Top 20 Historical Events School Doesn't Teach You About

#20: Manco Incas Rebellion (1535-44)

South American history in general is not often taught outside the continent - more on that later. During the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, the conquistadors installed a puppet emperor, Manco Inca Yupanqui, to rule. However, Manco received such mistreatment at their hands that he rebelled. Under the pretext of retrieving a golden statue, Manco escaped his guards and managed to rally Inca warriors to his cause. With somewhere between 100 and 200 thousand men, he laid siege to Cusco, in what is now Peru. Despite a sustained guerilla campaign and taking advantage of internal divisions among the Spanish, Manco was eventually assassinated, and his successors could not offer the same resistance.

https://www.thoughtco.com/manco-incas-rebellion-1535-2136544

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manco_Inca_Yupanqui

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Cusco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_conquest_of_the_Inca_Empire#Rebellion_and_reconquest

https://youtu.be/iYYfg2tph3w?si=bfZaXbRWc0lXXks4&t=2100 (Kings and Generals video essay, English narration)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=813PlMo0-54 (Kings and Generals video, English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWg3c9yocyI (Animation of the rebellion, Spanish narration)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpS0_LEpqkU (Video essay, Spanish narration)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fCVcVFbB_0 (Animation, Spanish narration)

#19: Business Plot (1933-34)

In the wake of Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal, not everybody in America was happy. In fact, some wealthy businessmen decided that FDR would have to go - permanently. They hatched a conspiracy to lead a military coup against the president. They approached retired Marine corps Major General Smedley Butler to gather a veterans organization together to lead the planned coup. However, they underestimated how much Butler disliked the rich and supported Roosevelt. Butler alerted the federal government of the plot, leading to him testifying before a committee about the plot, although no one was ever prosecuted. Sadly, this would not be the last time far right extremists tried to overthrow the U.S. government with depressingly few consequences.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Plot

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_6_United_States_Capitol_attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQO1acl54Nw (Video essay on the plot)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1JsB2_rAwI (Video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAjBApL-MYc (Video essay, includes footage of Butlers testimony)

#18: Expulsion of the Acadians (1755-64)

Given that this event happened during the French and Indian War, its understandable why it fell through the historical curriculum cracks - wars just get more attention. Acadia, a former French colony in what is now the Maritimes of Canada and Maine in the United States, was ceded to Britain. However, some Acadian colonists remained loyal to France and aided them militarily. Regardless of their affiliation, Britain decided to forcibly deport over 11 thousand Acadians, nearly half of whom died of disease or drowning on boats. Scholars today have labeled the event a crime against humanity, with some even considering it a genocide.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Acadians

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbjrUAl3yBs (Video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F23fgzNbO4 (Historical reenactment)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOrxIc1sjlU (Video essay)

#17: Port Chicago Disaster (1944)

Nearly 1 in 7 black American military personnel during WWII didnt die abroad, but in a naval munitions hub in California. The Concord Naval Weapons Station at Port Chicago was disproportionately staffed with the lowest scoring black Naval personnel, most of whom werent given training in handling munitions. On July 17th, 1944, the SS E. A. Bryan was loaded up with 4600 tons of explosives. At 10:20pm, the ship exploded, leading to the deaths of 320 men, injuries to 400 more people, a chain reaction of further explosions, and shock waves large enough to be registered on the Richter scale. A subsequent mutiny and refusal to work in unsafe conditions did lead to greater desegregation in the Navy, so some good came of it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Chicago_disaster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1XaadZGvc (Video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sKwdUJh0RA (Video essay)

KNTV (1954-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t0FvLHzJw8 (Local news story on the anniversary)

#16: British Pet Massacre (1939)

War often leads to rationing and tougher living conditions all around, not only for humans, but also for pets. After the declaration of war with Germany in 1939, a pamphlet was distributed that suggested euthanizing pets as an option, should owners be forced to evacuate and be unable to place the pet with someone. Although feral pets during the First World War had also been a problem, the publics reaction was seen as overblown practically immediately. This minor piece of advice led to widespread panic among the British populace, and the deaths of around 25% of the pets in England, some 750 thousand cats and dogs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_pet_massacre

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/44mUE9VBEmo (Image montage)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dbMPWQ2b90 (Montage with robot voice)

All Creatures Great and Small (2020-)Channel 5

S03E06 For Whom the Bell Tolls>22:25 mark If you cannot place your animals in the care of friends or neighbors, it is kindness to have them destroyed

#15: Zoot Suit Riots (1943)

WWII is often seen as causing countries to come together to face a common foe, but it also brought out divisions. In Los Angeles, California, Latino and Mexican American youths often wore zoot suits, oversized, baggy coats and pants. However, due to their association with a controversial, and blatantly racist smear campaign by police and the media, the zoot suiters were regarded as criminals. This exploded in early June 1943, when primarily white American military servicemen and Angelenos attacked young men and teenagers wearing zoot suits, considering the large amount of fabric of their clothing unpatriotic amid wartime rationing - plus, the aforementioned racism. While there were no deaths, the fact that many victims were arrested instead of the perpetrators is despicable.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoot_Suit_Riots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxtThBTf0sI (HISTORY video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpQqfuxRxh8 (Racked video)

