**1.
Ancient Civilizations**
- Mesopotamia: The first known civilization, developed writing (cuneiform).
- Ancient Egypt: Built pyramids, developed hieroglyphics.
- Ancient Greece: Birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympics.
- Ancient Rome: Developed laws, architecture, and roads.
**2. Middle Ages**
- Feudalism: A system where kings, lords, knights, and peasants had specific roles.
- The Crusades: Religious wars between Christians and Muslims over the Holy Land.
- The Black Death: A deadly plague that reduced Europe’s population drastically.
**3. Renaissance and Enlightenment**
- Renaissance: A period of cultural and artistic growth (e.g., Leonardo da Vinci,
Michelangelo).
- Enlightenment: Intellectual movement promoting reason and science (e.g., John
Locke, Voltaire).
**4. Industrial Revolution**
- Mechanization: Machines replaced manual labor, increasing production.
- Urbanization: People moved to cities for factory jobs.
- Key Inventions: Steam engine, spinning jenny, telegraph.
**5. Modern History**
- World War I (1914-1918): Global war caused by alliances, militarism, and
nationalism.
- World War II (1939-1945): Conflict involving Axis and Allied powers, leading to
major geopolitical changes.
- Cold War (1947-1991): Tension between the USA and the USSR, leading to the space
race and nuclear arms race.
**6. Contemporary World**
- Globalization: Increased international trade and cultural exchange.
- Technological Advances: Internet, artificial intelligence, space exploration.
- Social Movements: Civil rights, environmental activism, human rights.