The Most Important Events That Changed History Forever

Chernobyl Disaster (1986)

On April 26, 1986, the No. 4 reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, causing the worst nuclear disaster in history. Chernobyl was one of two nuclear energy accidents rated a 7 out of 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale. Over the following years, thousands have died from residual effects of the radiation.

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The More You Know

  • After Hitler ordered the deportation of Denmark's Jewish population, Danish citizens organized a massive evacuation of the Jews to neutral Sweden, despite the risks. In the end, 99% of Danish Jews survived the Holocaust.
  • Grasshopper Mice have evolved to turn scorpion venom into a pain-killer. They now prey on scorpions.
  • Roughly 600 Parisians work at the Eiffel Tower each day.
  • There's a word for tapping someone on the opposite shoulder from behind to fool them.
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