1. The document provides summaries of chapters from two books that discuss major historical events and developments from the 18th century to the early 20th century.
2. Key topics covered include the Enlightenment, the American and French Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, colonialism, World War I, the rise of communism, apartheid in South Africa, and globalization.
3. Major figures discussed include Voltaire, James Madison, Robespierre, and Nelson Mandela.