World History

HowStuffWorks looks at the history and culture of places from all over the world.

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You may know the story of how Fletcher Christian and his men mutinied aboard the ship the Bounty. But what was the voyage all about in the first place?

By Dave Roos

Often described as "The Hermit Kingdom," North Korea is a source of mystery for those living in the West. How has it survived so long and how worried should Americans be about a nuclear attack?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Can a solar eclipse change the world as we know it? If the past is any indication, it might.

By Laurie L. Dove

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It takes more than frustration with the government and endless optimism to make your new country's independence stick.

By Oisin Curran

Controversies surround not just the possible existence of hidden chambers, but even the ability of Egyptologists to undertake the search for them.

By Jesslyn Shields

Beer may be one of the most humble of alcoholic beverages, but its history is no less noble -- or muddled -- than wine or liquor.

By Laurie L. Dove

Empires rise and empires fall - it's a seemingly unavoidable fact of life on Earth. But these superpowers reigned longer than any others. What can we learn from their missteps and achievements?

By Thorin Klosowski & Francisco Guzman

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The Code of Hammurabi is a 7-foot-tall piece of basalt with more than 300 laws engraved on it. According to the code, if you strike your father, then your hands will be cut off. Why would our modern society care about studying such inhumane mandates?

By Jane McGrath

Like the members of an ill-fated rock group, the seven continents struck out on their own hundreds of millions of years ago. But what caused the breakup? And is a reunion tour in the works?

By Molly Edmonds & Talon Homer

The East India Company didn't just cause the Boston Tea Party -- it forged new nations and established drug trade. So why is it the basis for modern corporations?

By Josh Clark