The modern era is known for recent technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and ongoing political and social transformations. But with progress also come new challenges that shape the world today.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we examine key developments of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including globalization, climate change, and the terrible impact of terrorism. We’ll also review the impact of cultural and economic changes on societies worldwide. From the rise of the internet to global movements for justice and sustainability, this episode covers the major forces shaping the world we live in today.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Modern World for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The decades after World War 2 were defined by the Cold War, a tense global standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period also saw the dismantling of colonial empires, a struggle for independence, and the reshaping of world politics.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the key events of the Cold War from a world history perspective. We’ll also cover China's turn to communism after its civil war, the Partition of India and its lasting impact, and African decolonization movements. From proxy wars to independence movements, this episode covers the major changes that shaped the modern world.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Cold War Era for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

World War 2 was the most destructive conflict in history, involving nations across the globe. The war’s battles, alliances, and consequences reshaped the modern world.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the causes of World War II, including the rise of totalitarian leaders and aggressive expansion. We’ll examine the major battles, turning points, and the roles of the Axis and Allied Powers. We’ll also discuss the Holocaust, the war’s impact on civilians, and the use of the atomic bomb. From the invasion of Poland to the surrender of Japan, this episode covers the key moments of the war that changed history.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on World War 2 for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

World War I was a devastating conflict that engulfed Europe and dragged in many other countries through a tangle of alliances. The war’s aftermath set the stage for even greater challenges in the years that followed.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the causes of World War I, including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. We’ll examine the brutal realities of trench warfare, key battles, and the impact of new military technologies. Then, we’ll discuss the Treaty of Versailles, economic turmoil of the Great Depression, the Russian Revolution, and revolutions that took place in the Interwar Era, all of which contributed to growing tensions leading into World War 2.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on World War 1 and the Interwar Period  for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

During the Age of Imperialism, European nations expanded their empires across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. That expansion, however, came at a price of brutality and exploitation but also fierce resistance from groups seeking to maintain control over their lands.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the motives behind imperialism, from economic competition to nationalist ambitions. We’ll cover key events like the Scramble for Africa, the British rule of India, and the Boxer Rebellion in China. We’ll also discuss the effects of imperial rule on indigenous peoples and the resistance movements that arose in response.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on European Imperialism and its impact on the world for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Industrial Revolution transformed the world, bringing rapid technological advancements and major changes to daily life. But industrialization also led to harsh working conditions and growing social inequalities.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the key inventions that fueled industrial growth, the rise of factories, and the impact of urbanization. We’ll also talk about the struggles of workers, the emergence of labor unions, and the competing economic theories of capitalism, socialism, and communism. From steam engines to social movements, this episode covers how the Industrial Revolution reshaped societies across the globe.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Industrial Revolution for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The 19th century was a time of sweeping change, as nationalist movements and revolutions reshaped Europe and Latin America. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and a successful revolution in America, people fought to redefine their nations and identities.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the impact of the Congress of Vienna, the push for national unification in Germany and Italy, and the revolutionary struggles for independence in Latin America. From Simon Bolívar’s fight against Spanish rule to the rise of Otto von Bismarck, we’ll examine how nationalism fueled both unity and division, leading to new nations and shifting alliances.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Nationalism and Revolutions in Europe and Latin America for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The French Revolution was a turning point in world history, as the people of France rose up to overthrow the monarchy and reshape their society. But revolution also brought both chaos and terror.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we review the causes of the French Revolution, including the Estates System and the influence of Enlightenment ideas. We’ll cover the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror, and the rise and fall of Napoleon. Finally, we’ll discuss the lasting impact of the revolution on France and the world.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the French Revolution for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Age of Enlightenment sparked a new way of thinking, challenging traditional authority and laying the foundation for modern democracy. With reason as their guide, Enlightenment thinkers reshaped ideas about government and individual rights.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore the key philosophers of the Enlightenment, including John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. We’ll examine their revolutionary ideas on natural rights, separation of powers, and freedom of speech, as well as how these ideas influenced revolutions and political change across the world.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Europe's Age of Enlightenment for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

During the era of absolutism, European monarchs ruled with unchecked power, claiming divine right and reshaping their nations.

In this episode of The World History Curriculum Companion, we explore Europe's rise of absolute monarchs and the rulers who wielded immense control, including Louis XIV of France, Peter the Great of Russia, and others. We’ll examine how these monarchs expanded their territories, centralized power, and influenced European politics, as well as the lasting effects of absolutism on society and government.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Absolute Monarchs in Europe for our complete World History curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in World History, along with US History, Civics & Government, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.