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Reconstruction Ends in the U.S.
The Compromise of 1877 leads to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction. -
Eiffel Tower Completed
Originally intended as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower later became a global cultural icon and a symbol of France. -
Spanish-American War
The short war results in the Treaty of Paris, which grants the U.S. control over former Spanish colonies, marking the country's emergence as a global power. -
World War I
Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the war sees unprecedented trench warfare and results in millions of casualties before ending with the Treaty of Versailles. -
Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The U.S. drops atomic bombs on the two Japanese cities, killing over 200,000 people and forcing Japan's surrender, effectively ending World War II. -
India Gains Independence
After years of nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, India and Pakistan are granted independence from British rule, leading to the largest migration in history. -
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
President John F. Kennedy is shot and killed in Dallas, Texas, leading to widespread national mourning and conspiracy theories about the circumstances of his death. -
Moon Landing
The Apollo 11 mission successfully lands Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, fulfilling President Kennedy’s vision of space exploration and marking a major Cold War victory for the U.S. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The collapse of the Berlin Wall symbolizes the end of Soviet control over Eastern Europe and paves the way for German reunification in 1990. -
Soviet Union Collapses
Economic struggles and nationalist movements within the USSR lead to its dissolution, with Russia and 14 other independent republics emerging. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Al-Qaeda terrorists hijack four planes, crashing them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people and reshaping global security policies. -
Global Financial Crisis
Triggered by the collapse of the U.S. housing market and major financial institutions, the crisis leads to a global recession and long-term economic restructuring. -
Death of Osama bin Laden
The U.S. Navy SEALs raid a compound in Pakistan, killing the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, marking a major victory in the War on Terror. -
Brexit Vote
The UK votes to leave the European Union by 52% to 48%, leading to years of political and economic uncertainty in Europe and beyond. -
COVID-19 Pandemic
A novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China, spreads worldwide, causing millions of deaths, economic shutdowns, and a shift to remote work and digital services. -
U.S. Capitol Riot
Supporters of former President Donald Trump storm the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, leading to security concerns and political fallout. -
Russia Invades Ukraine
Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to a major humanitarian crisis, global sanctions, and a prolonged conflict with international ramifications. -
AI and Technology Boom
Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and quantum computing accelerate, reshaping industries, labor markets, and ethical debates over technology’s role in society.