeasies. The ban
on alcohol will be lifted in 1933.

1923 The Charleston 1922 The Jazz Age Flappers
The Charleston (see page 172)— Originating with African-
named after a song composed Americans in New Orleans, The flapper craze takes Western
in 1923—is the dance of the era. jazz music really takes off, so fashion for women by storm. Flappers
The dance is deemed indecent, much so that the 1920s become wear shorter skirts, bob their hair, and
which makes young people love known as the Jazz Age. listen to jazz—all things that are seen
it even more! Jazz music features strong as rebellious by older generations.
1926 Birth of television rhythms and improvisation.
The Scottish inventor John
Logie Baird demonstrates 1925 Boom!
the first television images Factories that had increased
to scientists in London.
Television is born. production for World War I
1927 The Jazz Singer switch to making consumer
The first film to feature goods. People buy cars and
synchronized sound is The luxury items on credit (paying
Jazz Singer. The film is a hit, for the item in installments).
and signals the beginning of the The economy experiences
end of the silent era of movies.
a boom as a result.
1929 Academy Awards
The Academy of Motion 1927 Ford Model T
The last Model T cars roll out
Picture Arts and Sciences of the Ford Motor Company’s
(AMPAS) hand out the factories. 16.5 million units were
sold worldwide. Its success is
first awards (soon to down to mass production and
be called “Oscars”)
in a small ceremony the economic boom.
in Hollywood, California. 1929 The Wall Street Crash
Billions of dollars are wiped off
the value of the American stock

market on Wall Street, as the
economic boom turned into a
bust. The Wall Street Crash will
prove to be the biggest economic

catastrophe in US history.

250

The 1930s

The Wall Street Crash spelled the end of the
Roaring Twenties. The 1930s were to prove a
decade of hardship and conflict like no other
before, with dire consequences for almost every
part of the world. There were some positive
aspects, however. The “New Deal” got the US
economy back on track, and comic books
entertained people all over the world.

1930 Great Depression 1931 Crisis in Europe
The Wall Street Crash causes Germany and Austria’s economies
American businesses to stop
investing and importing things are thrown into chaos. Austria’s
from Europe. This loss of business largest commercial bank
triggers the worldwide Great
Depression. Millions lose their collapses in May, and this triggers
jobs, homes, and ability to pay a financial panic throughout
for basic things, such as food.
Europe in particular is hit hard. Europe. In Germany, people burn
worthless banknotes for warmth.

Lining up for food 1933 Hitler and fascism 1932 Hoovervilles
Adolf Hitler comes to power in More than two million Americans
The economic crash leaves millions without homes, Germany with promises to fix are homeless, and 25 percent are
jobs, or both, and forces many to rely on charity to the country’s economic woes.
survive. Long lines gather at bakeries and soup Hitler and his Nazi party are out of work. Slums—mockingly
kitchens in order to receive free food. Many dress fascists: an extreme right-wing called “Hoovervilles” after
professionally to give the impression to neighbors ideology that emphasizes
that they are off to work for the day. nationalism and has contempt President Herbert Hoover, who
for democracy and minorities. fails to help—start popping up.
1934 Dust Bowl
Years of severe drought across 1933 New Deal
the prairies of the US and Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes
Canada cause winds to whip
up the light, dry soil into dust US president, and promises a
storms, destroying agriculture “New Deal” for the American
and worsening the problems people. This includes jobs and a
of the Great Depression. huge social welfare package to
1936 Spanish Civil War help ease the Great Depression.
Spanish nationalists, led by
General Francisco Franco, rebel. 1938 Superheroes rise!
Pro-government supporters unite The “Golden Age of Comic Books”
against the nationalists, and a civil begins when superheroes such as
war breaks out. It will last for three
years before the nationalists win. Superman and Wonder Woman
1939 World War II appear for the first time.
World War II begins when
Hitler invades Poland, forcing
Britain and France to declare
war on Germany.

251

Archaeology Uncovering Pompeii

Archaeology is the study of the past In Italy, workers begin digging at Pompeii,
through the objects, buildings, and a town buried under a volcanic eruption in
human remains left by those who have
79 ce. Their aim is to find works of art.
Later, Pompeii’s streets, shops, houses,
and temples are revealed, as well as the
empty spaces left by the decayed corpses
of those buried in ash during the eruption.

lived before us. Around the world,

archaeologists have uncovered 1748
entire buried towns, discovered the

existence of long forgotten civilizations, and unearthed spectacular

treasures. Their findings have revealed fascinating details, not just

about the lives of past kings and queens, but of everyday people, too.

Decoding 1797
hieroglyphics
Layers of history
Jean-François Champollion uses
the Rosetta Stone, discovered Historian John Frere uses
in Egypt in 1799, to decipher stratigraphy for the first time
Egyptian hieroglyphics. The stone to describe a Stone Age site
has the same inscription in Greek,
hieroglyphics, and demotic (an at Hoxne in Suffolk, UK.
everyday Egyptian script). Stratigraphy, the study of
layers, is based on the idea
1822 Assyrian treasures that the lowest layers are

The city of Uruk In modern-day Iraq, Henry Layard the oldest.
discovers and excavates the
William Loftus discovers and Three-age system
excavates the Sumerian city of Assyrian palaces of Nimrud and
Nineveh. He finds statues of gods Danish historian
Uruk in modern-day southern that have human heads, bird wings, Christian Thomsen divides
Iraq. Uruk, founded in around
4500 bce, is the world’s oldest city. and the bodies of lions or bulls. prehistory into the Stone,
Bronze, and Iron Ages,

based on human tool use.
He reasons that the earliest
tools used by humans were
initially made of stone, then

bronze, and later, iron.
1836
1871–18901849–18541845–1851

Royal tombs The Gokstad ship

Seeking to find the truth Norwegian historian Nicolay Nicolayson
behind the Greek excavates the 9th century Gokstad ship burial.
The ship is 76 ft (23 m) long and perfectly
legends of the Trojan preserved. It holds the body of a Viking ruler.
War, German Heinrich
Schliemann excavates 1880

Troy, Mycenae, and
Tiryns. In the royal tombs
of Mycenae, he discovers

beautiful gold masks.

252

AFTER The Terracotta Army Tollund Man

Archaeological discoveries are still Chinese archaeologists begin Two brothers cutting turf at Tollund
being made. In 1991, hikers in the Alps excavating pits holding an army of in Denmark discover the perfectly
find the 5,300-year-old frozen body 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors. They preserved body of a man, who died
of Ötzi the Iceman. In 2016, the oldest were buried in 210 bce to protect the 2,000 years ago. His stomach held
his last meal, a gruel of barley and
handwritten tablets ever found in tomb of China’s First Emperor.
Britain are discovered. They reveal chamomile.

notes written by the Romans.

1974 1950

Inscribed bones King Pacal’s tomb

The Chinese archaeologist Li Ji In Palenque, Mexico, Alberto Ruz
excavates Anyang, capital of the Lhuillier digs beneath a Mayan
pyramid temple and discovers
Shang Dynasty, which ruled the tomb of King Pacal (ruled
northern China from 1600–1046 bce. 615–683). Pacal’s skeleton was
He finds many thousands of animal found wearing a beautiful jade
mosaic mask.
bones, inscribed with the earliest
known Chinese writing.

Tombs of Ur1927 1928–1937 1948–1952
The Indus civilization
Leonard Woolley excavates Machu Picchu
the Sumerian royal tombs In India, John Marshall excavates the cities
at Ur, dating from c.2750– of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. He reveals In the Andes of Peru, Hiram
2400 bce. Among the Bingham finds the lost Inca
treasures is a golden and the existence of the forgotten Indus, or citadel (fortress) of Machu
lapis lazuli (a semiprecious Harappan, civilization, which flourished Picchu. Built on a mountain
blue stone) statue of a goat. ridge 7,970 ft (2,430 m)
here from 2500–1800 bce. above sea level, Machu
1922 Picchu was abandoned
1921–1922 in the 16th century.
Pharaoh’s tomb
1911
Howard Carter discovers the
tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun,

the only unrobbed Egyptian
royal burial ever found. The
king was buried in 1327 bce
wearing a solid gold mask,

inlaid with blue glass.

Sequence dating The Minoan Civilization

In Egypt, Flinders Petrie develops Arthur Evans excavates the Palace
sequence dating. By documenting of Knossos in Crete, Greece,
changing styles of pottery from the
cemetery at Naqada, he is able to revealing a previously unknown
work out the dates of those graves. Bronze Age civilization, at its height

from 2000–1500 bce. He calls it
Minoan, after Minos, the legendary

king of Crete.

1880–1901 1900–1905

The Soviet Union

In the early 20th century, Russia transformed—its
monarchy ended, and there were two revolutions and
a civil war. Reborn as the Soviet Union (or the USSR), it
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TChoaSmermtAwmaGcyrlhaiuoanrolrneumegeimanssepddtaeitsgePs2n)thra,tr0staTirtd,tonomoeyopdgrimrlfpltpuirahooeleaonosnmagyuersSbsshaoea(nivlmrnatsidseb., tsosrdie.
1932 1939 1948–1949

1p9puStomt2tiuawlJnrl4ieodegnrsfaehhWrieuidlahspneseprThsgrnoiuhVShslsipitRtaeesiapuldnrioisroitrinsnvtimotsias.ealr’arpsseksLoieaceowsnnonfiedormnvSbedmit1ry.uea9nsil,is2tn8(–hk1Luulag9anekid3pscir)no2sloclatrdneaeuccdkatcioestcivuneooenfTtcnrfmrooaoiFboyr,iianvlm,nmSvedetrpsu.medaels5i-ietatrnnyiystalea,apolelianraaztasnnse.rsdt thoPioellan 1936–1938 ThheUospwUtStaahcWSeSfrcdteoatvShRiteupnetoeRa.wfrcigreBt,nNrzoaaoGaWadolnlanFt,dstenetzidoBrtnirarleddieorsemvWGnlse.sdlariGc,eaosnldieeWaen,nrfeGenabm,,tyrraoschauPematruherrItruoenIIaemtuIrpUlhy.anndlbSltaeKanyssiievmnocid,Uagotiyotdew,anhSnnnadetdeeSeat,rduheeilURtyneinsnS.dt,oer

From czar to USSR March 1917 1905
Further mass Czar Nicholas II
From the 19th century, protests force gives his people
Russians began to demand the czar to
a better way of life. Huge abdicate. an elected
famine led to multiple 1918 government.
revolutions, in which the The Bolsheviks November 1917
czar (emperor) lost power. execute anyone The Bolsheviks,
The Bolsheviks, a disloyal to them. led by Vladimir
communist political party, They become Lenin, seize
seized power. In the wake the Russian
of this political upheaval, Communist power.
the Soviet Union was Party.
formed in 1922. 1922
The Russian
Communist Party

founds the
Soviet Union.

