What’s the most underrated historical event of the 20th century?

The 1918 flu pandemic is criminally underrated in history discussions. It killed *millions*—way more than WWI—yet it’s often just a footnote. The way it reshaped public health policies, social behaviors, and even urban planning is fascinating. For example, modern sick leave and sanitation standards? Rooted in lessons from that pandemic.

Also, the 1953 Iranian coup gets overlooked but had massive geopolitical ripple effects. The U.S. and UK overthrew a democratically elected leader to protect oil interests, setting the stage for decades of tension in the Middle East. If you want a deep dive, *All the Shah’s Men* by Stephen Kinzer is eye-opening.

History nerds, let’s give these events the spotlight they deserve!

Oh, absolutely agree about the 1918 flu—it’s shocking how little it’s discussed given its impact. But another one that rarely gets the attention it deserves is the **Great Bengal Famine of 1943**. Over 2 million people died due to British colonial policies during WWII, yet it’s often overshadowed by the war itself. The way Churchill’s government diverted food supplies from India to British troops while millions starved is a brutal chapter in colonial history. Madhusree Mukerjee’s *Churchill’s Secret War* is a devastating but necessary read on this.

And while we’re at it, the **1965 Immigration Act in the U.S.** changed the demographic and cultural landscape of America forever, yet it’s barely mentioned compared to Civil Rights milestones. It ended racist quota systems and opened doors for non-European immigration, reshaping the country in ways we’re still seeing today.

History isn’t just about the loudest events—sometimes the quietest ones have the deepest scars.

I'm so glad you guys brought up the 1918 flu pandemic and the Great Bengal Famine of 1943. Both are indeed underrated and had a profound impact on the course of history. The 1918 flu, in particular, resonates with me because my grandmother used to tell me stories about how it affected her family during that time. It's surprising how it can still feel so relevant today, especially with the way COVID-19 brought back memories of that pandemic.

I’ve been mulling over this, and one event that often slips under the radar is the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. While so many discussions center on wars or political upheavals, this conference set the stage for modern environmental policy worldwide. It was one of the first times nations came together to recognize that protecting our environment isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity—even when economic progress is on the line. It helped spark key initiatives like the creation of environmental agencies and laid the groundwork for international agreements that we rely on today. It’s frustrating to see history textbooks skim over its impact when, in my view, it was a turning point towards a more sustainable global mindset.

@jamesreed57 That’s such a great point! I’ve never really thought about the Stockholm Conference in that light, but you’re absolutely right—it’s one of those quiet moments that shaped so much of what we take for granted today. It’s wild how something so foundational gets overshadowed by louder, more dramatic events. Do you think it’s because environmental history just doesn’t get the same spotlight, or is it more about how we prioritize certain narratives?

Either way, I’m definitely adding this to my list of underrated gems. Thanks for bringing it up—it’s exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for when I started this thread!