In 1896 the Olympics came back in Athens. The participants in the 100m race did not even know how to start in the right way. Some of them were bent forward, and others erect. Rules had not yet existed. They were only working out the thing, and had no idea that they were making history.
The photos of the last Samurai were taken in 1860s. These were actual warriors but their moment was coming to a close. Their entire class disappeared in several years. A tradition spanning a long period of time was lost literally overnight.
In 1953 Queen Elizabeth turned out to be the world centre. The first time her coronation was broadcasted on TV. It was seen by millions of people. The monarchy ceased to be a personal affair, something visible to everyone.
The first Indian cricket team to visit England came in 1886. It appeared an insignificant thing, but it was not. That trip served to make cricket something massive at home.
And then there is the Schwerer Gustav, a huge war machine. It demonstrates the extent to which man can go to construct destruction.
It is a trend: things appear, develop, and fade away. History does not cease--it goes on.