Top 10 Worst Years in History

The Top Ten
1 1939

Bro, half the people picked 2016 as the worst year just because Trump was elected as president in the US, but not 1939, even though thousands of people died?! Omg, these people are so selfish. They don't think 1939 is the worst year, even though so many people died. Well, what if one of those people were you? Would you be happy? 100% NOT. Just stop being selfish and care about others, guys. It's just a bad president, so what? Is that life-threatening? No. So there.

So 2016 was the worst year ever because celebrities died and democracy took its course? Nonsense... 1939 signified the beginning of a brutal war that took millions of lives and led to even more divisions, deaths, and tortures in the long term, aka a divided Berlin. If you can compare 2016 to a year that spawned the genocide and mass murdering of millions of innocent men, women, and children, you really need to grow up and maybe pick up a book rather than forming your opinion on the basis of a BuzzFeed article.

2 1350

Seriously? 2016? 2020? (COVID, but still) 2014? They're all jokes compared to this year. In none of those years was 99% of the world in extreme poverty, nor was clean water nonexistent everywhere, and sanitation was also nonexistent everywhere.

I'm sorry, but 2016? What are you guys smoking? In 2013, 90% of the world had climbed out of extreme poverty, and in 1350, 99% of the world was in it. Let's not forget to mention a little disease called the Black Plague, which, by conservative estimates, killed 3/5 of Europe. Imagine three of every five friends and family members dying in the span of a couple of years. That's as hellish as the world will ever get. 2016, give me a break.

3 1914

Should be #1. This year has nothing on the last year and the year before that. Just because they were bad for pop culture and education (and they were very bad for those) doesn't mean it was necessarily a bad year. That misses the purpose of the entire list. 1914, on the other hand... well, it started World War 1.

You know, that one war that laid the path for the rest of the 20th century and beyond, the war that resulted from the less violent Napoleonic ones, the thing that spawned nothing good for humanity except for the League. You know, that year. When the actual war started, 1 million people died in one month - for a war in Europe. It was one of the most violent wars in history, the one that made the Nazis famous, the one that still has terrible implications today! This is truly one of the worst years in history, or even ever.

To summarize: it was a pretty big deal, but not because of good stuff, but because of tragedies and bloodshed.

4 1941

Despite 1939 (the start of the Phony War) currently ranking #1, 1941 marks the beginning of the genocide of Jews, with the Nazis ordering children to be shot, rapidly escalating executions, and using Zyklon B for the first time.

Pearl Harbor happened too, which led America to join on both fronts, and Operation Barbarossa brought the USSR to the Allies' side until the Nazis were gone. This was a year when most of continental Europe was in the hands of fascists and/or literal Nazis.

This year reminds us why we must vigorously oppose those who sow hatred and division, for the good of all humankind!

5 2016 2016 (MMXVI) was a leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2016th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 16th year of the 3rd millennium, the 16th year of the 21st century, and the 7th year of the 2010s decade.

Oh man, where do I begin?

Well, let's start with the Zika Virus. It spread all over South America and to some other parts of the world. I feel bad for everyone who suffered through that. What's scary is that it's still spreading, and it has affected Florida and parts of Mexico. Hopefully, it won't get too bad.

Next, let's talk about the attacks that occurred in a few cities in Europe, starting with Brussels. On March 22 of that year, several places in the city were brutally bombed. Thirty-five people were killed, and more than 300 were injured. That's pretty sad. A few months later, in Nice, France, a truck drove into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day. Eighty-six people were killed, and 434 were injured. Both of these were terrorist attacks.

Then there's Hurricane Matthew, which caused a tremendous amount of damage to Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, The Bahamas, and the southeastern coast of the United States. Almost 900 people lost their lives, and many people's houses and hometowns were severely hit. The aftermath included flooding, dirty streets, and buildings torn apart.

Now, let's talk about the deaths of famous celebrities we all loved. David Bowie died in January, which was quite a shock to all of his fans. Prince died months later, which was also quite sad. Alan Rickman, a famous English actor, died of pancreatic cancer. Gene Wilder passed away during the year as well, another shock to his fans. We lost Pete Burns, the founder of Dead or Alive, in 2016 too. We also mourned the loss of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at the end of the year, which was pretty upsetting.

