20th century facts for kids
| Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 19th century · 20th century · 21st century |
| Decades: | 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths Establishments – Disestablishments |
The 20th century was a period of huge change, starting on January 1, 1901, and ending on December 31, 2000. It was a time when the world saw many new inventions and big events. Things like the telephone, television, and airplanes became common. We also saw the rise of computers and amazing progress in science and medicine.
During this century, the world's population grew more than ever before. It was a time of both great progress and big challenges, including two major world wars.
Contents
Key Changes and Discoveries
The 20th century brought many new ideas and technologies that changed daily life. People started to travel faster and communicate across long distances. New scientific discoveries also helped us understand the world better.
Amazing Inventions and Technology
This century saw the invention of many things we use today. The telephone made it easy to talk to people far away. Television brought news and entertainment right into homes. Airplanes made travel much faster.
Later in the century, computers began to change everything. They helped with complex calculations and eventually connected people globally. The discovery of DNA helped us understand how living things are made.
Science and Medicine Progress
Science grew rapidly in the 20th century. Doctors learned more about the human body and how to fight diseases. New medicines, like penicillin, saved countless lives. This made medicine much more scientific and effective.
Important People Who Shaped the Century
Many famous people lived during the 20th century. They were leaders, scientists, artists, and athletes who made a big impact on the world.
World Leaders and Their Impact
Many leaders guided their countries through big changes. Some helped their nations gain independence. Others led during times of war or peace.
- From Africa: Nelson Mandela from South Africa fought for equality. Jomo Kenyatta led Kenya to independence.
- From the Americas: Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the USA during a tough time. John F. Kennedy inspired many with his vision. Fidel Castro was a key leader in Cuba.
- From Asia: Mahatma Gandhi used peaceful protests to help India gain freedom. Mao Zedong was a major leader in People's Republic of China.
- From Europe: Winston Churchill led the United Kingdom during a world war. Charles de Gaulle was a famous leader in France. Adolf Hitler was a powerful leader in Germany who caused a world war.
- From Russia and the Soviet Union: Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin were important leaders in the Soviet Union. Later, Mikhail Gorbachev helped bring big changes to the Soviet Union.
Amazing Scientists and Inventors
Scientists made incredible discoveries that changed our understanding of the universe.
- Albert Einstein developed important theories about space and time.
- Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the structure of DNA.
- Nikola Tesla was a brilliant inventor who worked with electricity.
- Alan Turing was a pioneer in computer science.
- Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, a life-saving medicine.
Business Leaders and Innovators
Some people changed how we do business and use technology.
- Henry Ford made cars affordable for many people.
- Steve Jobs helped create Apple computers and other devices.
- Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft, a huge computer software company.
Aerospace Pioneers and Explorers
The 20th century was when humans first flew and even went to space!
- The Wright Brothers made the first successful airplane flight.
- Yuri Gagarin was the first person in space.
- Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the Moon.
- Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in space.
Military Leaders
These leaders played important roles in military events and wars.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower was a top general during a world war.
- Douglas MacArthur was another famous general.
- Bernard Montgomery was a British military leader.
Religious Figures
Spiritual leaders inspired many people around the world.
- Pope John Paul II was a very influential Pope.
- Mother Teresa helped many poor and sick people.
- Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader in the civil rights movement.
Artists and Entertainers
The century also saw many talented artists, musicians, and actors.
- Pablo Picasso was a famous painter who created a new style of art.
- Charlie Chaplin was a beloved silent film actor.
- Elvis Presley became a huge rock and roll star.
- The Beatles were one of the most famous music bands ever.
- Michael Jackson became a global pop music icon.
- Walt Disney created many famous cartoon characters and movies.
Writers and Poets
Writers told stories and shared ideas that shaped how people thought.
- Ernest Hemingway was a famous American writer.
- George Orwell wrote important books about society.
- J. R. R. Tolkien created the fantasy world of Middle-earth.
Sports Figures
Athletes became heroes and inspired millions with their skills.
- Muhammad Ali was a legendary boxer.
- Michael Jordan became one of the greatest basketball players.
- Pelé was a world-famous soccer player.
- Jackie Robinson broke barriers in baseball.
Images for kids
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The Blue Marble, Earth as seen from Apollo 17 in December 1972. The photograph was taken by LMP Harrison Schmitt. The second half of the 20th century saw humanity's first space exploration.
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Map of the British Empire (as of 1910). At its height, it was the largest empire in history.
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World powers and empires in 1914, just before the First World War.
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Anachronous world map showing member states of the League of Nations, the first global international body of governance created to prevent war after World War I, during its 26-year interwar period history.
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The mushroom cloud of the detonation of Little Boy, the first nuclear attack in history, on 6 August of 1945 over Hiroshima, igniting the nuclear age with the international security dominating thread of mutual assured destruction in the latter half of the 20th century.
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The international community grew in the second half of the century significantly due to a new wave of decolonization, particularly in Africa. Most of the newly independent states, were grouped together with many other so called developing country. Developing countries gained attention, particularly due to rapid population growth, leading to a record world population of nearly 7 billion people by the end of the century.
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I and the Village, 1911, by Marc Chagall, a modern painter.
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Elvis Presley in 1956, a leading figure of rock & roll and rockabilly.
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Charlie Chaplin in his 1921 film The Kid, with Jackie Coogan.
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Ralph Baer's Magnavox Odyssey, the first video game console, released in 1972.
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The Empire State Building is an iconic building of the 1930s.
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The pioneer of computer science, Alan Turing
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A stamp commemorating Alexander Fleming. His discovery of penicillin had changed the world of modern medicine by introducing the age of antibiotics.
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First flight of the Wright brothers' Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; Orville piloting with Wilbur running at wingtip.
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Photo of American astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the first moonwalk in 1969, taken by Neil Armstrong. The relatively young aerospace engineering industries rapidly grew in the 66 years after the Wright brothers' first flight.
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See also
In Spanish: Siglo XX para niños
