What are the most interesting events in History?

Question

History was always my least favorite and worst subject while I was in school. Now that I am out of school I have this urge to learn and read up on everything I can get my hands on about history.

Creepy as it sounds the events that I would most like to read about are the ones that deal with true cruelty, sadness, and darkness. I find it to be very intriguing to learn about the ways humans can treat each other.

Also, I enjoy Women's Rights and strong Women in History.

In terms of reading material I prefer reading more of a book that tells a story instead of a school-book style text that basically just lists facts.

At the top of my list is to learn about the Spanish Inquistion first and then about Hitler's life (I'm currently reading Mein Kampf).

So my question is:

What events in our World's History do you think fit those two categories and what is some literature you would suggest?

Answer 1

The events leading to the rise of the Third Reich and Holocaust are perfect. In general, I've always thought that "The Third Reich and Holocaust" should be a required class for high school students (as well as in college), as this is a period in time in which we should never forget. This was a time period in which you can witness what it means to be human (and what it means to be denied humanity)--to the point that in Holocaust survivors you can literally see what is meant by "the soul," because that's basically all that was left.

Here's some "required" reading for this dark time in history. These books are just what you are looking for, and they give you a *very* clear picture of the subject.
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"The Third Reich: A New History" - Michael Burleigh

This book begins by briefly detailing the events leading up to and during World War I. The groundwork is laid for the Weimar Republic and the factors leading to the rise of the Third Reich are examined. The book takes the reader through the horrifying journey of Nazism and to the end of World War II. Burleigh's work is excellent, as it details how, quite literally, these events could happen in any democratic nation--they are not unique to Germany.
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"Oxford Readers: Nazism" - edited by Neil Gregor

Excellent series of scholarly articles and book excerpts on the subject of Nazism and the rule of the Third Reich. None of the entries are dry, and it is very quick and "easy" reading. Wonderful book.
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"Conscience & Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust" - Eva Fogelman

This book examines the lives of people who hid Jews during the rule of the Third Reich. It shows the conditions (physical and emotional) rescuers had to go through to aid their fellow human beings--although, as the book shows, some did so for less than honorable reasons. A very good book.
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"Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland" - Christopher Browning

This book is scary as hell. It shows how a group of ordinary people can be transformed into mass murderers in a relatively short period of time. It is "easy" to read (although I had to do so in short spurts, as the violence is detailed and graphic), and gives a glimpse into the lives of the police officers (who were interviewed for the book).
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"The Survivor: An Anatomy of Life in the Death Camps" - Terrence Des Pres

Beautiful and haunting book. It shows how--after a person is brutalized with probable death, torture, starvation, and abuse (although this is only the *very* tip of the Holocaust iceberg)--only "the soul" remains. This is a "must read."

Answer 2

You must read Bronowski's "The Ascent of Man." It can also be viewed quite enjoyably in a BBC film or listened to as an audio book. This will knock your socks off with it's brilliance and clarity and passion. Also, after that, order the book (you'll want to keep this one as a treasure), "The History of Art for Young People", Janson and Janson, Harry. N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, New York. Don't let the title throw you. This is quite a gem for getting a "big picture" of the history of civilization. Then, if you like serious genius . . . the written language of this book will fire so many of your nerve cells, you'll get positively giddy . . .try "A History of Warfare", by John Keegan. By then, you'll know where your particular interests will lead you. Those suggestions, though, are just my recommendation for stimulation and clarity to inspire further exploration.

Answer 3

I recently rented Joyeux Noel - Very interesting event... and a great movie!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Joyeux-Noel-Widescreen-Kruger/dp/B000I6BJ56


n 1914, World War I, the bloodiest war ever at that time in human history, was well under way. However on Christmas Eve, numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the various front-line soldiers of the conflict peacefully met each other in No Man's Land to share a precious pause in the carnage with a fleeting brotherhood. This film dramatizes one such section as the French, British and German sides partake in the unique event, even though they are aware that their superiors will not tolerate its occurrence.

Answer 4

My wife is a serial history book reader. She'll pick out a couple books on events or people she's interested in, then from those she'll learn about some other person or event and look into that.

One place to start is catching documentaries on the history channel or PBS. See what piques your interest and follow up on it. You never know where it will lead you.

Answer 5

I think that the persecution of the early church was quite interesting. No ideas on books for that one. The Reformation is interesting as is the reign of Bloody Mary. You might also like books on the 100 yr war between Britain and France. Any book on any civil war is going to be bloody and gruesome. remember that history is there so we can learn from it and not make the same mistakes like Hitler(he made the same mistake as Napoleon).

Answer 6

Try these two for starters;

"The Occult Conspiracy: Secret Societies-Their Influence and Power in World History" Michael Howard

"Under The Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among Pirates" David Cordingly

Second one especially for you, it has prominent women pirates.

Answer 7

The treatment of the natives in the Alucian Islands, Alaska, by the Russians in the 1700's.

Answer 8

i think your going to find mein kampf a bit confusing and boring, what events were important in history is difficult to answer at best, id advise going to a used book store in your area, dont go to a new one all they sell is whats " fashionable" at the time, and look around your more then likely to find soemthing that intrigues you. i am a klan historain and i find the klan and other racist related topics very intersesting. mankinfd has bene making up reasons to ahte others since the beginning of time

Answer 9

You may want to read about Joan of Arc. I dont have any specific books to recommend but there are certainly lots of them. Try amazon.com to look for titles.

Her life would certainly fit into many of the categories you mention.

Answer 10

French Revolution: Tale of two Cities and Desiree
Russian Revolution: Nicholas and Alexandria and Dr. Zhivago