Wartime Crime (2017)S01E04 The Zoot Suit Riots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eWs5AhIKA0 (documentary episode)

#14: South American Independence (1808-33)

We said wed get back to South America. While North American independence from imperial rule is often well-documented there, its neighbors to the south are taught to them far less. And there are so many to choose from! Theres Simón Bolívar and his creation of Gran Colombia. José de San Martín liberated Argentina, Chile, and Peru. And then theres that time a Portuguese prince founded the Empire of Brazil. Each of these revolutions had their own bloody struggles, and likely wouldnt have been possible if their European colonizers werent so busy dealing with issues closer to home, like that Napoleon guy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_of_Brazil

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_American_wars_of_independence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBw35Ze3bg8 (Video essay/animation on Latin American independence)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV7m7hX5nYU (Animation on creation of Gran Colombia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4bjTYND71M (Video essay on various revolutions)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCqi325spb8 (Animation on attempts to unify)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqT51lU1IJw (Map animation on Brazilian independence)

#13: Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-72)

In 1932, 600 poor Alabama black men were enrolled in a study conducted by the CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service. Of these men, almost 400 had syphilis, though they were not informed of this diagnosis. The purpose of the experiment was to study the effects of the disease if left untreated - they were given placebos instead. Despite penicillin being discovered during the extensive term of the study, none of them were informed or treated during the 40 years it continued for. Even after losing funding, the barbaric experiment continued, until it was finally exposed in 1972. Although its exposure led to greater protections for medical trial participants, public trust for health departments, particularly in the black community, was forever changed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuskegee_Syphilis_Study

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxeLohZEqs0 (Video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgkOfkDYyYQ (Video documentary)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV7RzS8QRXE (TED animation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56gqCXlUCoE (Video essay/animation)

#12: Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)

Many people learn about the Vietnam War and the U.S.A.s role in it. What history classes rarely talk about is how the United States entered the war, however. On the 2nd of August 1964, the U.S.S. Maddox was near North Vietnamese waters carrying out a patrol when it was attacked by local torpedo boats. While 4 of the attacking sailors died, no one aboard the Maddox was killed. 2 days later, the Maddox experienced radar returns that had followed intercepted communications, which led them to believe an attack was imminent, even opening fire. However, there were no ships. Miscommunications led to the attack being viewed as genuine, and the U.S. entering the war, partially under false, or misunderstood, pretenses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Tonkin_incident

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crALHjTiXbk (animation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmKE7ZDnsY8 (Animation/breakdown)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBoTMEpbKkc (Video essay)

#11: Native Code Talkers (1918-45)

The roles of Native Americans in war have often been overlooked. During both the First and Second World Wars, Native service members from nearly a dozen tribes were employed as code talkers. Due to enemy forces being unfamiliar with their indigenous languages, codes delivered using them had an extra layer of encryption. In fact, not only did their codes contribute to important battles such as Iwo Jima, but their codes were never broken. Despite some recognition in popular media, the code talkers are rarely a part of standard school history education.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_talker

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choctaw_code_talkers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmiqnAQTTCI (Official U.S. Veterans Affairs video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsPVzBXzjqY (Recreation/video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4F1zsVq2wU (Short documentary)

Windtalkers (2002)

MGM Distribution Co.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZOyf_QEp4 (Transcribing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQHhbhtpJ3M (Navajo code)

#10: Nanjing Massacre (1937-38)

Japans invasion of China is under taught as a whole. [xref] However, this incident in particular is often overlooked, or in the case of many in Japan, outright denied, likely because of how shocking and brutal it was. Beginning in December of 1937 and continuing for several months, the Japanese Imperial Army killed thousands of prisoners of war, children, and women. Thousands of female residents of all ages were raped - you may be more familiar with the massacres other name, the Rape of Nanjing. Torture and arson were also rampant, with a third of the city burning. While estimates of those attacked or murdered vary from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands, even the low estimates make it a horrific war crime.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing_Massacre

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sino-Japanese_War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA-q68ReSY4 (Video essay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDK3cPdDQEY (Animation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZLbDCbpHx0 (Video essay)

John Rabe (2009)20th Century Fox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx3MS2BkJRs (Killing contest - these really happened)

Xref Second Sino-Japanese War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTkRBg2Dwz0 (Video essay/map)

#9: The Wall Street Attack (1920)

Before 9/11, the worst terror attack in the United States happened in 1920. During midday in September, a horse-drawn carriage rode down Wall Street, New York. It stopped outside the U.S. Assay Office and opposite the J.P. Morgan & Co. building. The area was packed as workers went to get lunch. But then, the driver vanished. Moments later, the wagon filled with dynamite exploded, causing shrapnel to fly everywhere. At least 38 people and the horse perished from the attack, with 143 seriously injured. No group or individual came forward to claim responsibility. While the authorities had many theories on who was responsible, no formal arrests ever happened, and it remains unsolved.

