Describes the events when a small barn fire ignited into one of the greatest urban disasters in U.S. history. Essential Events explores historic happenings around the globe and how those events have sculpted societies, the sciences, and politics.

Provides an account of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a clash between a combined force of Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes and U.S. government forces in 1876, discussing the causes, course, and outcome of the event, and including information on key leaders in the battle, as well as photographs, illustrations, a time line, and other resources.

Explores the Cuban Missile Crisis and how that event has sculpted societies, the sciences, and politics.

Presents the history of Ireland leading up to the famine, key players and happenings during the famine, and the event's effect on society.

Presents the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, key players and happenings in the attack, and the event's effect on society and politics.

Recounts the murder of Jewish athletes by terrorists at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

Examines the events that compelled the United States to enter World War I, public reaction, the course of the war, and important figures.

Examines the U.S. involvement in Vietnam.