1) The Berlin Conference in 1884-1885 divided Africa among European powers and set the stage for the colonization of the continent.

2) Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it through elected representatives. It allows for political participation, freedom of speech, and protection of individual rights and liberties.

3) The American Civil Rights Movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., fought for equal rights and helped bring about significant social and legislative changes.

4) The world's first stock exchange was established in Amsterdam in 1602.