World War II Begins
Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering declarations of war from Britain and France and beginning the Second World War.
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany two days later. World War II (1939-1945) became the deadliest conflict in human history, claiming an estimated 70-85 million lives, including the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. The war reshaped the global order, leading to the creation of the United Nations, the beginning of the Cold War, and the process of decolonization.
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A small Greek force led by King Leonidas of Sparta held the pass at Thermopylae against the massive Persian army.
October 1, 331 BCEAlexander the Great Conquers Persian Empire
Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Gaugamela, creating one of the largest empires in ancient history.
May 29, 1453Fall of Constantinople
The Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire and marking a turning point between the medieval and modern eras.