Please give me a detailed introduction to the history, development and branches of Buddhism. Thank you.

Buddhism was founded by Sakyamuni (known as Buddha) in ancient India in about the 6th century BC. It is one of the three major religions in the world along with Christianity and Islam. [1] "Buddha", the full name is "Buddha", which means the enlightened one. [2] Buddhism attaches great importance to the progress and enlightenment of the human soul. All people's troubles (suffering) have causes and conditions. Human beings, like other sentient beings, sink into suffering and are constantly reincarnated in the cycle of birth and death. Only saints (Buddha, Pratyekabuddhas, and Arhats) who have eliminated greed, anger, and delusion can escape the cycle of life and death and reach Nirvana (coolness and tranquility, that is, no worries). Sakyamuni became a Buddha at the age of 35. and preach the truth he discovered to everyone. The purpose of Buddhists is to see through the truth of suffering and "self" (Dharma of Dependent Origination) from the Buddha's education (Dharma), and ultimately transcend life, death and suffering, cut off all troubles, and become a Buddha or an Arhat. Modern Buddhism can be divided into two major lineages: Southern Buddhism and Northern Buddhism. Northern Buddhism can be divided into Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, so it can be divided into three major lineages (for detailed classification, please refer to Buddhist sects). Southern Buddhism is roughly Theravada Buddhism (also known as Hinayana Buddhism), Northern Buddhism roughly includes Mahayana Buddhism (mainly Chinese Buddhism), and secret Mahayana Buddhism or Vajrayana Buddhism (mainly Tibetan Buddhism). There is basically no big difference in the fundamental teachings of Buddhism among the various sects. However, there are differences in the characteristics of practice and some theories. The difference in the theory of Bodhisattva's conduct is the most significant. Buddhism is currently mainly popular in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia, and there are also a small number of believers in Europe, America, Oceania and Africa. . . . . .

Reference: http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BD%9B%E6%95%99