Breakthroughs and Bitter Contests

The 5 moments in this challenge

The scenes are shown below — tap a card to reveal its place and year.

1. 

   Round 1 · 1964

   The First Shinkansen Departs

   Tokyo Station, Tokyo, Japan

   Japan inaugurated the Tokaido Shinkansen nine days before the Tokyo Olympics opened. Its distinctive bullet trains connected Tokyo and Osaka, establishing the world's first purpose-built high-speed railway and transforming intercity travel.

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2. 

   Round 2 · 1926

   Alan Cobham Lands Beside Parliament

   River Thames at Westminster, London, United Kingdom

   Alan Cobham completed his England–Australia–England survey flight by landing a floatplane on the Thames beside Parliament. Enormous crowds welcomed a journey intended to demonstrate the possibilities of long-distance imperial air routes.

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3. 

   Round 3 · 1975

   The Thrilla in Manila Ends

   Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines

   Muhammad Ali retained his heavyweight title when Joe Frazier's corner stopped their third fight after fourteen rounds. Despite its famous billing, the bout took place in Quezon City, not the City of Manila.

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4. 

   Round 4 · 1962

   James Meredith Enters Ole Miss

   University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, United States

   James Meredith became the University of Mississippi's first Black student after federal intervention overcame state resistance. His first day followed a deadly campus riot, and armed protection accompanied his entry into university life.

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5. 

   Round 5 · 1827

   Russian Troops Capture Erivan Fortress

   Erivan Fortress site, Yerevan, Armenia

   Russian forces captured Erivan's Persian-held fortress during the Russo-Persian War. The victory helped force the Treaty of Turkmenchay, which transferred the Erivan and Nakhchivan khanates from Qajar Iran to the Russian Empire.

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