The modern history timeline describes the transformative period from the 15th century to the present day. It covers all the events in human history, the innovations, battles, scientific revolutions, political upheavals, and religious developments. This timeline also discusses the rise and fall of the empires.
In this guide, we are going to help you create a modern history timeline with all the events and major changes in human civilization. We will also discuss how you make these timelines. Let's get started.
In this article
Milestones of Modern History: Discoveries, Revolutions & Wars
Modern history has shaped the new world, and the achievements of past civilizations have always been a reference for future generations.
Here are a few of the key events of Modern history. Let's check them out one by one.
Discovering the Americas (1492)
Columbus, back in 1492, sailed west and Atlantic Ocean reached the Caribbean. He thought he landed in Asia. This was the first time ever that someone landed there.
It was also considered the European exploration of the Americas.
Martin Luther's 95 Theses on the Protestant Reformation (1517)
A German monk, Martin Luther, nailed the 95 theses at the catholic curch. This move has sparked the Protestant Reformation and caused Christian domination across Europe.
English Civil War (1642-1651)
The Civil War between the Royalists, better known as the supporters of King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians of that time had issues over governance and authority over the British Empire (mainly England).
The result of this war was the execution of King Charles. Parliamentarians were led by Oliver Cromwell.
French Revolution Begins (1789)
The French Revolution started at 1789 and was triggered by the social and economic situations in the region. The economic hardship and enlightenment ideas sparked the revolution.
The impacts of these revolutions spread across Europe and the neighboring regions.
Napoleon Becomes Emperor of France (1804)
Napoleon was one of the greatest emperors who ruled the French for a long period. He solidified his power through military power and made significant reforms in the region.
He also managed to capture a lot of areas that were not under the rule of France before. The vast territory and the Napoleonic Code helped shape the political landscape of Europe.
European Revolutions (1848)
The European Revolutions were made to stabilize the region through democratic powers. Most of the revolutions were suppressed, but paved the way to strengthen the European countries, including France, Italy, Germany, and Australia.
World War I (1914-1918)
Civil War I was the global conflict that was started over the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This conflict was powered by the different allies and central powers.
The war ended with the Treaty of Versailles. Although the results of the conflict were not good. Thousands of people were killed in the conflict, which caused more conflicts in the future.
World War II (1939-1945)
World War II is better known for the atomic bombing of the two cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The main powers that fought the war were hit hard, and their economy were on the brink of destruction.
This was the start of the Cold War as well. However, the war ended in Allied victory as the fall of Nazi Germany happened.
Foundation of the United Nations (1945)
After World War II, the United Nations came into existence to maintain peace in the world. There were 51 countries involved in the foundation of the United Nations. The United Nations aims to safeguard the world from conflicts and battles in any case.
Indian Independence from Britain (1947)
Indian independence from the British regime was one of the most important events of the 20th century. The British divided India into two parts: Pakistan and India.
Pakistan came into existence in the name of religion, and the British regime was forced to allot the areas of the Muslim majority to Pakistan. West Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, was part of Pakistan. It was separated from Pakistan in 1971.
Collapse of the Soviet Union (1991)
The Soviet Union was one of the strongest in terms of area they had. They had a hold over the huge area, causing political, economic, and financial instability in the area.
The US emerged as a sole power after 15 countries were separated.
COVID-19 Pandemic Begins (2019)
COVID-19 is one of the most unfortunate events in human history, causing millions of people to die due to a lethal virus known as coronavirus. It started in the city of Wuhan, China.
Millions of people died in this event. China was one of the Countries that were affected by this virus. However, they managed to create the vaccinations to prevent the effects of the virus.
The US also played a key role in creating efficient ways to safeguard the lives of the people.
Russia-Ukraine War (2022)
The Russia-Ukraine war is the latest conflict over Russia's concerns about NATO being at its borders. Russia is always against NATO, and they don't want NATO to be near the borders of Ukraine.
Thousands of Casualties are observed during this conflict, creating a huge dent in Ukraine and its allies. The economic situations around the region were also disturbed.
How to Create such a Timeline
Making a timeline could be a tedious task as there are a lot of events to discuss. However, a specialized tool can help you control your workload.
EdrawMind is an AI-powered timeline maker that helps you create amazing designs with its amazing features. Here are a few of the key features of EdrawMind.

- EdrawMind helps you create different diagrams, including timelines, Kanban, Gantt charts, and fishbone diagrams, etc.
- EdrawMind has a user-centric interface that helps you create complex diagrams and timelines with ease. It is preferable for beginners as well.
- It is a versatile tool available to all users. It is being used on devices including Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
- It offers a huge library of built-in templates for you to edit and make your designs by editing a few things here and there.
- EdrawMind is an AI-powered tool, so it adjusts according to the needs of the user. It helps create diagrams by writing the short prompts as well.
- It offers multiple import and export options for the users, including PDF, JPG, SVG, and many more. The design quality is also adjustable to any size needed. So, you can even use it to make large banners and billboards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Such Timelines
Making a timeline is even easier when you follow a specific guide. The guide is always handy to have, so we have created a step-by-step guide for you to make complex timelines with ease.
Step 1Open EdrawMind
- Open EdrawMind and click Create to open the canvas where you start designing the timeline.
- Click New MindMap to open the same page as well.


Step 2Edit your Template and Add Pictures
A timeline is incomplete without the images. Add images and text to make it look attractive and more understandable.
- Use the toolbar at the top of the screen and click the picture sign to upload pictures from your device.
- Add text related to the images. You can write anything related to the images added. It will clear the concepts of your design.

Step 3Change Themes and Layout
There are plenty of options available for themes and Layouts.
- Pick one theme of your choice and apply it to your design.
- Use the toolbar available on the right side of the screen and click the one you like the most.
The tool will apply the theme and adjust your theme automatically.

Step 4Export your Timeline
Now, it's time to export your timeline in your favorite format.
- Click the export button available at the right can left corners of the screen.
- Select the preferred format and click export to save your design.
- Save the source file to make any changes in the timeline.

Final Words
Modern history timeline describes the events and how they helped us shape the world we live in today. Such timelines are the reference points for the new generations to remember how middle-aged people sacrificed to shape the new world.
EdrawMind helps you create these timelines with ease, no matter how complex they may be. You will have all the tools that are needed to create attractive and innovative timelines.
The themes, layouts, and color combinations make your timeline look versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step to design your timelines, and EdrawMind will help you do the rest.
