10 History Facts You Were Never Taught in School

Education is a vital part of every person’s life. It helps us to gain the knowledge and skills that we need to navigate through the world. However, there are some historical facts that have been left out of the school curriculum, even though they are significant to our understanding of the world. In this article, we will explore 10 historical facts that you were never taught in school.

1. The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919: The Spanish Flu is the deadliest pandemic in history, killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Despite its significance, it is rarely taught in schools, and many people are unaware of its impact.
2. The Scramble for Africa: In the late 19th century, European powers carved up Africa for themselves, leading to a period of colonization and exploitation that had long-lasting effects on the continent. This event is often overlooked in history classes.
3. The Forced Labor of Chinese Immigrants: Chinese immigrants were forced to work on the Transcontinental Railroad in the United States in the 19th century. They worked under inhumane conditions, and many lost their lives during the construction of the railroad.
4. The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921: In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a white mob attacked and destroyed the thriving black community of Greenwood, known as Black Wall Street. The event was covered up for decades and is often overlooked in history classes.
5. The Rwandan Genocide: In 1994, approximately 800,000 people were killed in a genocide that targeted the Tutsi ethnic group in Rwanda. The event is rarely taught in schools, despite its recent occurrence.
6. The Secret War in Laos: During the Vietnam War, the United States conducted a secret bombing campaign in Laos, dropping more than 2 million tons of bombs. The event had long-lasting effects on the country and its people but is often overlooked in history classes.
7. The Comfort Women of World War II: During World War II, the Japanese military forced women from across Asia into sexual slavery. The stories of these women were largely ignored for decades, and the event is often left out of history classes.
8. The Great Emu War: In 1932, the Australian government declared war on emus, believing that they were destroying crops. The event is often seen as a humorous footnote in history, but it highlights the absurdity of human-wildlife conflicts.
9. The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba: Patrice Lumumba was the first democratically elected prime minister of the Congo, but was overthrown and assassinated in a coup orchestrated by Western powers. The event is rarely taught in schools, despite its significance in African history.
10. The Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots of 1969 was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The event is often overlooked in history classes but had a significant impact on the fight for equal rights.

In conclusion, there are many historical facts that have been left out of the school curriculum, but they are important for us to understand the world we live in. By learning about these events, we can gain a better understanding of our shared history and work towards a better future.