Today, we have seemingly limitless access to information, but in the 1930s an all encompassing timeline of history would have been incredibly useful and groundbreaking. John Spark’s creation is an admirable attempt at making history more approachable and entertaining. Lastly, Histomap refers to various cultural and racial groups using terms that may seem rather dated to today’s viewers. Certainly, the creator’s biases and blind spots become more apparent in the information-abundant 21st century. China’s “seam”, for example, is suspiciously thin throughout the length of the timeline. Some would argue that the lack of hard data makes it impossible to draw these types of conclusions (though there have been other more quantitative approaches.)Īnother obvious criticism is that the measures of influence are skewed in favor of Western powers.
Did Sparks see world history as a zero-sum exercise a collection of nations battling one another for control over scarce territory and resources? Timeline CaveatsĬrowning a world leader at certain points in history is relatively easy, but divvying up influence or power to everyone across 4,000 years requires some creativity, and likely some guesswork, as well. The visualization is also effective at showing the ascent and decline of various competing states, nations, and empires. While the Roman Empire takes up a lot of real estate during its Golden Age, for example, we still get a decent look at what was happening in other parts of the world during that period. The poster cost $1 at the time, which would equal approximately $18 when accounting for inflation.Īlthough the distribution of power is not quantitatively defined on the x-axis, it does provide a rare example of looking at historic civilizations in relative terms. Histomap, published by Rand McNally in 1931, is an ambitious attempt at fitting a mountain of historical information onto a five-foot-long poster. View a high resolution version of this graphic Sparks, maps the ebb and flow of global power going all the way back to 2,000 B.C. Today’s infographic, created all the way back in 1931 by a man named John B. Instead of a timeline for just one country, what about creating a graphical timeline showing the history of the entire world over a 4,000 year time period, all while having no access to computers or the internet? An All-Encompassing Timeline? While that seems like a challenge, imagine going a few steps further. It would be no small task, and simply weighing the relative importance of so many great people, technological achievements, and pivotal events would be a tiny miracle in itself. We invite you to learn about our history and hope you will feel inspired to become more involved with the Red Cross.Imagine creating a timeline of your country’s whole history stretching back to its inception. Today, as throughout our long history, the Red Cross depends on generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support our lifesaving services and programs.
Did you know we’ve been offering similar training since the early 1900s? Have you ever given blood or received donated blood? The Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program in the 1940s and we still provide more than 40% of the blood products in this country.
#MILITARY HISTORY TIMELINE TEMPLATE HOW TO#
Maybe you’ve taken a class through the Red Cross, such as first aid certification or how to swim.
Are you familiar with the classic images of Red Cross nurses helping American soldiers and civilian war victims during World War I? In fact, as you read this Red Cross staff and volunteers are still deploying alongside America’s military. Learn how we commemorated our anniversary.Įven while the Red Cross adapts to meet the changing needs of the people we serve, we always stay true to those roots. In 2021, the Red Cross celebrated 140 years of compassionate service. We received our first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day we are tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world. Since our founding by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need.