Category: Past & Kins

Background: The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a series of revolutions that brought an end to centuries of imperial rule in Russia and led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. In March 1917 (February in the Julian calendar), the first phase of the revolution, known as the February Revolution, saw the abdication of Tsar […]

Background: For centuries, the tombs of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings had been a source of fascination and intrigue. By the early 20th century, most of the tombs had been discovered, and many archaeologists believed that there were no significant tombs left to find. However, British archaeologist Howard Carter was […]

Background: The Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, was a stark symbol of the Cold War that divided East and West Berlin for nearly three decades. The wall was built by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Berlin, as East Germany suffered under a repressive communist regime while West […]

Background: World War I, also known as the Great War, lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world’s leading powers. It led to massive casualties, economic hardship, and social upheaval across Europe and beyond. What Happened: On November 11, 1918, at 11 AM, an armistice was signed between the Allied powers and […]

Background: Following the Six-Day War of 1967, in which Israel captured significant territories from its neighboring countries, tensions remained high in the Middle East. Egypt and Syria sought to regain the territories they had lost to Israel. What Happened: The Yom Kippur War began on October 6, 1973, when Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a […]

Background: The Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were at an all-time high in the early 1960s. The U.S. had placed nuclear missiles in Turkey, close to the Soviet Union, which led to increasing tension. What Happened: The Cuban Missile Crisis began on October 16, 1962, when U.S. reconnaissance aircraft […]

Background: During the “Roaring Twenties,” the U.S. economy saw rapid growth, and speculation in the stock market became widespread. Many Americans invested heavily in stocks, often using loans, which contributed to inflated stock prices. What Happened: Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, marked the most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States. […]

Background: During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a fierce rivalry for technological and military supremacy. This competition extended to space exploration, leading to the “Space Race.” What Happened: On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into orbit around the […]

Background: The death of Edward the Confessor, King of England, in January 1066 left a power vacuum, as he had no direct heirs. This led to multiple claims to the throne, most notably by Harold Godwinson, who was crowned king, and William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed that Edward had promised him the throne. What […]

Background: By the mid-1960s, the United States was deeply involved in the Vietnam War, which had become increasingly unpopular among the American public. The anti-war movement gained momentum, with many Americans calling for an end to the conflict. What Happened: The March on the Pentagon took place on October 21, 1967, as a major protest […]

Background: In 1917, Russia was in turmoil due to World War I, economic hardship, and dissatisfaction with the monarchy. The February Revolution had already led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, and a provisional government was established, but it struggled to maintain control. What Happened: The October Revolution, also known as the Bolshevik Revolution, […]

Background: After the devastation of World War II, there was a global consensus that an international organization was needed to prevent future conflicts and promote peace and cooperation. The League of Nations, established after World War I, had failed to prevent World War II, highlighting the need for a stronger organization. What Happened: The United […]

The Wright Brothers’ first flight demonstration in Europe on October 4, 1908, was a monumental event that showcased the incredible advances in aviation technology to the wider world. This demonstration, held in the French town of Le Mans, marked a turning point in the global recognition of powered flight and highlighted the Wright Brothers’ contributions […]

Background: After years of civil war between the Chinese Nationalists and the Chinese Communist Party, the Communists, led by Mao Zedong, gained the upper hand. The Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, and the Communists took control of mainland China. What Happened: On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong stood atop Tiananmen Gate in Beijing and proclaimed the […]

Background: The relationship between the American colonies and the British government had been deteriorating over time because of disputes over issues such as lack of representation in government decision-making and unfair trade regulations. Colonial leaders demanded a unified reaction in response to the oppressive Intolerable Acts enforced by Britain. What Happened: The First Continental Congress […]

Background: Salvador Allende was the initial Marxist leader to win the presidency of a Latin American nation in a democratic vote. In Chile, his administration put in place socialist measures with the goal of sharing wealth more equally, taking control of industries, and enhancing social welfare. Nevertheless, his time in office was met with significant […]

Background: The Attica Correctional Facility in New York gained a reputation for its excessive overcrowding, harsh treatment of prisoners, and an absence of fundamental human rights. In the early 1970s, rising tensions and frustration among the prison population led to demands for better living conditions and fair treatment. What Happened: Inmates at Attica Correctional Facility […]

Background: The Space Shuttle program was NASA’s primary initiative for creating spacecraft that could be used multiple times, with the goal of transporting astronauts and supplies to and from space. Nevertheless, the tragic event of the Challenger disaster in 1986, where the shuttle exploded shortly after takeoff resulting in the loss of all seven crew […]

Background: During the 1990s, the internet was quickly growing in popularity, and the significance of search engines was on the rise as they played a crucial role in helping users find their way through the immense amount of information present on the web. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University, created a […]

Background: Before World War II, Germany under Adolf Hitler’s leadership was actively pursuing a policy of territorial expansion by trying to incorporate neighboring lands where German-speaking people lived. The Sudetenland, an area in Czechoslovakia with a large German population, became a central focus of these aspirations. What Happened: The Munich Agreement was signed on September […]

Background: The American Civil War, which pitted the Union against the Confederacy, was a battle over issues such as slavery, states’ rights, and the unity of the country. By 1862, the situation in the war had become critical as both sides were aiming to achieve a definitive win. What Happened: The Battle of Antietam occurred […]

Background: Following independence from Britain, the United States was confronted with the task of establishing a fresh governing body. The initial constitution of the United States, known as the Articles of Confederation, was deemed ineffective, prompting the gathering of state delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to create a more suitable system of government. […]

The Little Rock Nine was a group of nine African American students who were the first to integrate a public high school in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 4, 1957. Background: After the important Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, After the Board of Education ruling in 1954 that deemed segregation in […]

Background: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, imposing severe punishments on Germany which led to feelings of anger and financial difficulties. The ascension of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany, along with their aggressive territorial ambitions, laid the groundwork for a worldwide conflict. What Happened: Germany attacked Poland on […]