As 2016 comes to an end, people sentiments towards the year range vastly. Some saw it as a year of great advancement economically, socially and politically, while others feel as though the new year couldn't come sooner since they what happened over the last year more regressive than anything. Regardless of anyone's feelings towards the year, it was no doubt a year full of change that is going to affect the world for years to come, and even some of the events that won't be as influential in the future are still significant in the span of this year; so here are some of the most significant events of 2016.

1. Brexit

The Brexit Referendum was one of the most groundbreaking events that happened in 2016. The referendum was an attempt for Britain to move out of the European Union, and the surprise victory indicated the shift towards an anti-globalist, conservative view throughout the world.

2. The Election of Donald Trump

Similarly, the underdog victory of Donald Trump as the president of the United States was another Earth-shattering decision that made a major change in the political environment of the world. This victory also brought about major shifts towards the conservative, anti-globalist views of America, marking a stark change from previous years.

3. Major Underdog Victories in Sports

2016 has been a year full of underdogs, but not always politically. Throughout the year there were several examples of underdogs finding success in sports. In soccer, Leicester City and Portugal both surprisingly won their competitions in the Premier League and the Euros. In the United States, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Orioles surprisingly beat out their largely favored competitors, meaning that 2016 was definitely the year of sports underdogs.

4. The Death of Fidel Castro

The death of Fidel Castro was the end of a long-lived political era throughout the world and the United States. The subject of Cuban-American relations had always been touchy throughout both of the countries, but as relations were slowly easing the death of Fidel Castro could either expedite this process or revert all of the progress made. Regardless, the death of Fidel Castro was one of the most important events of 2016.

5. The Syrian Refugee Crisis

Although not necessarily a single event in 2016, the Syrian Refugee Crisis has been one of the most important ongoing happenings that have occurred throughout the year. As millions of Syrian Refugees have fled the deadly civil war in their home country for safer areas in Europe and the United States, many questions have risen about what the proper reaction to the influx of refugees should be. The answer to this question would be one that this is going to have major impacts in the future.

6. Terrorist Attacks

Once again not one singular event, the recent terror attacks throughout the world, from the Middle East to Europe to the United States have had major impacts politics throughout the world. Each individual government from throughout the world has had to find their own way of coping with the recent rise in attacks, and no matter how these countries deal with these attacks, they have definitely shaken the world at large and will have vast impacts in the future.