254

“Upon the success of
perestroika … depends

the future of peace.”

Mikhail Gorbachev,

1987

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1985
1953

1970s

fTahitihsplitoidtnwloaestirmdhtBtlooeeiarvpsebggiUnspzueonghrgysvednrceitasoeenhordwrvntensE,lamcitedtpnoochaigegutrredioenb.orneuTestlnni.par,cchsaLt’ooes.tinoenrimdeoono,nimnsiicdy SoRgCvoeiveeevtnp-robtoinemreafmolgplup1aeionl9tnnesnidtfe8osisrndoeEa9ngmeacrsikesonStimtenPoordompvnelipaeuEplntneuedridsrnu,otdliaenpes.en,ce
1989

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1989

The fall of the
Soviet Union

Boris Yeltsin becomes
the first popularly elected

president of Russia
and bans the Soviet
Communist Party. The
Soviet Union is disbanded.

1991

255

256 The story of
skyscrapers
Jeddah Tower
From the very first high-rises in the
This skyscraper in Saudi
19th century to the super-tall glass towers Burj Khalifa Arabia is scheduled to
of today, skyscrapers have become open in 2020. It will be the
powerful symbols of modern life. They In 2010, the Burj Khalifa first building in the world
continue to reach greater heights, made opens in Dubai. Standing
possible by exciting developments in at 2,717 ft (828 m) tall, it to reach more than
building materials and construction can be seen from 60 miles 3,200 ft (1 km).
methods. Many of today’s architects (100 km) away. In response
and engineers are now challenging to the attack on the World Shanghai Tower

Trade Center, the Burj Topping out in 2013, this
Khalifa is designed with twisting tower in China
refuge areas on each floor, is 2,073 ft (632 m) tall.
to provide protection in
Its elevators are the
case of fire. fastest in the world,
traveling at speeds of
themselves to design spectacular Twin Towers 45.9 mph (74 kph). The Dynamic
buildings that are environmentally building also captures Tower
friendly, too. Engineers learn more about the rainwater to be used in
effect of wind on tall, solid structures, its air conditioning and In the United Arab
“The skyscraper making it possible for buildings they Emirates,
heating systems.
design to reach greater heights. In construction of the
New York in 1971, the Twin Towers of Dynamic Tower
the World Trade Center, symbols of
starts in 2020. With
the city’s wealth and power, are wind turbines
completed. In 2001, both collapse
after terrorists fly planes into them. between each pair of
floors, the building
is the point Empire State Petronas Towers will be able to
where art and the Building
Construction on these produce all of its own
city meet.” This high-rise, opened in twin skyscrapers in Kuala energy. Each floor will
1931, is a symbol of hope Lumpur, Malaysia, finishes rotate independently,
Ada Louise Huxtable, in 1998. They are 1,483 ft
The Tall Building Artistically for New York during a giving occupants
period of economic turmoil, (452 m) high and constantly changing
Reconsidered, 1984 connected by a skybridge.
offering employment to views.
those without work. At The designers were
influenced by Islamic art.
102 stories high, for
40 years, it is the world’s

tallest building.

Chrysler Building

American businesses
compete to build the tallest
company headquarters in
New York. Racing against
the Bank of Manhattan, car

manufacturer Chrysler
hoists a stainless-steel

spire to the top of its
building in 1930, making it

1,046 ft (318 m) high.

Tribune Tower

In 1922, the Chicago Tribune
newspaper launches a
competition to design

a dazzling new office. The
winning entry is an

elaborate design by John
Mead Howells and
Raymond Hood. The

Tribune Tower is finished
3 years later, in 1925.

Home Insurance
Building

The 10-story Home
Insurance Building in
Chicago, IL, designed by
architect William Le Baron
Jenney, opens in 1885. It is
the first building to use a
steel skeleton to bear its

weight.

257 1885 1925 1930 1931 1971 1998 2010 2013 2020 From 2020

BEFORE War erupts Blitzkrieg

In 1933, Hitler sweeps to power in After Hitler’s troops invade Hitler invades the Netherlands,
Germany, due partly to resentment of Poland on September 1, Belgium, France, and Luxemburg
the Treaty of Versailles, signed after
France and Britain declare using Blitzkrieg (lightning war)
World War I. The treaty forbids war on Germany. Hitler tactics with air power and fast-
German expansion, but Hitler’s troops occupies Poland with moving tanks. On the same day,
overwhelming force.
enter Austria in 1938. At the time, Winston Churchill becomes
European leaders fail to oppose Hitler, September 3, 1939 prime minister of Britain.

who becomes more aggressive. May 10, 1940

Battle of the Atlantic The Blitz

Britain relies on oil, food, and raw For almost 40 weeks, Germany targets
materials arriving by sea from British towns and cities with nighttime
America, but German U-boats bombing raids, nicknamed the Blitz, to
(submarines) attack and sink cripple Britain’s war effort. People take

supply ships. Allied ships start to cover in underground shelters and
sail in escorted convoys (groups). children are evacuated to areas less at

risk of attack.

1940–1941 September 1940–
May 1941
World War II in Europe

Fought between 1939 and 1945, World War II was the most
costly and destructive war in history—many millions of
people were killed and injured. One by one, countries joined
the conflict and the world divided into the Axis powers (led
by Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (made up of
Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and, later, the USA).

January 22–December 10, 1941 April 6, 1941 June 22, 1941–February 2, 1943 November 8, 1942

Tobruk siege Invasion of the Balkans Russia invaded Operation Torch

The Allies take Tobruk in Libya, German, Italian, and Bulgarian Germany attacks Russia with When President Franklin D.
North Africa, and then resist troops attack Yugoslavia. After a huge force, but after almost Roosevelt brings America
two years of fighting, Germany into the war, his soldiers help
German attacks in a nine-month terrible losses, Yugoslavia in the successful invasion of
siege. This dogged defense surrenders. The Battle of Greece is defeated at the Battle of North Africa. After seven
Stalingrad on February 2, 1943 months of fighting, German
prevents any German advance ends with the fall of Athens on after a bitter winter. The Battle and Italian troops are forced
into Egypt. April 27. Hitler now has direct
access to the Mediterranean Sea. of Stalingrad is a crucial to surrender.
turning point in the war.

May 27–June 3, 1940 Italy joins the war June, 14 1940
Fall of France
Dunkirk Benito Mussolini, dictator
of Italy, joins the war as a France, one of Europe’s greatest
As German troops march into powers, has fallen after just six
France, thousands of Allied troops member of the Axis weeks of fighting. German troops
are trapped on beaches at Dunkirk, powers. He orders the triumphantly enter Paris. Much of
on France’s northern coast. They invasion of Greece, but the country is now occupied by
are rescued by British and French German troops. Hitler turns his
civilian boats that ferry troops to Hitler has to send in
troops to help. attention further afield.
safety across the Channel.
June 10, 1940 War in the desert

Battle of Britain Allied and Axis forces push
each other back and forth
Hitler launches an air attack on across Egypt and Libya in North
Britain across the English Channel. Africa. Both sides depend on
British planes keep control of the tanks and aircraft to journey
skies and prevent an invasion thanks across the hostile desert terrain.
to the invention of radar, which helps
June 1940–May 1943
pilots track enemy planes.

July 10–October 31, 1940

Bombing raids The fall of Berlin Germany surrenders

The Allies decide that America will bomb German Two and a half million Soviet Hitler commits suicide on April 30, and
cities by day and that the British will bomb them troops and 6,000 tanks are Germany surrenders unconditionally
by night to force Germany into submission. The deployed for the final attack to the Allies seven days later, thereby
on the German capital. On
relentless bombing raids kill around April 30, Soviet soldiers take ending war in Europe. May 7 is
600,000 civilians and declared VE (Victory in Europe) Day,
destroy many cities. control of the Reichstag, sparking joyful victory celebrations in
Germany’s former
parliament building. the Allied countries.

June 10, 1943 June 6, 1944 April 23, 1945 May 7, 1945
AFTER
D-Day
At the Potsdam Conference on July
After four years of planning, “Operation Overlord” 17, 1945, the Allies divide Germany,
begins: the Allied invasion of France. Around and Berlin, into controlled zones.
150,000 troops land on the French coast, and The United Nations is created, with
after six weeks of fighting German forces, they
the aim of finding peaceful
start to push across France, liberating towns and solutions to conflict. Although the
cities from Nazi occupation as they go.
war is over, Europe faces an
enormous refugee crisis.

259

1939 War at home

PBRRE IPTAARI NE S Evacuation World War II wasn’t just fought
June between soldiers on the battlefield:
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civilians, too. Men, women, and
WDITOHINOGUT Gas masks children had to adjust to wartime
conditions and their daily lives
August M19dga3uatntrh9soyine)aB.pgtbMtretaoitoihlcimlspeiSkohblsSeneifnpdsarpegaumomnrtofiileingfeisegcahmmsisWtCbfimobeeiovrsrearipllbtsdWrhrykoeWsaatehraiarco(rcr1etrrI9iraoago3fnnitr6v.doe–fn changed dramatically. Food was
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and cities were bombed.

1940

1940 July 3

UKSUIENGDEER FREE FRANCE Sthheeltbeormfrbosm
June June 18
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September 15

Polish pilots

thPoeof lBRisrohityapaiilnloA, ttishr eFeosPcrocaleipse(hRtpAoilFBo)tr.siDtafiuignrhinttoghfetighroehitcBwaailttltyhl.e

260

1941 1942 1943 war
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1945

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The Blitz

During the Blitz (September 1940–
May 1941), Germany launches
71 nighttime bombing raids on
London. Air raid wardens and
civilians search for survivors in the
wreckage of destroyed buildings.

261

The Holocaust Anne Frank

From 1933 to 1945, Germany was ruled by the Nazi Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl living
Party, an anti-Semitic (anti-Jewish) political organization in the Netherlands when World War II
that blamed Jewish people for the country’s broke out. She later died in Bergen-
misfortunes. The Nazis built thousands of Belsen concentration camp. Her diary
concentration camps, where they survived, though, recording her thoughts
imprisoned and killed 6 million Jews, and and experiences while she was hiding
5 million homosexuals, disabled people, from the Nazi regime. Her writing is a
Romanies, and political prisoners. reminder of the constant fear and
hardship felt by many who lived under
Nazi occupation.

