LEADERS
As evidenced by literal translation of their name, Shia Muslims pledged their loyalty to this man in the aftermath of Muhammad's death.
ALI
This horrific 1990s conflict between these TWO ethnic groups in Rwanda led to ~800,000 people being killed in just 100 days.
Hutus and Tutsis
The change from one ruling Chinese dynasty to the next is explained by historians by referring to this concept.
Dynastic Cycle
For the better part of the 20th century, black and white South Africans lived separately under this infamous system of racial segregation.
Apartheid
Indicative of the sophistication of ancient China, numerous rival philosophies developed in reaction to the chaotic late stages of the Zhou Dynasty as part of this renowned intellectual movement.
The One Hundred Schools of Thought
Despite Chinese 100s of emperors, one it's most impactful was this brutal man who used his power to unify China for the first time over 2200 years ago.
Qin Shi Huangdi
After expanding through much of North Africa, Islamic expansion into WESTERN Europe was halted as a result of this battle in 732.
Tours
Much of China’s economic growth in the past few decades has been centered in these designated areas in eastern China created by Deng Xiaoping to promote productivity (Special Economic Zones)
Special Economic Zones
Westerners and Sunni Muslims would agree that many of problems in the Middle East, to this day, stem from this event in 1979.
The Iranian Revolution
This progressive medieval document called for greater equality for women and restrictions on slavery well before these ideas became popular in Europe.
The Manden Charter
Despite his challenges as a child, this man overcame his obstacles (much like Simba), to become the first leader of a powerful medieval West African Empire.
Sundiata Kieta
Since 1949, there has been concern that a major war could erupt between the U.S. and China over disputes regarding the sovereignty of this location.
Taiwan
Some Europeans justified imperialism by citing this racist belief stemming from a twisted interpretation of a new biological theory of the 19th century.
Social Darwinism
Perhaps nothing the embodies the willingness of the Chinese Communist Government to keep its grip on power at the expense of the freedom of its people more so than this iconic late 20th century event
Tiananmen Square Massacre
Although no one has seem him in 1200 years, Shiite Muslims believe that on the "day of judgment", this long "absent" figure will return.
The Hidden Imam/12th Imam
In stark contrast to the anemic economic progress under Mao's 27 year rule, China's economy began its meteoric economic rise under the innovative, but at times brutal, leadership of this man.
Deng Xiaoping
Largely unknown in the West, this epic 19th century peasant uprising demonstrated the weaknesses of the Qing Dynasty, devastated China's countryside, and resulted in perhaps 20 million deaths.
The Taiping Rebellion
Upon his return to Mecca in 630, Muhammad purged the numerous pre Islamic religious idols found in this now sacred site/object for Muslims.
The Kaaba
Much of the conflict that has plagued the Middle East for the past ~75 years stems from the creation of this nation in 1948 much to dismay of many of its neighbors.
Israel
Perhaps nothing embodies the fanaticism of the Mao years more than this 10 year period of turmoil targeting those in positions of power and “all things old”
The Cultural Revolution
More so than any other, this man is responsible for his country's 47 year adversarial relationship with the U.S. stemming from his role in leading a revolution that led to Iran becoming an Islamic Theocracy--and to 52 Americans being taken hostage.
Ayatollah Khomeini
The origins of the decades long conflict between Chinese communists and nationalists can be traced to abrupt severing of their alliance against warlords as the nationalists murdered hundreds of communists in this 1927 event.
The Shanghai Massacre
This controversial, and perhaps much misunderstood term, is used to describe the daily "struggle" that Muslims face while practicing their faith...and also to defend Islam.
Jihad
Among the most infamous events of the 20th Century was this atrocity committed by Japanese forces during WWII as they invaded China in 1937.
The Rape of Nanking
In the past decade, China has attempted to project its global influence through the creation of what's been nicknamed the “New Silk Road”, or more formally, this.
The Belt and Road Initiative