Chapter 1: Surprising Overlaps in History

In the year 2014, two separate internet users posed a captivating question: what historical events occurred simultaneously that you wouldn’t expect? The inquiry garnered significant attention, amassing around 15,000 responses. A prominent blogger connected both discussions, igniting a lively debate. Below are some of the remarkable events that transpired during the same timeframe.

The first video delves into unbelievable historical occurrences that coincided, expanding on the idea that time can be surprisingly interconnected.

1. NASA Explored Space While Scientists Debated Plate Tectonics (1965)

Source: Wikimedia

Alfred Wegener introduced his theory of plate tectonics in 1912 but faced skepticism from the scientific community. It wasn’t until the publication of two pivotal articles in 1965 and 1967 that the theory gained traction. During this same period, NASA was concluding its Gemini Program, which played a crucial role in preparing for the Apollo missions and the eventual moon landings.

2. The London Underground Led to the Last Public Hanging (1868)

Source: Wikimedia

An intriguing fact highlighted by internet users notes that on May 26, 1868, Michael Barrett was executed in front of approximately 2,000 spectators at Highgate in London. The nearby Barbican Channel Tunnel station, constructed in 1865, allowed Londoners to take the tube to witness this grim event.

3. Buffalo Bill Cody Lived During the Era of German Zeppelins (1916)

Source: Wikimedia

William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who was nearing the end of his life, was alive in January 1916, a time when German airships were making headlines for their raids on Paris. This juxtaposition of a legendary cowboy with the modern warfare of WWI is a striking reminder of how different narratives can unfold simultaneously.

4. The Brooklyn Bridge Was Under Construction During the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

Source: Wikimedia

As one internet user pointed out, the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge coincided with the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn. The bridge, an engineering marvel, was still years from completion when Custer met his fate in 1876.

5. The Invention of Ecstasy Coincided with the Titanic Disaster (1912)

Source: Wikimedia

In 1912, while the Titanic tragically sank, scientists in Germany were synthesizing Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) for potential medicinal use. This stark contrast between a monumental disaster and a scientific breakthrough illustrates the unpredictable nature of time.

The second video explores more bizarre historical events that occurred simultaneously, offering insights into the strange overlaps in our past.

6. Oxford University Predated the Discovery of the Aztec Empire (1428)

Source: Wikimedia

The Aztec Empire officially began in 1428, but Oxford University had already been established centuries earlier, with educational activities dating back to 1096. This timeline highlights the longstanding nature of education in contrast to the rise of new civilizations.

7. Microsoft Was Founded While Spain Was Under Fascist Rule (1975)

Source: Wikimedia

In April 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft while Spain was still under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. This period saw a clash between technological innovation and political oppression.

8. The Ottoman Empire Existed Just Before the Cubs' Last World Series Win (1908)

Source: Wikimedia

The Chicago Cubs last won the World Series in 1908, just a decade before the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. This fact illustrates how historical timelines can intertwine in surprising ways.

9. Auschwitz Opened Shortly After McDonald's Launched (1940)

Source: Wikimedia

While McDonald's is often associated with post-WWII America, the first restaurant opened on May 15, 1940, just five days before the arrival of the first prisoners at Auschwitz. This stark comparison highlights the duality of historical events.

10. Woolly Mammoths Roamed While Pyramids Were Built (2660 BCE)

Source: Wikimedia

Interestingly, a small population of woolly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island until around 1650 BCE, overlapping with the construction of Egypt's Great Pyramids around 2667-2648 BCE.

11. The Fax Machine Was Patented When the First Wagon Crossed the Oregon Trail (1843)

Source: Wikimedia

On May 27, 1843, Alexander Bain patented the Electric Printing Telegraph, the precursor to the fax machine, coinciding with the westward expansion where many immigrants traveled to Oregon.

Final Thoughts

These astonishing historical occurrences reveal how events can overlap in unexpected ways, challenging our understanding of time. While they may not seem connected, the threads of history often intertwine in surprising manners, reminding us of the complex tapestry of our past.