Modern History looks at the fast changing world from the late nineteenth century to the present day. In this section you can explore the big events, inventions and ideas that shaped today’s politics, culture and everyday life. We cover the World Wars, decolonisation, the Cold War, civil rights movements, social change, new nations, and the rapid spread of technology and global communication.
Our articles focus on the human side of these events. You will find stories about soldiers, workers, campaigners, leaders, artists and ordinary people living through revolutions, crises and moments of hope. We also look at how media, propaganda and popular culture helped to shape public opinion, and how memories of modern conflicts and movements still influence debates now.
Whether you are curious about life in the trenches, the fall of empires, the space race, the birth of the internet or everyday life in the 1960s, 80s or 90s, this category offers clear, engaging pieces that are easy to read and share. Modern History on MuseumFacts helps you make sense of how the recent past became the world we recognise today.
Introduction Few figures in Nazi Germany inspired as much fear as Reinhard Heydrich. As one of Adolf Hitler’s most trusted lieutenants, he stood among the infamous characters who rivalled Hitler in power and influence, helping to design the machinery of…
For most people, a father is one of the earliest role models in life. For Valentine Michael Manson, that father was Charles Manson, one of the most infamous cult leaders in American history. Also known as Michael Brunner, Valentine Michael…
Abigail “Gibbie” Folger is most often remembered as one of the victims of the 1969 Tate murders, but that label alone hides who she really was. A coffee heiress, Ivy League graduate, and committed social activist, Folger was a young…
Rose Bundy is known almost entirely because of her father. She is the only biological child of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Beyond that fact, very little about her life is publicly known,…
The Inca civilisation was one of the most prolific civilisations of the Ancient World. For the Incas, their clothes symbolised wealth and status. Additionally, the fine cloth was used as tax and currency as well. So what exactly did the…
Infamous Historical Figures: The Dark Legacies of Himmler, Pol Pot, Tojo, and More Throughout history, there have been individuals whose actions and atrocities have left an indelible mark on the collective conscience of humanity. While Adolf Hitler remains notorious as…
The 1964 New York World’s Fair, a remarkable event held in Queens, New York City, captivated the imagination of millions of visitors. With its theme of “Peace Through Understanding,” the fair aimed to promote global harmony and cooperation. The centerpiece…
John Harvey Kellogg is a man remembered for his famous surname. Yes, he is the inventor of corn flakes. Along with that, he was a wellness guru and health activist. However, little do people know of his bizarre and complicated…
Rocky Dennis was a truly remarkable person who showed us that disabilities don’t have to hold us back. Despite doctors believing he wouldn’t live past the age of seven, Rocky proved them wrong and lived a full and vibrant life.…
Assassinations have been carried out since ancient times and their consequences have heavily impacted history. To further shed light on this, we have compiled a list of the most famous assassinations that changed the course of history. Let us take…
The Battle of Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain took place on September 11, 1814, during the War of 1812. It ultimately resulted in a decisive victory for the American forces. Let us take a look at the Battle of Plattsburgh- Key…
Airships a.k.a dirigibles were widely used during the 1920s and the 1930s. They were large passenger carriers that used hydrogen to lift them. However, the use of hydrogen was unsafe and many airships like the Hindenburg met a ghastly end.…
One of the most recognised symbols of San Francisco, California is the Golden Gate Bridge. According to Frommer’s travel guide, the bridge is the most beautiful, and the most photographed, bridge in the world! Additionally, at the time of its…
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the greatest artists of the High Renaissance period. One of his most famous paintings is the Mona Lisa, which hangs at the Louvre Museum today. In addition to being an artist, Leonardo was a…
Bank heists are ideally supposed to have meticulous planning right? Well, we bring to you a bank heist so ridiculous and poorly planned, that you will think ‘I can plan a better heist!’. We are talking about the 1997 Loomis…
Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a Dr. Seuss is a well-known children’s book author. He has written 60 books throughout his career which have spawned numerous adaptation in media. Apart from being a writer, he was also a political cartoonist, poet, animator…
Yoshiko Kawashima was a Qing dynasty princess who descended from the Manchu ethnic minority in China. However, she wasn’t your ordinary royal as she served as a Japanese spy during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Due to her significant role in…
Since time immemorial, weapons have been an integral part of warfare. Consequently, humans have invented weapons as per the need of the hour. In the end, we invented destructive and effective weapons such as guns and tanks. However, some tried…
Masquerade balls are essentially events where individuals wear costumes with elaborate masks. Additionally, masquerade balls have existed since medieval times and have a fascinating history. Let’s take a look at Masquerade Balls- Brief History & Key Facts. 1) Dating back…
The Salem witch trials of 1692 are a fascinating subject for many historians and scholars. The infamous hysteria seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and died down just as quickly. However, the question remains: What caused the Salem witch…