Auschwitz, Poland

Railway tracks lead right up to the entrance
to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
During the Holocaust, more than 1 million
people were killed at Auschwitz. Today, the
camp is preserved as a memorial.

Dachau concentration camp March Nuremberg race laws
1933
Just months after seizing power, the Nazis September 15, At its annual rally in Nuremberg, the Nazi
open the first concentration camp at 1935 Party passes more anti-Semitic laws,
November 9–10, that further restrict the rights of
Dachau, near Munich. It holds 12,000 1938 Jewish people. The laws mean that
prisoners, mostly communists and those December 2, Jews lose their citizenship and
1938 can no longer marry non-Jews.
considered “enemies of the state.” September 21,
1939 Kindertransport
Kristallnacht
After Kristallnacht, many Jews try to
In a night of violence, Nazis leave Germany, but some countries
terrorize Jews across Germany refuse to accept them. As part
and Austria, attacking stores, of a rescue effort known as
homes, and synagogues. Kindertransport, 10,000 Jewish
Thirty thousand Jews are children escape to Britain,
rounded up and transported leaving their parents behind.
to concentration camps.

Jewish ghettos

When Nazi troops invade Poland,
Polish Jews are forced to move into
ghettos, restricted areas controlled
by Nazi troops. Food and water
are scarce, and living conditions

are very cramped.

June 14, 1940 Auschwitz opens
September 1,
The first prisoners arrive at
1941 Auschwitz concentration camp

in Poland. The prisoners,
mostly Polish political rebels,
are tattooed with numbers in

order of their arrival.

Star of David January 20, The final solution
1942
From this date, Jewish 1942 High-ranking Nazis meet to
people over the age of 6 discuss the “Final Solution,”
in Nazi-occupied Europe are February 15,
gradually made to wear a 1942 their plan to exterminate
badge in the shape of the Europe’s Jews, who they see as
Star of David (a traditional July 1944–May 1945 Untermenschen (subhumans) and a
Jewish symbol), so that they problem to be solved. They agree to
can be easily identified. deport all Jews to Poland, where they

The death camps will be killed in death camps.

Six “death camps” are Gas chambers
established across Nazi-
occupied Poland. Jews from all The Nazis use increasingly
over Europe are rounded up. systematic methods to
They are transported by train in
appalling conditions to the camps, commit mass murder. They
where they are selected for slave release poison gas into sealed
labor or immediate execution. shower rooms, which are full of
prisoners. The bodies are buried
Liberation
in mass graves or cremated.
As Allied troops march toward
Germany, they liberate the 1945–1949 The
concentration camps from May 14, Nuremberg
Nazi control. The soldiers are 1948
appalled by the death and Trials
devastation they find. Prisoners
are weak, starving, and sick. After World War II ends in
After liberation, thousands September 1945, the Allies seek
continue to die from illnesses to bring those responsible for the
they caught while imprisoned.
Holocaust to justice. The trials
A Jewish homeland are fully televised, and for the first

After the horrors of the Holocaust, the time, the public learns the horrific
international community faces pressure extent of Nazi war crimes.
to find land for Jewish survivors to
establish a homeland. The new state
of Israel is created in the Middle East.

263



The D-Day landings

On June 6, 1944—“D-Day”— the Allied
forces of Britain, the US, Canada, and
France launched the largest naval,
land, and air operation in history. Troops
landed on the beaches of Normandy,
France, including the code-named
Omaha Beach, seen here. By the end of
D-Day, more than 150,000 troops had
landed in Normandy. They moved
inland, allowing more troops to land over
the next few days. This marked the
first step towards freeing Europe from
Nazi occupation.

The Pacific War

Although World War II began in Europe, by 1941, conflict had
erupted worldwide. Much of the fighting took place in Asia and
the Pacific between the Allied forces and Japan, supported by
the Axis powers Germany and Italy. Hitler’s invasion of France
and the Netherlands in 1940 had left European-controlled
territories in Southeast Asia vulnerable as Japan
attempted to expand its empire in the region.

Japanese victories Australia attacked Battle of the
Coral Sea
With astonishing speed, Japanese planes bomb the
Japanese forces attack port of Darwin, on the north Allied forces halt Japanese
Hong Kong, the Philippines, plans to invade New
Malaya, Thailand, Guam, Australian coast. Most of
and Wake Island, taking vast the city’s military structures Guinea. This is the first sea
battle in which neither side’s
areas of land. are destroyed.
ships catch sight of the
other. Instead, the battle is
fought between planes sent
out from aircraft carriers.

Military alliance Feb119r5u4,a2ry Feb119r9u4,a2ry FebMrau19rac4rhy212,7– M419–a48y2,

Japan enters into a military Dec1e97m,4b1 er Dec1e9m41ber
alliance with Germany and
Italy, signing a document Battle of the
Java Sea
known as the Tripartite
Pact. Germany and Italy After defeating Allied naval
promise Japan an empire forces in the Java Sea, Japan
that stretches across Asia.
conquers the Dutch East
Sep1t9e4m0ber Indies (modern-day

Pearl Harbor Singapore Indonesia). It is another
surrenders devastating victory against the
Japanese forces bomb the Allied forces, and Japan now
US naval base at Pearl Japanese forces continue
Harbor in Hawaii. to advance. The fall of dominates the air and sea.
Americans are shocked Singapore and the loss
by the surprise attack. The of 138,000 British
US and Allies declare war Commonwealth troops
on Japan; Germany marks a humiliating
declares war on the US. defeat for Britain.

Fighting in the skies
Japanese planes were faster
than those of the US. They ruled

the skies until 1943, when
American air capabilities
improved, overtaking Japan’s.

Atomic bombs

The cities of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki are destroyed
Battle of Iwo Jima when the US drops two

Island hopping US troops land on Iwo Jima, atomic bombs. Tens of
meeting fierce resistance thousands are killed
The tide starts to turn as US immediately, and tens of
forces fight back and begin from Japanese troops hiding thousands more die later
in tunnels that criss-cross
to defeat Japanese troops the island. Japanese soldiers from the effects of radiation.
one island at a time. Many
Japanese soldiers refuse to refuse to surrender, but the
US declares victory.
be taken prisoner, choosing
to commit suicide instead.
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J41u9–n47e,2 FA1eu91bg94ruu42sa3–try Oc1t9o4b4er

Japan under siege Japan surrenders

Despite the devastation
caused by the atomic bombs,
US forces begin a bombing Japan’s military leaders and
campaign designed to cut parts of the government
off essential supplies to the refuse to surrender. Emperor
Kamikaze attacks mainland. Japanese cities Hirohito pressures them to

Battle of Midway Japanese pilots adopt are attacked, too. A raid on admit defeat, and after
extreme tactics during Tokyo creates a firestorm 4 years of bloodshed, the
The Japanese navy’s battle, flying their planes that kills 100,000 people. war finally ends.
attempts to take control of into the decks of US
Midway Island in the Central warships. These suicide
Pacific are defeated by missions, known as
Allied forces. Japan suffers “kamikaze” attacks, destroy
the loss of 3,500 troops and dozens of warships.
four aircraft carriers in its War at sea
first major setback. Aircraft carriers became the most
important elements in each country’s
naval forces, allowing planes to take
off and land in the heat of battle.

Burma and India

Expecting the Indian population
to rise up against its British
colonial rulers, Japan tried to
invade India from Burma. The
British fought back, however, and
the jungle conflict became one of
the bloodiest of World War II.

267

Indian Migration
independence
The partition of the colony in 1947 turns
Britain had controlled India since the 1820s, millions of Muslims in India, and Hindus
but by the late 19th century, Indians began and Sikhs in Pakistan, into religious
demanding the ability to make their own way minorities. What follows is the largest
in the world, free from British rule. mass-migration of people in history.
More than 14.5 million people leave their
homes and most of their possessions
to make it across the new borders.
Violence on the way claims about
one million of these refugees. These
Sikhs are leaving Pakistan to make it
to East Punjab, in northern India.

1885 The INC 1909 British concessions
The Indian National Congress The British pass laws in 1909,
(INC) forms to campaign for 1919, and 1935 that give Indians
Indian independence. As the more control over their country.
INC is mainly Hindu, Indian Both the INC and Muslim League
Muslims form the Muslim League
in 1906 to campaign for them. feel that these concessions
don’t go far enough, and the
independence campaign rolls on.

1930 Salt March 1915 Gandhi
Gandhi walks 242 miles (390 km) The Indian nationalist and
to protest at the British taxes on activist Mohandas Gandhi
basics such as salt. Many are begins organizing opposition to
arrested, but the march British rule in the country through
draws more attention to the nonviolent means, such as
independence movement.
1939 World War II begins disobeying British laws.
The British Empire declares 1942 Quit India Movement
India’s entry into World War II Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru (the
without consulting India’s leaders. INC leader) call for the British to
Although 2.5 million Indian leave in the Quit India Movement.
soldiers fight, the decision only
increases Indian resentment. Gandhi is arrested and the
1945 End of World War II movement is banned, but this
For Britain, the cost of victory
in World War II is high. It simply only increases its support.
did not have the ability or the 1946 Riots
desire to attempt to hold on to
India, and so it sets about Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of
negotiating an end to its control. the Muslim League, demands a
separate Muslim state, which the
1947 Independence
Pakistan gains independence, INC rejects. Riots break out in
with Jinnah as its first governor- Calcutta, leading to the deaths
general. A day later, India finally
achieves its freedom. Nehru of 4,000 people. It is later
becomes its first prime minister. agreed that the largely Muslim
populations in the northeast and
northwest will become Pakistan.

1948 Early struggles
Gandhi is assassinated by a
Hindu extremist who believes
the leader is responsible for
partition. Later on, India and
Pakistan go to war over the

disputed Kashmir region.

268

Ghana’s first president African
independence
Kwame Nkrumah becomes the first president of an
independent Ghana in 1957. He immediately sets After World War II, the European colonial
about improving conditions in the country by opening powers found it increasingly difficult to hold
schools and establishing a social welfare system. on to their colonies. Some African countries
Perhaps one of his most enduring ideas is his fought for freedom, but others were granted
promotion of Pan-Africanism—an intellectual it democratically.
movement dedicated to studying, understanding,
and communicating African culture.