Finally, let's talk about the 2016 United States Presidential Election. The U.S. is a powerful country, but Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump could really mess it up. They're both perceived as liars and lack compassion. When you're president, you should care for the people in your country, be aware of anything that could happen, welcome foreigners... more

6 2020 2020 (MMXX) was a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 20th year of the third millennium, the 20th year of the 21st century, and the 1st year of the 2020s... read more

At this point, I'm just going to stop explaining my deep emotional hatred for 2020, because it's so bad I can't even explain how physically and mentally damaged this thing has left me. But at least the endless suffering and horrific torture that this thing has done to us is over. Absolutely the worst thing that ever happened to the 21st century, because calling this thing a year would be disrespectful to the entire history of the 21st century. 0/10.

How should I describe 2020, even though we are only in the third month?

The year began terribly and has only worsened. Australia was on fire at the start, and the President of the United States increased tensions with Iran. Donald Trump is tarnishing many things. He is one of the most misguided world leaders in history, a man who inherited money from his father, and he is accused of cheating in his university education and on his three wives. He's seen as a con man, a phony, and a bigot who is unfit for office. He demands loyalty from everyone because he's a loner. The Coronavirus became more prominent in mid-January, causing widespread panic as the world descended into chaos. Our President is making Americans feel less safe regarding the virus and is risking the entire economy, despite the stimulus bill.

Don't get me started on the election. Our President treats his supporters like members of an extreme cult.

7 2001 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2001st year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 1st year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 2nd year of the 2000s decade.

I lost two jobs in 2001 due to the "IT recession" and had to end a relationship that I dearly loved. However, the age difference would have doomed it in the long run. Then 9/11 happened, and things became worse - much, much worse. I did not find work until 2002, and even then, I was still depressed about 9/11.

9/11 happened, Dale Earnhardt passed away, my cousin was electrocuted, and my father amputated his hand at work. It was just a really bad year.

This is due to the estimated 3,000 people who died on September 11. Approximately 2,770 individuals lost their lives in the Twin Towers, while around 200 perished at the Pentagon, and the remainder in the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

8 536

How in God's name is this below 2020, when it really should be a lot higher? Now, yes, 2020 was an atrociously depressing year, let alone the worst year of my life, but that does not mean 2020 is the worst year in history or that 536 is better than 2020. Now, THIS is the real worst year in history.

How are 2016, 2020, and 2001 worse than 536? I do understand the reasons for 2020 and 2001, but way more people died in 536.

Look at it, millions of people died from a famine that lasted for half a year because a volcano erupted! That did not exactly happen in 2001, 2016, or 2020.

The term "worst year ever" is often used lightly these days, typically online for trivial reasons like disappointment in the latest episode of Total Drama. However, scientists and historians have provided evidence that the year 536 A.D. deserves this title. Following a volcanic eruption in Iceland, the sun was blocked for a year and a half, leading to widespread famine. Additionally, the Yersinia plague exacerbated the situation, contributing to why historians consider it the worst year. The accompanying picture further illustrates the grim reality of that time.

9 2014 2014 (MMXIV) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2014th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 14th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 5th year of the 2010s decade.

This was easily the worst year of my life - and probably for many others too. The ISIS attacks began, Russia attempted to annex Crimea, and numerous notable individuals passed away. The music was terrible, and except for the World Cup, sports were dull. On a personal note, things were even grimmer as I was being bullied at school, had a dreadful teacher, and my family's home was under an extension, leaving us confined to two rooms in a construction zone. Additionally, in late December, my grandmother suffered a heart attack, and my mother was in a car crash (though she wasn't injured). Reflecting on it, it truly was a horrendous year. However, all we can do now is look forward to enjoying 2016!

10 1929

Unless you know what it's like to live on the streets with your family and all your friends, flat broke, cold, and starving, suffering from anemia, pneumonia, and an assortment of other ailments, with absolutely no chance of seeing a paycheck for at least another few years, you have no right to say that any year in modern history is worse than 1929. It's called the "Great Depression" for a reason. Enough said.

