Much of Europe just seemed to care naught
But Earth’s western half made it hard-fought
It was thirteen showed up
To the FIFA World Cup
And host Uruguay bested the lot

Event: Uruguay defeats Argentina 4-2 to become the champion of the 1st FIFA World Cup (the United States was later declared to be the 3rd-place finisher based on having a better goal differential than the other semi-final loser, Yugoslavia)
Year: 1930
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1930_FIFA_World_Cup

In response to the death of Duke Franz*
They produced a long list of demands
Though the Serbs wanted peace
They could not take police
Which fit right in with Austria’s plans

*Pronounce it with a nice, Anglicized “franz” (rhymes with “cans”) rather than the more Germanic “frahnz” (rhymes with “prawns”)

Event: After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, the Austro-Hungarian Empire issues an ultimatum. The Serbian government’s refusal to comply with all elements of the ultimatum eventually led to the start of World War I
Year: 1914
Learn more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_Crisis

Night to day, unbelievably fast
Ever on, repercussions would last
A destroyer was spawned
And a new age had dawned
In the wake of the Trinity blast

Event: The Trinity test; first detonation of a nuclear weapon
Year: 1945
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_%28nuclear_test%29

Yes, they’ve come a long way now since Gore
To the Men’s Singles they’ve added four
And the watchers don’t scream
They eat berries and cream
As for tennis, it stands at the fore

Event: Opening of the first Championship at Wimbledon
Year: 1877
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Championships,_Wimbledon

Not content to mere prisoners be
They took charge of their route ‘cross the sea
Some tried to their cause thwart
But the land’s highest court
Ruled that all these brave souls should be free

Event: The Mende captives revolt and take over La Amistad
Year: 1839
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Amistad