1952 Kenyan uprising 1952 Egypt
A group of Kenyan protesters, Although officially independent
called the Mau Mau, rebel against
British control. About 13,000 of since 1922, Egypt was still
them are killed, but Kenya will occupied by Britain. The British
finally gain independence in 1963. Empire’s grip on the country is
1957 Ghanaian freedom finally loosened by a revolution
Ghana demands freedom
from British rule, and it is led by Colonel Gamal Abdel
immediately granted. Kwame Nasser, who becomes the
Nkrumah becomes the first country’s first president.
president of the new nation.
1956 Morocco and Tunisia
Two former French colonies in

North Africa break free from
French power within weeks of
each other. Morocco achieves

independence after a short
period of unrest, but Tunisia’s
transition comes in a largely

peaceful fashion.
1960 African independence

Seventeen sub-Saharan
African countries, including
14 former French colonies,
achieve independence from
European control. It will become
known as the “Year of Africa.”

1962 Algerian agreement 1963 African unity
Years of war between the The Organization of African Unity
Algerian people and the ruling
French army end when French is established by 32 African
president Charles de Gaulle states. It aims to improve the lives
grants Algeria its independence.
Rwanda also gains freedom of ordinary Africans through
from Belgium, and Uganda its cooperation and discussion
independence from Britain
this year. between member states.
1964–1968 Leaving the 1974–1975 Portuguese colonies
British Empire
In four years, six countries The dictatorship that had led
leave the British Empire. In 1964, Portugal since 1933 is
Malawi and Zambia go, followed
by Botswana and Lesotho two overthrown in 1974. Angola, São
years later. Mauritius and Tomé, and Príncipe, Mozambique,
Swaziland gain independence
in 1968, along with Equatorial and Cape Verde, all seize
Guinea, which cedes from Spain. their opportunity and gain
independence from Portugal.

269

Ancient spies The Art of War

Some of the earliest spies operate In his book The Art of War, the
during the war between the ancient ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu
Egyptians and the Hittite Empire. The advises that spying is necessary in
Hittites send people in disguise to feed warfare. Using spies allows you to
learn as much as you can about
the Egyptians false information, your enemy and their battle plans.
hoping to lead them into an ambush.
5th century bce
1274 bce

Invisible ink The Cabinet Noir

Organized by an American major, Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister to
the spy network known as the King Louis XIII of France, sets up the
Culper Ring uses invisible ink Cabinet Noir (“black room”). This French
to write hidden messages. intelligence service intercepts the letters
The ink helps Americans sent between French nobles, so that
communicate in secret during threats to the king can be thwarted.
the Revolutionary War.

1778 1628

New technology

The invention of photography and
telegrams allows for new methods of

surveillance during the Civil War.
Spies can now photograph military
defenses and camps and intercept

telegrams.

1860 Codebreaking

Enigma machine During World War I and World
The cracking of the War II, communication technology
German Enigma code
helped to lead the Allies becomes increasingly complex,
to victory in World War II. as new codemaking machines are

created. As a result, improving
codebreaking techniques

becomes crucial for deciphering
secret messages.

1914–1945

The story of spying Today

For thousands of years, spies have worked to uncover The age of
secret information. Most spies work for governments, digital spies
finding out the secrets of enemies or potential enemies.
The most important part of spying, or espionage, is to A USB flash drive is able to
keep the activity secret, and over the centuries, spies store vast amounts of data on a
have devised ingenious ways to conceal their work. tiny stick, making it easier than
ever to obtain secret information
270
and keep it hidden.

Early codes 1467 ce–1603 ce

In order to avoid their communications Masters of Shuriken
being read by the enemy during the infiltration Also known as throwing
Peloponnesian War, the Spartans
develop the scytale. This was one of Using great stealth and blades, shuriken could
the earliest systems for coding and speed, the shinobi (later be thrown at a shinobi’s
decoding secret messages. known as ninja) are trained enemy or used by hand
secret agents employed by
431–404 bce powerful Japanese warlords. to slash.

Hiding in plain sight They use espionage,
sabotage, and assassination
The writing of the Florentine Codex
is finished, and reveals that Aztec to attain their goals.
merchants, called Pochteca, often
The first spy network
acted as spies. Their extensive
travels make them perfect for this Frances Walsingham becomes the
task, because they can learn much principal secretary and spymaster
of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
about the Aztec Empire. Walsingham builds up a network
of spies whose aim is to uncover
The Spymaster
plots to overthrow the queen. Walsingham had
conspirators tortured
1573 in order to get them to
confess to their plots.

1585 The French Resistance

Angry about German occupation, Pencil fuses
groups emerge within France to Used during World
War II, these time-
sabotage enemy activity. The delayed pencil fuses
Resistance sets up escape routes for allowed the person
airmen and escaped prisoners of war, setting the bomb to
and attacks German transportation escape before the
attached explosives
and communications. detonated.

1940

First modern Public surveillance Formation of the CIA
spy agencies
East Germany’s State Security In order to improve its intelligence
World War II sees the creation of Ministry, known as the Stasi, is gathering after World War II and
new intelligence services to help
formed. Secret agents use with the Cold War beginning,
win the war, including Britain’s impressive technology, such as the US creates the Central
Special Operations Executive Intelligence Agency (CIA),
tiny cameras concealed in a foreign intelligence service.
(SOE) and the US Office of everyday items, to observe
Strategic Services (OSS).
people of interest.

1940–1942

Video surveillance Formation of the KGB 1950 1947

CCTV cameras can be used The Soviet Union creates an Camera
to monitor traffic and crime, intelligence agency called the Stasi spies would
but are also an important tool Committee for State Security,
or the KGB. It becomes one use this secret
for spies and intelligence of the world’s most effective camera to gather
agencies, who use them to
intelligence organizations. intelligence.
track the movements of
people of interest.

1974 1954

271

BEFORE Middle East conflicts

From the 1890s, a political campaign Although the Middle East is home to many identities, Muslim
known as Zionism called for a Jewish Arabs make up the majority of its people. After World War I,
homeland in Palestine. In the Balfour European empires that had power in the region collapsed,
Declaration of 1917, Britain pledged and the Arabs regained control. But soon after World War II,
Jews were granted the state of Israel in Palestine. Age-old
to help create this nation of Jews. tensions, Arab–Israeli conflict, and intervention by the West,
However, Muslim Arabs had lived in have combined to make the Middle East a volatile region.

Palestine for centuries. After the
horrors inflicted on the Jewish people

during the Holocaust (see pages
262–263) the United Nations (UN)
decided that Arabs and Jews would
share Palestine, fueling Arab anger.

1940s–1960s 1960s–1970s

May 14, 1948 June 5–10, 1967
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1948–1960s October 6–26, 1973 January 1978–
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Iranian Revolution
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March 26, 1979
Israel and Egypt peace deal

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272

1980s 1990s 2000s
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June 6, 1982
Israel invades Lebanon WTIotrwhhafeoeeqmraUwbladeMSspoocs,roltnaaddhlun.yeersWscsieUnterhcKtoushr,ctefe2Aetayirmu0osnbsne–ietansrtlMahtiaseelainvrsatavge,ceedyaIonrrnauet1adiqlo,dsgPhn2atbooiiren0nllaudsatn0sthcdttewhh3tareIeiestoatWlaaapntcmeotkosnicts.
July 12–August 14, 2006
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The First Intifada 1993 AFTER
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for the occupied territories, and conflict still
November 15, 1988 rages across the region. In 2010, a period of
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uprisings across the Middle East known as the
Arab Spring challenged leadership and called for

democracy. The worst violence was in Syria,
which descended into brutal civil war.

Understanding the 1897 Zionism 1987 Hamas 1988 Al-Qaeda 2013 ISIL
Middle East This movement aims to create This Islamic military group is Formed by Osama Bin Laden, Also known as ISIS,
a permanent Jewish national dedicated to destroying Israel al-Qaeda wants to rid Islamic this terrorist organization
There are many different state in Palestine. and creating an Islamic state countries of Western influence. seeks an Islamic state across
groups involved in conflicts in Palestine. Iraq, Syria, and beyond.
across the Middle East.
Some of the key players 1964 PLO 1994 Taliban
are listed here, with the The Palestine Liberation Organization An extreme Islamic political and
year they were founded. aims to liberate Palestine and destroy religious movement, the Taliban is
the state of Israel. founded in Afghanistan.

274

2014 2010 1999

Voice command Smart thermostat Wi-Fi
technology
The heat can now be turned up “Smart” household appliances, which are
Voice-activated gadgets can now without anyone having to be home, operated remotely via the internet, are made
control home appliances. Machines using a smartphone. Over time, the possible with the introduction of Wi-Fi into
obey commands to do anything, smart thermostat learns its user’s homes. These range from entertainment
from playing music to ordering preferences and adjusts the systems to fridges and cooking utensils.
groceries, without their users temperature accordingly.
having to lift a finger.

Smart Robotic vacuum
fridge cleaner
2006 1996

1970–1979 Steam iron 1975 1983 1985
1970s
Teasmade Electronic sewing machine Bagless vacuum Bird kettle
cleaner
First mass-produced in 1933, this iconic The Athena 2000, made by American This kettle, by Italian company
British invention combines an alarm clock company Singer, is the world’s first Invented by James Dyson in Alessi, has a bird figure on its
with a kettle that brews tea ready for electronic sewing machine and an the UK, the bright pink spout that whistles when the
when its user wakes up. By the 1970s, immediate success. A computer controls G-Force cleaner does not kettle boils. It is a huge global
2 million households have one. the motor’s speed and needle position. require a bag to collect hit, revolutionizing how
dust as it vacuums, household products look.
improving its suction.

1967 1938 1929 1929 1929
Electric toaster
Microwave Clothes dryer Air conditioning Dishwasher
The introduction of presliced
Despite being invented in the American inventor J. Ross bread in 1928 advances the American company Frigidaire Originally invented in the
1940s, it isn’t until 1967 that a Moore, tired of hanging his use of electric toasters. creates one of the first air 1880s by American Josephine
microwave oven small and clothing outside, especially conditioning units small enough for Cochrane, German company
cheap enough to be used during winter, invents a Stovetop coffee maker use in regular homes. It is shaped Miele improves the dishwasher
easily in homes is developed. clothes dryer that can run 1933 like a radio cabinet. by creating an electric version.
on gas and electricity.

