18 Forgotten Disasters That Changed the World
Many disasters have changed the world throughout history, but some of them are now largely forgotten or overlooked. These events, whether natural or man-made, influenced societies, economies, and even the course of warfare.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Throughout history, natural and man-made disasters have had long-term consequences for civilizations. Some of these events, despite their significance, have faded into the background. From catastrophic industrial accidents to devastating natural disasters, these 18 forgotten disasters demonstrate how vulnerable societies have been and how resilient people can be in the face of adversity.
1. The Tunguska Event (1908)
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The Tunguska event occurred in Siberia. A massive explosion, most likely caused by a comet or asteroid, destroyed 800 square miles of forest. Despite the lack of direct casualties, the explosion produced energy equivalent to 1,000 times the force of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. The event’s global significance became clear in later decades as scientists investigated its potential impact on climate and the environment.
2. The Great Chinese Famine (1959–1961)
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A combination of poor government policies, natural disasters, and social upheaval resulted in the Great Chinese Famine, which killed an estimated 15 to 45 million people. It was primarily caused by the Chinese Communist Party’s collectivization and the disastrous Great Leap Forward. This famine had long-term implications for China’s political structure and food security policies.
3. The Halifax Explosion (1917)
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A massive explosion occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after a munitions ship collided with another vessel, killing over 2,000 people and injuring thousands more. The explosion was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history, destroying much of the city. Despite its scale, the Halifax Explosion is largely unknown outside of Canada.
4. The Chernobyl Disaster (1986)
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The Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine was a massive nuclear accident caused by a reactor explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. It resulted in the release of radioactive material, affecting millions of people and causing long-term environmental damage. While the disaster is well known, its full impact on global nuclear policies and public health is often overlooked.
5. The Chicago Heat Wave (1995)
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In summer of 1995, Chicago experienced an extreme heat wave that killed more than 700 people. The city’s poor urban planning exacerbated the heatwave, as dense neighborhoods trapped heat. The disaster highlighted the importance of better emergency management and the impact of climate change on urban environments.
6. The Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)
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The Indian Ocean tsunami, caused by a massive undersea earthquake, killed over 230,000 people across 14 countries. Though it is remembered in many affected areas, the magnitude of the disaster and its long-term recovery are frequently lost from collective memory. The event raised global awareness of the importance of tsunami warning systems.
7. The Hindenburg Disaster (1937)
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The Hindenburg, a German airship, famously caught fire while landing in Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 passengers. The disaster ended the era of airship travel and significantly altered public perception of airships as a safe mode of transportation. Its shocking footage is well remembered, but the incident’s historical significance is frequently overlooked.
8. The London Smog (1952)
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In December 1952, London experienced dense smog, which killed an estimated 12,000 people in just a few days. The fog, caused by coal combustion and weather conditions, clogged the city and caused widespread respiratory problems. The event resulted in significant air quality reforms and environmental policies, but it is now widely forgotten.
9. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
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A gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, emitted toxic methyl isocyanate gas, killing thousands instantly and affecting hundreds of thousands more. Despite its enormity, other industrial accidents frequently overshadow the Bhopal disaster. This tragedy led to continued calls for stricter industrial safety regulations around the world.
10. The Black Death (1347–1351)
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The Black Death, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, killed an estimated 25-30 million people in Europe, decimating entire communities. While it is remembered as one of history’s deadliest pandemics, the economic and social devastation it caused is frequently overlooked. The pandemic altered the course of European history, causing labor shortages and social revolts.
11. The San Francisco Earthquake (1906)
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The 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires devastated much of San Francisco, killing an estimated 3,000 people. The disaster prompted significant changes in seismic engineering and emergency management. Despite its magnitude, the event is frequently overshadowed by other significant earthquakes in modern history.
12. The Eruption of Mount Tambora (1815)
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Mount Tambora’s eruption in Indonesia was one of the most powerful in recorded history, resulting in the “Year Without a Summer” of 1816. The eruption resulted in widespread crop failures and food shortages in Europe and North America, altering global weather patterns for years. Despite its catastrophic consequences, its global impact on climate and agriculture is largely overlooked.
13. The Great Fire of Rome (64 AD)
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The Great Fire of Rome, which lasted six days, razed much of the city, including many important structures. Emperor Nero’s response to the fire, including the accusation of Christians as scapegoats, caused significant political and religious upheaval. While the fire is not well remembered, it significantly impacted Rome’s architecture and governance.
14. The Dust Bowl (1930s)
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During the Great Depression, the Midwest of the United States experienced the Dust Bowl caused by a combination of poor farming techniques and drought. Dust storms devastated crops, displacing thousands and causing severe economic hardships. Though not forgotten, its influence on U.S. agricultural policy is sometimes overlooked.
15. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911)
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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City killed 146 workers, the majority of whom were young women, as a result of unsafe working conditions and locked exit doors. This tragedy prompted significant changes in labor laws and workplace safety regulations. Despite its importance in labor rights history, it is frequently overlooked in larger discussions of US industrial history.
16. The Tangshan Earthquake (1976)
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The Tangshan earthquake in China killed an estimated 242,000 people and injured or displaced millions more. Despite its magnitude, it is less well known internationally, having been overshadowed by other disasters such as the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The event resulted in changes to China’s disaster preparedness and response strategies.
17. The Valdivia Earthquake (1960)
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The earthquake in Valdivia, Chile, was the most powerful ever recorded, measuring 9.5 on the Richter scale. It triggered a massive tsunami, which impacted coastal areas as far away as Hawaii and Japan. Despite its global significance, the event is nearly forgotten outside of Chile.
18. The Sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff (1945)
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The sinking of the German ship Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II killed an estimated 9,000 people, the majority of whom were civilians fleeing the advancing Soviet army. It is considered the deadliest maritime disaster in history, but it is relatively unknown compared to other wartime tragedies. The event focuses on civilian suffering during the war, which is often overlooked in favor of other events.