This should be #2 due to the Great Depression, which caused people to suffer terribly. I cannot imagine how people would deal with this calamity today, and we came awfully close in 2008. Luckily, the economy recovered once it got very bad. Seriously, people don't know what it was like for the people back in this year, endless human suffering.

The Contenders
11 1933

Seriously, this list is awful. All the spoiled kids are voting for newer years just because of their personal lives. Yet the Holocaust's beginning is only at 14.

Hitler's rise to power and the beginning of the Holocaust. This would also directly lead up to WWII, which would occur just a few years later (1939).

That was during the Great Depression. Four years after the stock market crash of '29, America faced poverty.

12 1347

This was when the Black Death spread like wildfire throughout Europe. It was very horrid. Bodies were piling up in the streets, and all people thought about was death.

If you lived in Europe this year or the next five years, you would certainly be dead because it was during the Black Plague, which lasted for quite a few years. The COVID pandemic isn't nearly as bad if we are being honest, not to be ignorant.

If I traveled here, don't expect to see me again. The plague was deadly. Many died on the same day they fell ill, about 20% of the population died because of the Black Death.

13 2015 2015 (MMXV) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2015th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 15th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 6th year of the 2010s decade.

For Canadians, it was the year Justin Trudeau somehow got elected as their prime minister. It has been a steady downhill slide for Canada and Canadian citizens. He is a completely corrupt person who is always at the center of a never-ending series of scandals, which he and his cronies are undoubtedly profiting from. He has more than doubled Canada's federal debt, housing prices, mortgage payments, down payment costs, rent payments, and printed 600 billion dollars to massively contribute to 40-year high inflation. He has proven himself to be hopelessly incompetent at managing any aspect of government and has not achieved even a single positive or substantial accomplishment in eight long painful years. This, of course, is no surprise when his pathetic prior employment and education experience and credentials are considered. He is a woke individual who promotes CRT, child grooming, and the alphabet+ agenda, as well as continually slandering his adversaries as racists, misogynists, and extremists, but cannot remember how many times he wore blackface. He has more than proven himself to be an arrogant, unethical narcissist and an utter disgrace to Canada.

14 2017 2017 (MMXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2017th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 17th year of the 3rd millennium, the 17th year of the 21st century, and the 8th year of the 2010s decade.

2017 has got to be the worst year that I have ever lived through. So many incidents occurred: the church shooting, the Las Vegas shooting, terrorist attacks, political tensions, violent protests and riots, the deaths of well-known celebrities and stars, and three extremely devastating hurricanes. So many innocent people were killed.

Not only that, but my family had internal problems and tons of arguments. In 2017, I suffered from the deepest depression of my entire life. This is why 2017 is the worst year that I've lived through.

15 2009 2009 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2009th year of the Common Era and Anno Domini designations. It was the 10th and final year of the 2000s decade.

This is the year EVERYTHING went to hell. The credit crunch, stock market crash, the recession, more and more celebrities dying, the swine flu scare, the Daily Mail on the rise with its "health" addicts, the music industry destroyed - nowadays, they only care about looks and money, not heart and soul! Hollywood falling on its knees, just EVERYTHING about this year was CRAP! Today we are still suffering from what happened in 2009! If I had a time machine, I would erase everything about 2009-2016 and go back to the 80s and 90s, even the early 00s, because the only really bad thing I remember about 2001 was 9/11. The period from 2009-now can go buried in a grave and never be seen again!

16 1945

Still the worst because people had to recover from the end of the war and the damage left behind. Plus, the Cold War started afterward, Holocaust prisoners contracted horrible diseases before liberation, and everything was in ruin. So, while the war ended, the world was in huge disarray.

Not as bad as 1914, 1941, and 1939 because the war ended, but it was still pretty tough that Japan got bombed.

Well, World War II still had a lot of people dying, but it ended that year, so... Eh.

17 2013 2013 (MMXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2013th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 13th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 4th year of the 2010s decade.

Where do I begin?