1872 1882 1907 1908 1913

Modern radiator Electric iron Vacuum cleaner Washing machine Electric fridge

In the 1800s, plumbing is People have been American inventor Introduced by the Hurley American engineer Fred W. Wolf
a sign of wealth, so pipes are pressing creases out of James Spangler invents Machine Company of Chicago, creates the first electric
shown off. The Bundy Loop, a clothes for centuries, but the portable vacuum IL, the Thor is the first electric refrigerator suitable for the
cast-iron, steam-heated radiator, Henry Seely of New York cleaner, which has a washing machine. population at large. It’s known
becomes fashionable. is the first to power an rotating brush and as the Domelre.
iron using electricity. a bag to collect dust.
Electric
kettle
1922

Household appliances Advertising

In the early 20th century, electricity revolutionized everyday life. After World War II, advertising
A whirlwind of labor-saving devices transformed the home, relieving promoted labor-saving devices
people of domestic drudgery. Appliances such as vacuum cleaners that promised to cut the time spent
and washing machines freed women from spending so much time doing household chores. Most of
doing housework, as society expected of them, allowing them this was aimed at women, but as
to work or pursue hobbies. In the 21st century, new devices have society has begun to develop
evolved to save time and effort for women, men, and children. a more equal attitude toward women
and men, advertising has made
some progress in representing men
in household roles, too.

275

The Korean War

In 1950, conflict between North and South
Korea threatened to explode into a much
wider war. It became an international concern
when the US supported the South Koreans,
and the communist countries of China and the
Soviet Union championed the North Koreans.

1948 After World War II 1947 Truman Doctrine
The Korean peninsula was US president Harry Truman
under Japanese rule before announces that the US will
World War II. After Japan’s
defeat in the war, the Soviet seek to stop the spread of
Union occupies the north of communism in places it had not
the country, while the US spread to yet—a policy known
controls the south.
as the “Truman Doctrine.”
1948 Partition

Korea is partitioned into two
countries, but both communist

North Korea and democratic
South Korea hope to overthrow

the other, and reunite
the country.

1950 North Korea invades 1950 US and China join Refugees
Communist North Korea strikes Through the United Nations (UN),
first and invades the South. The the US sends troops to help South The back-and-forth nature of the war creates a huge
North makes great gains, and Korea in July, turning the tide in the refugee crisis as people flee to find safety. By 1951, about
captures the South Korean 500,000 refugees crowded into the South Korean city of
capital, Seoul. South’s favor. By October, they Busan, with the overall number of refugees created by
1953 Truce have driven the North back and the war believed to be between four and six million.
The two sides agree to a truce,
which ends the fighting. The have even taken the North’s
border between the two countries capital city, Pyongyang. China
stays where it was before the war, enters the war to help the North.
and a demilitarized zone is set up
between them. 1951 Stalemate
China’s intervention drives the
South Korean and UN troops
south. A stalemate emerges, with
each side’s territory reverting

back to the prewar borders.
Peace talks begin, but don’t

achieve anything.

1954 The Geneva talks
The US and China meet to talk

about uniting the two Koreas,
but they can’t reach an
agreement. The Korean

peninsula remains divided
to this day—with a communist
North and a democratic South.

276

A difficult war The Vietnam War

The US found fighting in Vietnam to be incredibly One of the major conflicts of the late 20th
difficult. The Vietnamese communists were century, the Vietnam War raged for almost
guerilla fighters, which meant their attacks were 20 years. It destroyed large swathes of the
sporadic and unpredictable. They used the country and led to the deaths of millions of
terrain much better than the Americans, and soldiers and civilians. As the conflict dragged
slowly demoralized them by dragging them on, an international antiwar movement protested
into a complex and seemingly endless struggle. what seemed to be a senseless, bloody war.

1945 Ho Chi Minh 1950 US support
The defeat of the Japanese in The US steps up its military and
World War II leaves a power
vacuum in Vietnam. Communist financial help to France, and
leader Ho Chi Minh declares President Truman authorizes
North Vietnam independent, and $15 million in aid. The People’s
his Viet Minh guerrilla fighters Republic of China (formed in
take on France, Vietnam’s old
colonial masters. 1949) and the Soviet Union
1959 Ho Chi Minh Trail support North Vietnam.
North Vietnam builds a supply
route called the Ho Chi Minh Trail 1954 Withdraw and partition
to South Vietnam. They use this The French completely withdraw
to support pro-communist rebels after a huge defeat at the battle of
in the South, known as the Dien Bien Phu. Vietnam is divided
National Liberation Front.
in half, with Ho Chi Minh taking
1962 Agent Orange control of the North, and
The US sprays Agent Orange,
a deadly herbicide, to kill the anticommunist, US-supported
foliage sheltering communist Ngo Dinh Diem ruling in the South.
fighters and to destroy their food
supplies. This causes long-lasting 1964–1965 Gulf of Tonkin
health issues for civilians and North Vietnam attacks two US
troops on both sides, and ruins warships. In response, the US
large swathes of Vietnamese soil.
1968 Tet Offensive issues the Gulf of Tonkin
The communists launch the Resolution, committing the country
Tet Offensive—a coordinated
series of attacks across South to defending itself and South
Vietnam. Initially surprised by the Vietnam. The USSR increases
assault, the South Vietnamese and
US forces regroup and retaliate. support of North Vietnam.
1975 Fall of Saigon
A ceasefire is announced in 1973, 1965 First protests
and US troops are withdrawn. The first antiwar marches
North Vietnam launches another happen in the US, with mounting
attack and the South’s capital, casualties and the massive cost
Saigon, falls. Vietnam is united of fighting angering many. More
as a communist state soon after. than 100,000 people march on

Washington DC in 1967.
1971 Pentagon Papers
The Washington Post publishes
the Pentagon Papers. These show
the government felt the war to be
unwinnable, but had lied about it.
The US had begun to pull out
troops in 1969, and secret peace

talks began in 1970.

277

Bay of Pigs invasion Cuban missile crisis

The CIA attempts to remove The Soviet Union installs nuclear
Cuba’s communist leader Fidel missiles in Cuba, and the US
Castro from power. The CIA-backed demands their removal. The
rebel invaders are defeated by world fears full-scale nuclear
Castro’s army in what became war, but, after 13 days, the
known as the Bay of Pigs invasion. Soviet Union offers to
remove the weapons in
Nuclear disarmament return for a US promise
not to invade Cuba.
In London, thousands protest against
nuclear weapons, especially the testing 1962 1963
of hydrogen bombs by the US and
Soviet Union. The protest is led by the 1960 The 1960s
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament 1961
(CND) organization. The 1960s saw great change take
place. The Cold War (see pages
President John F. Kennedy
282–283) took hold, with continuing
John F. Kennedy becomes the conflict in Vietnam, and nuclear war
youngest-ever US president in was a constant threat. But there was
the tightest election since 1884. He also a fresh optimism. New attitudes
promises to fight for world freedom.
about freedom of expression and
Anti-segregation sit-ins equality were reflected in music,
fashion, and politics, and
African American students launch a anything and everything
series of “sit-in” protests against segregation seemed possible.
(separating of blacks and whites) by
refusing to leave “whites only”
counters at diners.

1969

Woodstock 1968 1967

A 3-day music festival is held in the Revolution
Catskill Mountains in New York. It is
Protests across the world
attended by more than 400,000 break out when people
people, causing massive traffic demand political change and
jams and road closures. Musicians better rights. In Paris, France,
such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, more than 10 million students
and workers go on strike.
and Ravi Shankar perform.
Dr King assassinated
Stonewall Riots
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. is shot in
A police raid of the Stonewall Inn, Memphis, TN. A few days later, his
a gay club in New York City, wife, Coretta, and their children lead a
turns violent. This inspires huge crowd on a silent remembrance
the formation of several gay,
lesbian, and bisexual civil rights march through Memphis.
organizations to protect against
social and political discrimination.
278

The Feminine “I have a dream”
Mystique
The campaign for civil rights in the
Betty Friedan launches US is led by Dr Martin Luther King,
the modern feminist Jr. He calls for equality in his
movement with a book passionate “I have a dream”
that discusses the role speech to demonstrators
of women in society in Washington, DC.
and promotes equality.
It sells millions of copies. Kennedy assassination

President John F. Kennedy is shot and killed
in Dallas, TX. His death devastates

the country. Lyndon B. Johnson is quickly
sworn in as the new president.

1964 British invasion Vietnam War

British bands such as The Beatles, The US becomes
The Who, and The Rolling Stones involved in a long war
storm the US charts, achieving fame in Vietnam to prevent
and changing music forever. it from falling under
communist rule. The
Pop art loss of life on both sides
leads to mass protests
Taking inspiration from comic books around the world.
and advertising, the pop art movement
1965
flourishes. Artist Andy Warhol is the
most distinctive pop artist, using
bold images and bright colors
to depict everyday objects.

1966 Underground press Fashion revolution

New publications develop for Teenagers begin to have
young people who don’t agree their own money to buy
with the traditional views of clothes, and they feel less
their parents. These include pressure to dress like their
Oz, International Times, and parents. This causes a
Ink, and are dedicated to revolution in the fashion
poetry, music, and promoting world, with designs aimed at
political change.
these new customers.
Summer of Love
Hippies
Young people reject the violence
seen in news broadcasts and call A movement of young
for peace, love, and understanding people known as
across the world. They are influenced “hippies” emerges in
by music and Eastern religions such San Francisco. They
are recognizable by
as Buddhism and Hinduism. their long hair and
colorful clothing, and
they promote ideas of
nonviolence and love.

279

Postcolonial Africa Rwandan Genocide

In the 1950s and 1960s, African nations gained More than a million people of
independence from colonial rule with varying degrees the Tutsi ethnicity in Rwanda
of success. Although there was freedom in many are killed by members of the
places, there was also corruption, military coups, civil
war, and division among different ethnic groups. neighboring ethnic group,
However, in the 21st century, optimism is growing, with the Hutus. The international
greater wealth and improving political stability. community fails to stop this.

Ghanaian “In the end, the ballot must President Nelson Mandela
independence decide, not bullets.”
After decades of apartheid (racial
Kwame Nkrumah Jonas Savimbi, Angolan politician, segregation) in his country, and 27
becomes the country’s first years of imprisonment for protesting
independent prime minister in a speech in 1975 against this, Nelson Mandela is elected
after years of British colonial the first black president of South Africa.
rule. In an emotional speech, This ends 300 years of white rule.
he tells tens of thousands of
Ghanaians: “your beloved
country is free forever.”

