Genghis Khan: The making of the Mongol Empire
Genghis Khan, born Temüjin around 1162, endured a brutal childhood that shaped his later actions. After his father was poisoned by rival Tatars when Temüjin was only 9, his clan abandoned his family, …
The rise and fall of Prohibition in America: A social experiment gone awry
On 16 January 1920, the United States embarked on one of its most ambitious and controversial social experiments: a nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic …
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Chicago’s bloodiest gang hit
On the morning of 14 February 1929, Chicago witnessed one of the most notorious gangland killings in American history. Seven men were lined up against a brick wall and gunned down in a garage at 2122 …
Sudan: From ancient kingdoms to independence
The region that comprises modern Sudan has been home to some of Africa’s most sophisticated civilisations, with a history stretching back thousands of years.
Nubia and Kush
The ancient …
The history of the Zoroastrians: A journey through time
Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest known monotheistic religions, traces its origins to ancient Persia, present-day Iran. The faith was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the …
Don Cornelius: The visionary behind Soul Train and the cultural revolution it inspired
Don Cornelius, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking television show Soul Train, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the cultural landscape of America. From his modest …
McCarthyism and the Cold War: America’s Second Red Scare
In the aftermath of World War II, as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated into what would become known as the Cold War, America experienced one of its most controversial …
The First Red Scare: America’s post-WWI fear of Communism and radical change
In the aftermath of World War I, America experienced a period of intense social and political upheaval that would come to be known as the First Red Scare (1919-1920). This tumultuous time emerged from …
Paul Robeson: A voice for the ages
Paul Leroy Robeson was born on 9 April 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, to a lineage marked by resilience and determination. His father, William Drew Robeson, was a former slave who escaped to freedom …
The history of Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūnjié), is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. Its history spans thousands of years and is deeply …
Claimed benefits of the British Empire
The British Empire was once the most extensive empire in history and is often depicted as civilising the colonies that it ruled, bringing many benefits. These claims include contributions to …
The history of New Year celebrations: A journey through time
The start of a new year is a time of renewal and hope and has been observed by civilisations across the world for thousands of years. While the modern-day festivities on 1 January have their roots in …