The 10 Moments that Shaped World History

Throughout history, plenty of moments have influenced the development of the world as we know it; some brought growth and increased wellbeing, while others brought pain and suffering. Here are the 10 most significant moments:

1. Invention of Writing

The invention of writing (c. 3500 BCE) marks the beginning of the historical era, as it enabled humans to record and convey thoughts, ideas, and knowledge from one individual to another and long after their death.

2. The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza (c. 2560 BCE) represent one of the most advanced achievements of architects during ancient times. Their construction required knowledge on land surveying and arithmetic to preserve order and precision.

3. Creation of Rome

Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world, was founded in 753 BCE. Under the Republic period, Rome expanded the rule of law beyond its borders, turning into one of the largest-scale empires in history.

4. The Life of Buddha

The life of Buddha (623-543 BCE) shifted religious and philosophical thinking in much of Asia. Buddhism teaches the significance of compassion, integrity, and meditation, acknowledging human impermanence and suffering.

5. The Invention of the Printing Press

The invention of printing (1450 CE) revolutionized the human knowledge system. People had access to printed books, which expanded the availability of knowledge to more people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in literacy and knowledge acquisition.

6. The French Revolution

This rebellion brought down the Bourbon Monarchy in 1789 and gave rise to militarism, nationalism, republicanism, and radical ideologies worldwide, while liberating peoples under foreign rule and enlarging human rights and republican freedoms.

7. The American Revolution

The American Revolution (1776 CE) demonstrated democracy could prosper in a quality European colony. The effort to gain independence from Britain fundamentally restructured the timeline for human representative government and democracy.

8. The abolition of Trans-Atlantic Slavery

The banning of slavery through internal moves and pressures helped alter and form society into valuable recognition across ethnicities and encourage new standards of human rights.

9. Wright Brothers’ First Flight

This aviation accomplishment in 1903 CE, profoundly modified trade resulting in mail, goods and people like never before between continents. It resulted in the global acceptance and support for air transport.

10. The Internet

Certainly, today, the Internet is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Since the ARPANET in 1969 CE, the Internet has been transformative, introducing refined software and procedures for embedding nimbler systems for communication, calculation, research in science, and knowledge consumption.