1957 1960–1965 1963 1971–1979 1975– 1984– 1994 1994
2002 1985

Congo Crisis Idi Amin

The Congo (modern-day Ugandan president
Democratic Republic of Congo) Amin expels Asian
minorities from Uganda
dissolves into crisis after and launches attacks
becoming independent from on his Tanzanian
enemies. He abuses
Belgium in June 1960. human rights and uses
A breakaway state of Katanga violence against other
exists until the United Nations (UN) ethnic groups. He is
intervenes in 1963. The army overthrown in 1979.

seizes power in 1965.

African Unity Ethiopian famine

Following the independence Decades of war and
of many African nations extreme drought cause
from European rule, the starvation in Ethiopia,
where more than
Organization of African Unity 400,000 people die
is established by 32 African and millions more are
states to encourage and left hungry and poor.
protect Africa’s interests. Many are forced to leave
their homes and
resettle elsewhere.

Angolan Civil War

The Republic of Angola, rich in diamonds
and oil, becomes independent

from Portugal in 1975, but becomes
impoverished by a civil war. This will be one

of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.

Economic boom

Africa is predicted to have the
largest economic growth of
any continent over the next
decade, thanks to younger

populations, access to water,
and less poverty and disease.

Kofi Annan Polite politics

Kofi Annan from Ghana Nigeria votes out
becomes the Secretary- President Goodluck
General of the United Jonathan in favor
Nations. He expands the of Muhammadu
UN’s work into protecting Buhari. Jonathan’s
the environment, fighting politeness in defeat
against HIV/AIDS in allows a peaceful
Africa, and improving transfer of power,
human rights. which is inspirational
across Africa.

Civil war in Sudan Independence for HIV/AIDS vaccine
South Sudan trial launched
Civil war begins in the Darfur
region of Sudan between rebel South Sudan votes to break away 5,400 South African men and
groups and the government. from Sudan after a bloody civil war women sign up for a trial of
Several hundred thousand between the mainly Christian south a new HIV/AIDS vaccine,
people are killed and millions hoping for a breakthrough
flee their homes in a conflict and the Arab Muslim north. Much against the disease. Seven
that remains unresolved today. of the world recognizes the new million South Africans are
nation, but it remains one of the living with the virus.
poorest areas in the world.

1997 2003 2004 2010 2010 2011 2011 2015 2014– 2016 2017
2016

Prize for Kenya Ebola

Wangari Mathai, a West Africa experiences the
Kenyan feminist and biggest outbreak of the Ebola
environmentalist, virus ever known. Thousands die
receives the Nobel and the economies of many
Peace Prize. Her countries are damaged, some
Green Belt Movement
teaches women to of which are still recovering
grow trees in order from civil war.
to improve their
living conditions.

World Cup

The World Cup comes to South Africa, the first time an
African nation has held such a prestigious worldwide
event. Many people’s perceptions of the country and

continent are changed for the better.

Rwandan reform Robert Mugabe steps down

Rwanda manages to rebuild its economy Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe since
after its devastating civil war. Life expectancy, 1980, loses his grip on power and resigns after

the number of children attending the military take control. He is blamed for
school, and the amount of money spent on economic chaos, preventing political

health care have all improved. freedom, and the abuse of human rights.

281

Berlin blockade 1948 1949 1949 1949
First Soviet
The USSR flexes its NATO George Orwell’s nuclear bomb
muscles by preventing 1984
road and rail access to The East-West divide In response to the US nuclear
West Berlin, threatening becomes official when the British author George bombs that ended World War II,
West Germany. Britain US and Western European Orwell writes 1984, a the Soviets become a nuclear
and the US drop millions novel that imagines the
of tons of supplies into countries establish the nightmare of living under power by testing their own
West Berlin from planes North Atlantic Treaty a brutal government weapons. The US and USSR
Organization (NATO), similar to a communist compete to have more powerful
until the Soviets lift promising that in times of dictatorship. It inspires
the blockade. conflict, these countries many books, movies, weapons than each other.
will help one another. Neither of them ever actually
A divided Europe and music. uses these because they fear

After World War II, the 1945 mass destruction.
USSR takes control of
areas of Eastern Europe, 1972
including East Germany,
forming a communist World Chess
“Eastern Bloc.” The US Championship
helps to rebuild western
European countries. In the “match of the
century,” American
Eastern Europe Bobby Fischer beats
becomes cut off from chess champion Boris
Spassky of the USSR.
the West. This ends 24 years of
Soviet domination
The Cold War of the World Chess

AScbgwapofoeasoteuevgilnatiinrhateipintcWentroga,iUeCnoaltnssrosiodlidioolcenednraWametWhcs(atauehahtrcreareswhI,dtIib,hUdoptaeeerhSonlcrdeStwatra.hcRieuAedaa)srdd.pnpweTitteimtoeichoarroieiplnoeliinstardinatteflhlvroUvitceyehefStnrfngmewotatriaroeoantcthsasnd.eettTf.ocpothofeoouitnsnmhwgusiehsmeciortrlkuenfftnruhnaoolrirsomwtungh Championship.

282 1983

“Star Wars”

US president Ronald
Reagan calls the USSR an
“evil empire.” He reveals a
plan, called “Star Wars,” to

put weapons in space.
These would defend
against a nuclear attack,
and show off US wealth
and technology. However,
they are never built.

The hot wars 1950–1953 1956 1973 1975 1979–1990
Korean War Hungarian Revolution Chilean coup Angolan Civil War Nicaraguan Revolution
Although the Cold War never resulted in
actual warfare between the USSR and US, 1955–1968 1959 1968 1979–1989
it led to many smaller wars in other countries Vietnam War Cuban Revolution Czechoslovakian Uprising Afghan War
as the two sides tried to spread their influence.
These were known as proxy wars, or hot wars.

1951 1950–1954 1955
Cambridge spies
McCarthyism Warsaw Pact
After being recruited as
A scandal erupts when Soviet spies while at The USSR unites the Eastern
some US government Bloc through the Warsaw Pact
officials are caught giving Cambridge University in the which, like NATO in the West,
American secrets to the UK, four British men are creates an agreement that the
USSR. Senator Joseph discovered to have been
McCarthy mounts a countries will support one
campaign to hunt down passing secret information another. It strengthens Soviet
rebel US communists, to the USSR. Three of them power over the Eastern Bloc, too.
but innocent people are forced to move to the
1960s 1957–1969
are prosecuted in Soviet Union, and one
the process. shares Soviet secrets in The internet Space Race
exchange for his freedom.
1962 During the 1960s, the US The US and USSR
13 August 1962 government funds a compete to advance
Cuban Missile project by DARPA their space exploration.
Crisis The Berlin Wall (Defense Advanced
Research Projects Their progress
The USSR builds nuclear German communists Agency) to develop a represents the scientific
missile launch sites in erect a wall dividing and economic power of
communist Cuba, close East Berlin from West. way to share information
to the US coast. The It becomes an ugly between military each country. It ends
US demands that symbol of division when American
the sites be removed. between the two Cold computers quickly, and
Nuclear war seems War political ideals. so the internet is born. spacecraft Apollo 11
inevitable. However, the The wall separates lands on the Moon.
Soviets withdraw at many people from their
the last minute.
families, homes,
and jobs.

1985–1991 10 November 1989 1991

Glasnost and Perestroika Fall of the The Soviet Union
Berlin Wall collapses
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev
begins to make changes in the As the USSR weakens, East For the first time in its
USSR. Perestroika (“restructuring”) Germans are astonished to history, Russia elects a
improves the economy, while finally be allowed to travel president. The Communist
glasnost (“openness”) allows Party is defeated and
freely to West Germany. ordered to end its rule.
freedom of the press and The wall is knocked down, The world looks on in
political expression. and Germany is reunited. amazement as the USSR

This marks the end of disintegrates into
communist rule in 15 separate countries.
Eastern Europe.
283

Soviet astronaut Augus First Soviet spacecraft
selection process on the Moon
t 1959
The Soviet air force’s research Luna 2 is launched to the Moon.
institute, NIIVVS, starts recruiting It is the first spacecraft to
Sep land on the Moon and
astronauts for future missions. the first man-made

First US astronauts tember 12, 1959 object to land on a
selected body in space.

The first US astronauts April 9, 1959
are selected by NASA,
before human spaceflight

operations begin.

February 20,

1947

NASA formed Octobe First animals in space

The US founds the National r 1, 1958 The US sends the first animals into
Aeronautics and Space space. They are fruit flies, launched
Administration (NASA), on board a German-designed V-2
a federal agency rocket from World War II.
dedicated to space
exploration. October 4, 1957

November 3, 1957 First satellite orbit of earth

First animal in orbit The USSR’s Sputnik 1, the world’s first
artificial satellite, orbits Earth. The
Laika, a stray dog from the streets US is shocked and surprised at this
of Moscow, is the first animal to success, and increases efforts on its
orbit Earth, on Russia’s Sputnik 2. own space program.
She is sent to test the effects of
spaceflight on a living creature.

Race to the Moon

During the Cold War (see pages 282–283), the US and the
USSR began to develop technology in order to explore space.
The public in both countries took great pride in these space
programs, and as more achievements were made, national
excitement increased. A long, thrilling race began to be
the first country to put a satellite in space
and, ultimately, an astronaut
on the Moon.

284

First human May 5 First American in space
in space
Alan Shepard becomes the first
Yuri Gagarin, an astronaut American in space, in the spacecraft
from the USSR, is the first Freedom 7. It flies 116 miles (187 km)
human to journey into outer high and returns safely to Earth.
5, 1961
space. His spacecraft, April 1 , 1961
Vostok 1, is launched
2, 1961
and orbits
the Earth.

“That’s one small Kennedy announces May 2
step for man, one the space race Jul
y 3, 1969
giant leap for President Kennedy makes a
mankind.” speech announcing his intention

Neil Armstrong, to race the Soviets to put a
first man on the Moon, human on the Moon.

July 20, 1969 USSR tests rockets for
manned mission

The second test of the USSR’s N1
rocket, which is planned to take the

first human to the Moon, ends in
disaster when it is destroyed in
one of the largest non-nuclear
explosions in human history.

20, 1969July

First human on the Moon

The US sends humans to the Moon in
Apollo 11. Neil Armstrong is the first
human to walk on the Moon, and his
co-pilot Buzz Aldrin is the second.

285

Apollo launches

Apollo 11 was the first crewed mission
to land on the Moon. The astronauts’
journey would not have been possible
without the extremely powerful Saturn V
rocket. On the morning of July 16, 1969,
the huge three-stage rocket, towering
361 ft (110 m) above its launch pad in
Florida, lifted Apollo 11 away from
Earth and into low Earth orbit. Its upper
stage then blasted the craft on its epic
950,000-mile (1.5 million-km) journey
to the Moon.



