This document provides summaries of chapters from two history books covering major events from the 18th to early 20th centuries. It discusses the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire's warnings against unchecked power. It also summarizes the Industrial Revolution, the rise of different social classes in 19th century Britain, and impending changes in the US and Russia. Later chapters discuss colonial economies, the impact of World War I including the rise of new nations, the spread and fall of communism in the 20th century, and Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid in South Africa.