Well, let's begin with TV shows. It seems like half of the TV shows in 2013 (mainly cartoons) were declining in quality. I mean, come on, why would people create subpar shows for entertainment? TV show creators should look at their shows' ratings to see how they're doing, and guess what? Many shows are receiving negative reviews. Shows aren't as funny or classic as they were before 2008. Animation quality has deteriorated over the years since 2008. Then, when it came to 2013, the U.S. had pretty much had enough of TV shows. I think the very last TV show in the U.S. that was good and had great characters was Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. The show ended in 2009, so I guess you could say TV shows have been on the decline since 2008 or 2009. Nickelodeon was a starting point for the decline with shows like SpongeBob, which was the first show to worsen after 2008. Other shows on Nick deteriorated as well, including The Fairly OddParents.

Next up, crime. The crime rate across the world (mainly in the U.S.) had worsened significantly. Racism intensified, the number of belligerent people increased, there were more shootings in cities in the East, buildings were falling apart, and gang activity escalated. The U.S. (and the world) should be concerned about the rise in crime.

Finally, and technically the main reason why 2013 was such a terrible year, was the discontinuation of games, software, store items, and the general loss of money. Discontinuation was a significant issue for the United States and the world. Games also declined in quality, particularly the new SimCity. Some computer software was discontinued, which negatively affected computers and gaming. Store items were also discontinued by their companies. All this may be attributed to the global financial downturn.

So those three reasons are why 2013 was the worst year in history. I am so very glad it's over. As it seems, 2015 has been a great year for everyone, but... more

18 2012 2012 (MMXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2012th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 12th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 3rd year of the 2010s decade.

2012 was a good year for movies, video games, my personal life, and movie studios. However, it was a moderate year for music and TV shows, but a pretty bad year for the economy, Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook tragedy, celebrity deaths, and social media going public. This is my opinion about 2012...

Moreover, every year has its good and bad aspects.

I lost my nanny - the one that I spent most of my time with because she was the kindest person ever, and she died that year! Poor New York was also hit by Hurricane Sandy. The British Isles were threatened by multiple severe floods on June 7/8, June 27/28, July 7, September 24, and November 18-26.

19 1918

Get it above 2016. 2016 is too overhated and should be down to 30th place or something. This is the year of Spanish flu. If I had a time machine I would avoid this year as much as possible.

What actually caused the Great War to end? It was a flu virus that killed soldiers. There were fewer soldiers to fight the war. You cannot win without soldiers to take land from your adversaries.

The year when the Spanish flu occurred.

20 2008 2008 was a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2008th year based on the Common Era/Anno Domini designations. It is the 8th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 9th year of the 2000s decade.

The year 2008 marked the worst year for the global economy due to the Financial Crisis, which destroyed the prosperity of every country in the world. Businesses were affected and closed down, which was the impact, while Federal Banks struggled to cope with scarce resources. The Bush Administration still had something up their sleeves, and they were the reason why it happened. I believe Soros was also partially responsible.

The financial crisis, the writer's strike, and the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Need I say more?

21 476

Many historians consider it the last year of ancient history and the first year of the Middle Ages in Europe.
What is past is prologue.

22 1861

The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter, causing the Civil War to begin.

23 2023 The year 2023 (MMXXIII) was a common year that started on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. It was the 2023rd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations. Additionally, it was the 23rd year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, as well as the 4th year of the 2020s decade.

December 21, 2023: At the main Faculty of Arts building of Charles University, in Jan Palach Square in central Prague, Czech Republic, 15 people were killed in a mass shooting by a postgraduate history student at the school. Another 25 were injured, three of them foreigners. The 24-year-old perpetrator killed himself.

December 22, 2023: Laura Lynch, a member of the Dixie Chicks, died in a traffic collision near El Paso, Texas, at the age of 65. The Chicks issued a statement saying Lynch was "a bright light" whose "undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the Midwest".

24 1919

The post-WWI treaties may have been too harsh and may have set the stage for another war. If that doesn't convince you, then consider that there was a pandemic even worse than COVID-19.

25 541

The bubonic plague added considerably to the world's misery. Spreading from the Roman port of Pelusium in Egypt, the so-called Plague of Justinian caused the deaths of up to one-half of the population of the Eastern Roman Empire.

This was the year that the Plague of Justinian, a plague that killed up to half of the world's population, erupted.

The Plague of Justinian began this year, and I assume that the plague was named after the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

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