THE CUBAN
MISSILE CRISIS

A world on the brink of war

In the fall of 1962, the global superpowers of the United States
and the Soviet Union were in a diplomatic deadlock. This began
when the Soviets installed nuclear missiles on the Caribbean
island of Cuba, close to the US. As letters, official statements,
and threats passed between the two rival nations, the rest of
the world looked on for 13 tense days as fragile global peace
teetered on the brink of nuclear war.

Old comrades, new rivals Missiles in place Tensions rise

During the 1950s, former World War II allies Relations between the US and the On October 23, 1962, Premier Khruschev
the United States and the Soviet Union Soviet Union continue to decline with replies to President Kennedy, claiming that
become rival superpowers, and they each disagreements over Allied-occupied Berlin all weapons on Cuba are defensive. On
slowly build up a stock of nuclear weapons. in Germany. Then, in April 1962, the US October 24, tensions rise as Soviet ships
As this “Cold War” develops, in 1952, the finalizes a deal to make ready their nuclear approach the US naval blockade, with Soviet
US secretly backs a military coup in Cuba, weapons in Turkey, close to the Soviet submarines close behind. The US reacts
around 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of border. In July, in retaliation for this threat by making ready its airbases in Florida, and
Florida. This allows military dictator to his country, the Soviet Union’s premier by placing US Strategic Air Command on
Fulgencio Batista to regain power. Seven Nikita Khrushchev strikes a deal with high alert for the first time in its history.
years later, in 1959, a revolution led by Castro to build Soviet missile bases on the Over the next two days, communications
Cuban nationalist Fidel Castro overthrows island. On August 31, US senator Kenneth flow between Kennedy and Khrushchev
Batista, and Cuba becomes the first Keating warns his government of the Soviet through the United Nations. A deal to end
communist state in the West. military presence in Cuba. On September the standoff is close until a US spy plane
21, Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei is shot down over Cuba on October 27.
An invasion fails Gromyko urges the US to back away from
Cuba or else face the possibility of war. The world holds its breath
In 1960, US president Dwight D.
Eisenhower halts trade and aid to Cuba. The crisis begins Nations around the world watch as nuclear
Cuba’s isolation encourages Castro to seek war looms. Then, on October 28, a deal is
new allies and, by December 1960, Castro On October 14, 1962, after ordering a struck to end the crisis. The US promises not
has accepted military and diplomatic U-2 spy plane to fly over Cuba, evidence to invade Cuba, and to withdraw its missiles
support from the Soviet Union. In 1961, is presented to President Kennedy and from Turkey in exchange for the removal of all
John F. Kennedy becomes the new the Executive Committee, known as missiles from Cuba. The US naval blockade
president of the US, and he approves a ExComm. Eight days of discussions and finally ends on November 20, as the last
plan to overthrow Castro’s government. analysis lead to President Kennedy Soviet ship leaves the Caribbean. A month
This is put in motion on April 17, 1961, addressing the nation at 7:00 p.m. on later, on December 24, the US sends food
when a force of exiled Cubans living in the October 22, stating that he has evidence and medical supplies to Cuba in exchange for
US invades western Cuba at the Bay of of Soviet nuclear missiles on Cuba. The US those captured in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Pigs. The US-backed rebellion fails, and sends its navy to surround the Caribbean A year later, on August 30, 1963, the US
Castro’s military forces are triumphant, island and block any other ships from and the Soviet Union establish a “hotline”
killing 100 and capturing about 1,200 of approaching. The military is ordered to between their leaders to allow for immediate
the invading exiles. increase their readiness for war. diplomatic discussions in the future.

“We were eyeball to eyeball and
the other fellow just blinked.”

US Secretary of State Dean Rusk on hearing
that the Soviet ships had turned back,

October 1962

289

The Civil Rights February–July 1960
Movement
DINERS PROTEST
The Civil War brought an end to slavery, but the African
American struggle for equal rights was only just apcaNClroltoooouatrlvneltweehtsegrhGtCsreti.thaerSlsierk-etooouesoeldniotnnhlenuya,intps,sWhtteos.aboankinocoeeelGwrttfahourokeelree“istrshnpsii’tsstle-abi-lancuiot”nensroch,
beginning. In many parts of the country, racism and
unequal treatment for black people were supported by May–December 1961
law. During the 1950s and 1960s, people joined together
as the Civil Rights Movement to fight for equality. FRREIDEEDROSM

May 17, 1954 1957 BsCbs“vahlFyeairoaorgcroewlimrkedueennitadgnhcpdnogaeedmttaio,herwtniedshRghubegaidipnutlrpoeeepsehbraoecsoersrso”tt..solatWlfoeosraegghrateemcertteinsvheatsiettulhchrrwdeioikgeniswthnehetntsds

INSTCEGHORAOTLESD December 1, 1955 Law change

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RAORSRAEPSATREKDSBus boycott Little Rock Nine
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September 9
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290

1963 1964 March 7–25, 1965

RIOTS BALLOT OR BULLET? Equal rights Selma

May 11 April 3 July 2 RtMoti5gotWoth0hhtnohtiemsttMuehgpsAilosMeaaactmssnatarsdte(ircne8itsnri0yhAcngo.aukfTLotpgmmuhfoiutttea)hahsAfrmeletrcoor1haVl9fmKaero6cirtbnS5hsing.eawlg,elJmmaarld.ak, as
Birmingham riots Malcolm X gives speech Civil Rights Act of 1964
1968
acsLrlbAeitoonoouavpactnmdestranioerbiolanirtnpinesgnBgoasegtliltutirscohdmfroetfeneaitlsbnrlchroeggaioenwstehutepritaonni.eoomtg8dntrsy,addaA.staMnvplcayiigoaesibvhlrdeaoiktlinmasfrotigfalyh., ts Activist and religious leader After a summer of protests,
Malcolm X gives a fiery speech in the US government proposes VIOLENCE
August 28 which he promotes change by any legislation to end segregation in
means necessary, whether it’s the public places and give everyone April 4
“I have a dream” ballot box or the bullet. Rivals equal access to jobs regardless of Luther King, Jr. shot
assassinate him in 1965. a person’s race, color, or religion.
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President Lyndon B. Johnson.
EQUAL ACCESS
FREEDOM SUMMER
April 11
June Civil Rights Act of 1968
Register to vote
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In Mississippi, thousands of
volunteers work together to
register as many African
American voters as possible.
The volunteers face harassment
and intimidation.

Selma

The march in Alabama from Selma to
Montgomery was organized to draw
attention to the difficulties African Americans
faced when registering to vote. Although
African Americans had the right to vote, state
officials tried to stop them from registering.
Registration offices were rarely open, and
officials made people complete unnecessary
literacy tests, fill in long forms, and pay fees.

291

3150 bce–30 ce c.750–323 bce 509 bce–476 ce

Ancient Egyptians Ancient Greeks The Romans 1400s c.1450–1600

The Egyptians live in a hot A simple chiton (a long Most people wear simple Middle Ages Renaissance
climate, so they make sleeveless shirt tied with a tunics and togas made from
wool and linen. The colors The most common item Clothing moves from being
nearly all their clothes from belt) is worn by men, of medieval clothing is the loose to fitted. Men and
lightweight linen woven women, and children. It can of these clothes mark the tunic. Rich people wear women start to wear
from flax plants grown be short or long, printed or wearer’s rank in society.
plain, gathered or loose, and Purple, for example, is fancy versions of this. different items of clothing.
beside the Nile River. Both worn by the ruling classes. Hose (thin, fitted trousers As wealthy people begin to
men and women wear topped with a cloak for with feet, much like tights) travel the world, fashions
makeup and wigs. extra warmth. begin to become popular
from different countries
Fashion for men. These are an influence each other. Many
early version of pants.
copy the style of Queen
People have always been interested Elizabeth I of England,
in what they wear, from the ancient known for her full-skirted
Egyptians and their carefully dresses and large ruffs.
crafted wigs, to today’s
shoppers, who can buy the
latest fashions online. Fashion
has changed as many times
as you’ve changed your
socks. Its history is as long
and colorful as some of its
most sensational creations.

2000s 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s

Fast fashion Designer decade Flares and heels Youthquake Leisure time

Fashion becomes accessible, In the 1980s, fashion Trousers are more popular Teenagers, now with their After World War II ends,
with high-end stores cheaply designers became with women than ever own money to spend, break travel and leisure,
superstars, and models
recreating catwalk trends. became celebrities. The before, and flares get wider free from the fashions of once just for the wealthy,
However, concerns grow internet makes fashion truly for men and women. their parents. Young become more affordable.
about working conditions global. If a celebrity appears Swimwear, sandals, and
in a dress, it can sell out Platform shoes step into designers lead the way,
in factories, and the in moments on the other fashion, influenced by such as Mary Quant, who sunglasses become
environmental impact of side of the world. shocks older generations popular. The bikini is
cheap, disposable clothes. performers such as David invented in 1946, and rises
Bowie and Elton John. when she designs the in popularity in the 1950s.
miniskirt in 1964.

292

c.1500–1700 1600s 1603 1700s 1800s

Ottoman finery European fashions Kimono Rococo Sportswear

The Ottoman Empire, France (and to a lesser The Edo period in Japan An artistic movement The introduction of vacation
stretching from southern extent, England) leads the (see pages 158–159) sees a known as rococo inspires in the 1800s gives people
Europe to Asia, inspires way in fashion, with the rest more leisure time to do
European fashion. This of Europe following. More rise in the kimono, a robe lighter, more flowing sports. Rich people adopt
includes turbans and long, with flowing sleeves and a clothes. Fitted dresses are outfits for sports such as
flowing robes, crafted from than ever, clothes wide belt. Wealthy people hunting, riding, and archery.
beautiful, expensive fabrics. demonstrate wealth and replaced by full-skirted Sporty fashion is for both
position in society. The rich compete for the richest gowns known as mantuas, women and men.
fabrics, expressing their and later by open robes and
splurge on the latest petticoats. Men wear coats
fashions in hand-decorated status and style. and breeches (short pants)

silk and velvet. in a move away from
tight-fitting hose.

T-shirts

The US Navy introduces
this iconic item of clothing,

meant to be worn as an
extra layer under a shirt. It is

stretchy and holds its
shape, as well as being easy

to clean and inexpensive.

