Big Four Facts for Kids

The term Big Four or Big 4 is used to describe a group of four very important or powerful things. These can be companies, people, sports teams, or even countries. It highlights how these four stand out from others in their field.

Important Groups of Companies

Sometimes, a few companies become so large and influential that they are called the "Big Four."

Accounting Firms

The Big Four accounting firms are huge companies that help other businesses with their money and taxes. They are Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PwC. They work all over the world.

Airlines

In the 20th century, four airlines were the biggest in the U.S. They were American, Eastern, TWA, and United. They helped many people travel across the country.

Banks

Many countries have a "Big Four" group of banks. These are the largest banks that handle most of the money and loans in that country.

British Railway Companies

From 1923 to 1947, four main companies ran almost all the trains in Britain. They were GWR, LMS, LNER, and SR. They connected cities and towns across the country.

Radio Networks

During the "Golden Age of Radio" in the U.S., four networks were the most popular. These were CBS, NBC, ABC, and Mutual. They broadcasted news, music, and stories to millions of homes.

Big Tech Companies

Today, the "Big Four" in technology are Apple, Amazon, Google, and Meta Platforms (which owns Facebook and Instagram). These companies create many of the digital tools and services we use every day.

Television Networks

In the U.S., the Big Four television networks are ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. These channels show popular TV shows, news, and sports.

Japanese Motorcycle Makers

Four companies are known as the Japanese Big Four for motorcycles. They are Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. They make many of the motorcycles ridden around the world.

Important Groups of People

The term "Big Four" can also describe a group of four important people.

Railroad Builders

In the 1800s, four men were known as the Big Four of the Central Pacific Railroad. They were important in building the first transcontinental railroad across the U.S.

Calgary Cattlemen

In the early 1900s, four cattlemen in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, were very important. They helped shape the cattle industry in that region.

Important Groups in Sports

In sports, the "Big Four" often refers to the top teams or athletes.

English Football Clubs

In the 2000s, four football clubs in England were often called the Big Four. These were Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. They were usually at the top of the league.

Mexican Football Clubs

In Mexico, four football clubs are known as the Big Four. They are Club América, Chivas, Cruz Azul, and Pumas. They are very popular and have many fans.

Tennis Players

From 2008 to 2017, four male tennis players were called the Big Four. They were Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. They won most of the major tournaments during this time.

Major U.S. Sports Leagues

The four biggest professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada are often called the "Big Four." These are Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Other Important Groups

The "Big Four" can also describe groups of countries or other important categories.

Western European Countries

The Big Four of Western Europe are France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These countries are major economic and political powers in Europe.

World War I Powers

After World War I, the four main Allied powers were called the Big Four. These were the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Their leaders met to decide what would happen after the war.

World War II Powers

During World War II, the "Big Four" or "Four Policemen" referred to the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and the Soviet Union. These countries worked together against the Axis powers.

International Beauty Pageants

Four major international beauty pageants are known as the Big Four. These are Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Universe, and Miss World.

Philippine Universities

In the Philippines, the Big Four universities are considered the top four. They are known for their strong academic programs.

Arts, Entertainment, and Media

The term "Big Four" also appears in the world of arts and entertainment.

Music Awards

The Big Four Grammy Awards are the four most important awards given out each year. These are Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.

Thrash Metal Bands

In music, four bands are known as the Big Four of thrash metal. These are Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. They helped create and popularize this style of heavy metal music.

Books and Movies

The Big Four is a mystery novel written by Agatha Christie in 1927.
The Big 4 is an Indonesian movie released in 2022.

Places

Some places are named "Big Four."

Big Four, West Virginia, is a place in the U.S. state of West Virginia.
Big Four Bridge is a bridge that connects Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, in the U.S.
Big Four Mountain is a mountain located in Washington state, U.S.

Other Uses

Big Four (Indian snakes) refers to four snake species in India that are responsible for most snake bites. They are the common krait, Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper.
Big Four (White Star Line) were four large British ocean liners built in the early 1900s.

Big Four facts for kids

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