History That Changed the World: From Africa to Outer Space in 300,000 Years

by J.C. Peters

Without understanding the pivotal events, political movements and social revolutions that happened in the world before us, it is impossible to understand the world around us. Because everything is connected, nothing happens in isolation. Without the French Revolution, for instance, there would have been no Napoleon, who in turn set the stage for German unification, which then seriously disturbed the balance of power in late 19th century Europe, making the outbreak of the First World War just a matter of time. After Germany was defeated, the Versailles Peace Conference then basically created the conditions for the outbreak of World War II, which brought us the Bomb, helped bring about the Civil Rights Movement, spurred the decolonization of Africa and Asia, destabilized the Middle East and ignited the Cold War, which would push mankind to the brink of nuclear holocaust in October 1962. It is all connected. Fast-paced, engaging and original, History That Changed the World unearths the many links between the past and the present by zooming in on the key events, movements, inventions and people whose profound impact on the course of history continues to echo into our own time. Enjoy the journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

698 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2017

Reviews

[Laurie Fosburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read

This is a great, one volume summary of world history. It's a basic overview of significant world events. For more detail, you would need to read something else, but this is a good start.

[Art Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read.

J. C. Peters has written an amazing book. It covers the entire history of the world in an entertaining and factual way. However his frequent use of parentheses gets somewhat annoying.

[Michelle L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Concise Recount of Historical Events

Overall a good summary of historical events. Relatively factual writing with little personal view/opinion. At times a little too much detail especially around war strategy.

[Douglas Reedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of information.

I enjoy reading U.S. History books. This book delivers a wealth of facts to satisfy any history buff. The author does well to not being bias.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history primer, especially if you don't know the particular period very well.