1930s 1920s 1913 1871 1846

1940s African prints

Wartime fashion Film star fashion Jazz age Blue jeans A new printing technique is
developed, which prints
During World War II, money A financial crash puts an Following World War I, The first jeans are invented fabric with wax to create
and material is in short end to the fun of the jazz practical, comfortable by Jacob W. Davis and Levi colorful patterns. This
supply, meaning few can age. Unable to buy into clothes become popular. Strauss in the US. The jeans
fashion, normal people Skirts become shorter, and have metal fastenings at the printed fabric is a huge hit in
afford new suits or dresses. instead admire the clothes many young women, known seams, making them tough Ghana, and soon is being
Many men and women of glamorous film stars such as flappers, cut their hair used to make clothes
are inspired to join the as Fred Astaire and Ginger short, smoke, and dance to and long-lasting. They across much of West and
armed forces by Rogers. The women wear jazz to rebel against old- become popular with
the smart uniforms. long, fitted dresses, and laborers across the US, Central Africa. The patterns
men’s suits have narrow fashioned society. and by the mid-20th are used to create pictures
waists and wide shoulders. century will become a key that tell stories and ideas.
feature of wardrobes across
293
the world.

Space exploration “History will remember
the 20th century for two
The desire to explore space has led to many incredible
developments. In 1969, humans first landed on the technological
Moon. Twenty years later, all the planets in the solar developments: atomic
system had been explored by spacecraft. Now, the energy and space flight.”
next era of space exploration is beginning, with
ambitious plans to expand space tourism and send Neil Armstrong,
humans to Mars. in introduction to Moon Shot: The Inside Story

of America’s Apollo Moon Landings, 1994

First satellite Sputnik 1 Viking 1
This simple satellite One of two Viking spacecraft
The Soviet Union triggers is about the size of sent to Mars by NASA, Viking 1
the Space Age with the a basketball. takes pictures and gathers
launch of Sputnik 1, the first scientific data.
artificial satellite, into space.
Sputnik 1 takes about 98
minutes to travel around
Earth. Its success shocks
the US, causing the country

to speed up its own
space program.

1957 Mission to Mars

NASA’s Viking 1 lands on the
surface of Mars after a

10-month journey. It is the first
spacecraft to not only land on
another planet, but also take
photos and collect data that

can be sent back to Earth.

1965 1976 1990

Images of Mars Hubble space Space telescope
telescope
The first close-up photos This historic telescope NASA’s Hubble Space
of the planet Mars are circles Earth every Telescope is launched, and
beamed back to Earth. 96 minutes. becomes the most famous
Taken by US spacecraft space observatory ever flown.
It can observe objects more
Mariner 4, they aren’t quite than 13.4 billion light-years
what the world is expecting.
Rather than showing aliens from Earth.
on Mars as people hoped,

the grainy pictures show
barren, gray craters.

Mariner 4
This spacecraft records
images as it flies past
Mars. It is the first craft to
photograph a planet
other than Earth.

294

Humans in space 1965 1969 2001
Soviet Alexey American Neil Businessman
For as long as humans have looked up at Leonov walks Armstrong walks Dennis Tito is the
the stars, we have dreamed of exploring on the Moon. first space tourist.
the universe. In 1961, the first person in space.
entered space in his spacecraft, marking
the beginning of an extraordinary journey 1961 1998 2003
for humans venturing into space. Soviet Yuri The International The first piloted
Gagarin is the first Space Station Chinese space
person in space. (ISS) is built. mission is launched.

Juno
Space probe Juno is
roughly the size of a
basketball court.

Interstellar space Golden record Jupiter mission
exploration Voyager 1 carries a record
of sounds and images of Juno travels more than
NASA’s Voyager 1 probe is life on Earth, in case of 1.7 billion miles (2.7 billion km)
the first artificial object to encounters with aliens. from Earth to Jupiter, a giant
travel to the edge of the planet with a diameter around
solar system and head off
11 times the size of that of
into interstellar space Earth. Juno investigates how
(the space between stars).
Jupiter formed 4.6 billion
No spacecraft has gone years ago.
there before.

2012 2014 2016

Comet landing 2017

The Philae is the first Mission to
spacecraft ever to land on Saturn ends
the surface of a speeding
comet. As it hurtles toward Launched in 1997, Cassini
the comet, it sends back ends its 20-year mission
information about the solar exploring Saturn and its
system and life on Earth. moons. The craft breaks up
as it plows into Saturn’s
Philae cloud tops in a dramatic end
This giant robot is to one of NASA’s most
packed with cameras
and sensors to probe successful missions.
the secrets of space. Cassini
The probe slips
between Saturn and its
rings to send stunning
images back to Earth.

295

Booming nations

After World War II, many East and Southeast Asian countries
progressed from poverty to extreme wealth. This development
began in the 1960s, as Asian countries, starting with Japan,
began to produce high-tech items such as cameras and
computers. As these goods were exported to other continents,
the economies of these countries grew until they were some
of the largest in the world.

1964 1965 1974 1978

Bullet train Singapore develops Ten projects Changing China

The world’s first high-speed After becoming independent On the island of Taiwan, Deng Xiaoping becomes leader
train, nicknamed a “bullet” train, from neighboring Malaysia, a series of improvements gets of China after Mao’s death and
underway known as the Ten
is built in Japan. It reaches Singapore sees massive Major Construction Projects. makes huge changes to the
speeds of around 186 mph economic growth. Factories Some projects are industrial, economy. Foreign firms are
(300 kph) and runs between and companies are encouraged invited to invest in China for the
Japanese cities Tokyo and to develop, attracting huge but six of them focus on first time in many years. Almost
Osaka, cutting the travel time investments from abroad. Many improving transportation by every organization undergoes
between them from seven international companies build building new roads, railroads, extensive change, transforming
China beyond recognition.
hours to four. offices here. ports, and airports.

1990 1993 1997 2003

Japanese crash High aspirations Hong Kong Three Gorges Dam

Japan has risen from the The Petronas Towers are built The control of Hong Kong China builds a giant dam across
ruins of World War II to become in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. is transferred from Britain the Yangzte River, 1.4 miles
to China after more than
the world’s second-largest These twin skyscrapers, 150 years of British rule. Skilled (2.3 km) long and 607 ft (185 m)
economy. However, in 1990, the inspired by Islamic art, will be workers use the business skills tall. It is an incredible feat of
the world’s tallest buildings until they have acquired during engineering, but China is
economy crashes, leading to British rule to help the Hong
what is known as the “lost 2004, standing at 1,482 ft criticized for forcing more than
(452 m) tall. They symbolize Kong economy grow. a million people to leave their
decade,” in which the country Malaysia’s economic success. homes to make room for it.
struggles to make money.

296

“Economic growth depends
on … the courage to sail without
hesitation onto the rough seas

of global competition.”

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe,

in a speech to the Japanese government, 2013

1979 1981 1983 1988

The Walkman High poverty Gaming revolution Korean cars

Japanese company Sony Although business and Japanese company Nintendo After a decade of growth in
releases a portable cassette technology is rapidly improving launches what will become the its automobile industry,
best-selling game console of all South Korea exports half
tape player, called the in Asia, most people’s living time, known as the Famicom. It a million cars to the rest
Walkman. It enables people to conditions are not. East Asia
has the highest poverty rate in revolutionizes how people of the world in a single year.
listen to music while on the the world, with 77 per cent living spend their free time and makes By the early 21st century, South
move. It sells out in Japanese
stores and soon becomes a on less than $1.25 a day, Nintendo a leader in the new Korea is one of the world’s
according to the World Bank. gaming industry. largest car manufacturers.
worldwide phenomenon.

2004 2008 2011 2015

Tsunami Beijing Olympics Nuclear disaster Chinese boom

An earthquake (the third-largest China hosts the Summer An earthquake and tsunami on the The World Bank, an
ever recorded) under the Olympic Games in Beijing coast of Japan kills thousands, but international bank, ranks
across 37 venues. It is a the crisis worsens when sea water China as the world’s largest
Indian Ocean near Indonesia chance for China to impress damages the Fukushima nuclear economy, overtaking the United
sets off a devastating tsunami, the rest of the world—more plant. The plant melts, explodes, States. Its decision is based
producing waves of nearly 100 ft than 4.7 billion people watch and leaks lethal radiation, meaning on the comparison of the size
the events on televisions of incomes in countries
(30 m). Across 14 different over 100,000 people have to
countries, 230,000 people die, around the world. be evacuated. across the world.
and millions lose their homes.
297

Computing 1946

Before 1935, the word “computer” referred to a person
whose job it was to do mathematical calculations. Today,
a computer is a machine that takes input, stores and
processes data, and gives output. Computers were
initially built from mechanical components such as levers
and gears until electronic parts were used in the 20th
century. Early computers were so huge they filled
entire rooms. Now, the computing power of the
smartphone in your pocket is just as powerful.

1890 1936 ENIAC

Turing John Mauchly and
machine J. Presper Eckers,
scientists at the University
British computer of Pennsylvania, build one
scientist Alan of the first general-purpose
computers, called ENIAC.
Turing has an idea for a This massive 30-ton
machine that can solve computer glowing with
18,000 tubes is intended to
any problem that is make more calculations
solvable, leading to than all of humanity has
the development of the
modern computer. up to this point.
During World War II, he
1843 Punch card devises a range of
codebreaking tools to
Ada Lovelace American inventor break Nazi codes.
invents programming Herman Hollerith
1822 designs a machine to
Babbage shows math whiz calculate the size of the
Babbage’s Ada Lovelace his idea for a population in the 1890 US
Difference Engine mechanical computer. She census. It uses electricity to
works out how the computer can read a pattern of holes
British inventor Charles manipulate letters and symbols punched in a card. His
Babbage draws up plans for as well as numbers. Her idea was invention saves both time
decades ahead of its time. and millions of dollars.
his Difference Engine—a Historians consider her the first
mechanical device that can
do complicated calculations. computer programmer.

He imagines that this “A computer… is the most Artificial intelligence
machine will store data in the remarkable tool we have ever
come up with. It’s the equivalent As early as 1950, Alan Turing wanted to know if
future, anticipating the machines could ever think as intelligently as humans.
computer technology that is of a bicycle for our minds.”
Steve Jobs, in a 1990 documentary He put together a test to decide when this AI
to come. Construction (artificial intelligence) was achieved. Nowadays,
begins on the engine but is computer scientists and inventors with access to
even faster and more powerful machines are coming
never completed. closer to achieving Turing’s goals of creating a

machine with the intelligence of a human.

298