#8: The Iranian Revolution (1978-79)

After years of Iran being reigned by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and aligning himself with the West, tensions came to a head in 1978. Supporters of cleric Ruhollah Khomeini, who had been in exile, believed he was routinely slandered by the countrys press. On top of this, opposition against Pahlavis rule blamed his secret police for the Cinema Rex fire that killed 477 people. These, mixed with the Shah using the military to supplant his rule and viciously attacking opponents, caused many people to protest the monarchy. By 1979, this led to Pahlavi fleeing and the return of Ayatollah Khomeini, who became the first Supreme Leader of Iran, turning the country more politically conservative. Some believe this event inspired several uprisings in the Middle East.

#7: The Stonewall Riots (1969)

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community in 1960s New York was rough. The police regularly targeted the then-illegal group. When people attended LGBTQ+ bars or clubs, many of which were operated by organized criminals, the cops would raid them and arrest those inside, often taking liberties with detainees. By June 1969, the situation hit a boiling point at the Stonewall Inn when the police raided the bar. With years of discrimination, violent attacks by the cops, and inspired by the civil rights movement, the LGBTQ+ community and supporters began rioting, which lasted for several days. This sparked LGBTQ+ leaders to petition for rights. By 1970, the first Pride events happened in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

#6: Bacon's Rebellion (1676)

Way before the American Revolution against Great Britains reign came to be, the seeds of rebellion were sown in Virginia in 1676. The colonist Nathaniel Bacon was livid at Governor William Berkeley, his cousin, for the high taxes and his lack of support for attacking a Native American settlement. As such, he organized a makeshift militia formed of white and Black people to lay siege to Berkeley within Jamestown. Bacons forces caused the Governor to flee as they set Jamestown aflame. By the time England sent the navy to battle the rebellion, Bacon had already passed from dysentery. With a lack of leadership, Berkeleys newly engorged forces defeated the militia. But the Governors reputation was left in tatters.

#5: The Mao Massacre (1966-76)

In 1966, Mao Zedongs power in China was threatened after the disastrous Great Leap Forward that caused a massive famine. So, he initiated the Cultural Revolution to renew the communist spirit and remove infiltrators. This caused youths to form groups like the Red Guard, who shut down schools, ransacked religious places, and slaughtered any perceived enemies of Maos vision, such as party officials and intellectuals. While art and entertainment believed to be too Western were banned, including work by William Shakespeare. The Cultural Revolution eventually finished in 1976 with Maos passing. But not before it destroyed the countys economy, took the lives of up to two million people, and forced around 20 million to flee the carnage Chairman Mao instigated.

#4: The First Bus Refuser (1955)

While Rosa Parks is credited for ushering in the civil rights movement in the US after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person in 1955, there was someone before who made a similar stand. Nine months before this monumental event, 15-year-old student Claudette Colvin refused to move on a bus for white passengers in Montgomery, Alabama. This led to her arrest and being convicted on multiple charges. Colvin was also involved in the court case that forced Alabama to end bus segregation. But even further back, in 1854 in New York, Elizabeth Jennings Graham was forcibly removed from a whites-only streetcar. So, she took the Third Avenue Railroad Company to court and won, causing the firm to desegregate its streetcars.

#3: The English Civil War (1642-51)

While England still has a monarchy, that hasnt always been the case. Charles I clashed with Parliament several times. With Catholics facing off against Protestants in several skirmishes adding to the fire and Charless religious loyalty questioned, things escalated when he entered the House of Commons and tried, and failed, to arrest opponents in 1642. This kicked off the first of three civil wars in England, Scotland, and Wales between Royalists and Parliamentarians. In 1649, a captured Charles was tried for treason, found guilty, and executed. By 1651, the Parliamentarians had won the final battle in the civil war. With Oliver Cromwell in charge and later his son Richard, the Commonwealth of England reigned until 1660, when Charles II reestablished the monarchy.

#2: The Armenian Genocide (1915-16)

In the dying days of the Ottoman Empire, the Young Turk Revolution happened in 1908. After years of Christian Armenians being targeted by the country, they believed this was a positive turning point. Sadly, it wasnt. As nations were engrossed by World War I in 1915, the Empire suffered heavy losses. As such, they shifted the blame onto Armenians. Authorities began arresting and either deporting or executing Armenians for treachery. Then, groups were taken from their homes and forced to walk through the Syrian desert without supplies, causing many to perish before they reached the terrible conditions at concentration camps. By 1916, there are estimates that at least one million Armenians were massacred in the genocide.

#1: Tulsa Race Massacre (1921)

In May 1921, the neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was thriving. So much so that it was deemed Black Wall Street. But the segregated city was about to erupt in horrifying violence when black teenager Dick Rowland was falsely arrested. After the white and black communities faced off outside the courthouse, it sparked into a fight. However, the Greenwood community was outnumbered. Several white residents were deputized, handed weapons, and attacked Greenwood violently over 18 hours. On top of buildings being set aflame, as many as 300 people were killed, with 800 injured, while thousands of people lost their homes. In the immediate aftermath, the event was suppressed by the media. Only in more recent years has it become more well-known.

Is there a forgotten part of history that we forgot? Transcribe your picks in the comments!

Windtalkers (2002)

MGM Distribution Co.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwZOyf_QEp4 (Transcribe now!)