1) The discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1492 opened up new trade routes and had a profound impact on world history.

2) The concept of compound interest can be attributed to the ancient Babylonians, who used it in their banking practices.

3) The first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964 and consisted of a wooden shell and two metal wheels.

4) The shortest war in history lasted only 38 to 45 minutes between Britain and Zanzibar in 1896.