Century Stories

The Great Chinese Famine (1958-1962) stands as one of the most devastating tragedies in modern history. Triggered by a combination of natural disasters and misguided policies under Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward, the famine resulted in the deaths of an estimated 15 to 45 million people. The famine was exacerbated by the collectivization of agriculture, where traditional farming methods were abandoned in favor of state-controlled communal farms. Poor planning, coupled with inflated grain production reports, led to widespread food shortages, as local officials were pressured to meet unrealistic quotas. The famine was further worsened by the state’s refusal to acknowledge the severity of the crisis, resulting in delayed aid and the persecution of those who spoke out. The event left deep scars on the Chinese populace and serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic consequences of political and economic mismanagement.

Knowing the U.S. is gearing up to engage them in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II, Japan deploys a massive air attack on U.S. Navy ships parked at Pearl Harbor. The surprise assault by 353 Japanese aircraft leads to the deaths of 2,403 people, including 1,177 sailors aboard the ill-fated USS Arizona, one of 19 vessels that were damaged or destroyed in the attack. Nearly 330 aircraft were also damaged or destroyed. The United States declares war on Japan the next day and three days later against Germany and Italy. 1941: Pearl Harbor • Date: Dec. 7 • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

The Burning of the White House: August 24, 1814 - Explore one of the most dramatic moments in American history through a vivid cartoonic animated documentary. Journey back to the War of 1812, where tensions between the United States and the British Empire reached a boiling point. Witness the shocking events of August 24, 1814, as British troops storm Washington, D.C., setting the White House ablaze. In this 5-minute historical retelling, experience the chaos, destruction, and resilience of a nation under siege. Through expressive animation and an emotional narrative, uncover the impact of this event on the American psyche and the subsequent rebuilding of a symbol of democracy. Immerse yourself in the 1800s with vintage-inspired visuals, a powerful orchestral score, and dramatic storytelling. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to this pivotal moment, this video offers a unique and compelling perspective on the burning of the White House. Watch now and relive history! #WhiteHouse #Warof1812 #HistoricalDocumentary #AnimatedHistory #AmericanHistory #1814

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a cataclysmic economic downturn that ravaged the United States and much of the world. Triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, the Depression led to widespread bank failures, industrial collapse, and soaring unemployment rates. Millions of Americans were plunged into poverty, facing hunger, homelessness, and despair. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform, implementing initiatives like Social Security and public works projects. While the New Deal offered some respite, it was World War II that ultimately pulled the nation out of the Depression through increased industrial production and employment. The era left an enduring impact on American society, shaping economic policies and social welfare programs for generations to come.