European empires from 1415

European empires from 1415: 1415 - 1997 - Oxford Reference

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Timeline: European empires from 1415

Years: 1415 - 1997	Subject: History, Regional and National History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737572

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BCE CE

Year	Event
1415	A Portuguese prince, Henry the Navigator, becomes fascinated by exploration down the coast of Africa and commissions successive voyages Go to Henry the Navigator (1394–1460) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa Europe Portugal Society Empires
c. 1420	The Portuguese, discovering the lush and uninhabited island of Madeira, send colonists to settle it Go to Madeira in The Oxford Companion to Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa Europe Portugal Empires
c. 1427	A Portuguese captain, sailing for Henry the Navigator, chances upon the Azores Go to Azores in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century European empires in Africa Africa Europe Portugal Empires
1439	Portuguese settlers are sent to the unoccupied islands of the Azores Go to Azores in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century European empires in Africa Africa Europe Portugal Empires
1446	Portugal claims ownership of the region of Guinea, subsequently the centre of their slave trade on the west African coast Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Slavery European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
c. 1450	The caravel, a sailing ship developed in the Mediterranean and used down the west coast of Africa, is adapted by the Portuguese for Atlantic use Go to caravel in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Travel and transport European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa Europe Portugal Society Empires
1456	A Portuguese navigator discovers some of the Cape Verde islands, tropical and at that time uninhabited Go to Cape Verde in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century European empires in Africa Africa Europe Portugal Empires
1462	Portuguese settlers arrive to found Cidade Velha, on the Cape Verde island of Santiago Go to Cape Verde in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century European empires in Africa Africa Europe Portugal Empires
1466	The Portuguese settlers on the Cape Verde islands are granted a monopoly on the new slave trade Go to Cape Verde in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Slavery European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1483	The Portuguese establish a further presence on the west coast of Africa, at the mouth of the Congo river Go to Congo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1488	Bartolomeu Dias, sailing for the king of Portugal, becomes the first European navigator to round the Cape of Good Hope Go to Cape of Good Hope in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires
1492	Christopher Columbus, together with the brothers Martin and Vicente Pinzón, sails west from Palos in Spain Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Spanish empire Europe Spain Society Empires After sailing for five weeks from the Canaries, Columbus and the Pinzón brothers step ashore in the Bahamas Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Caribbean Columbus and his fellow explorers make landfall on the largest of the Caribbean islands, Cuba Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1493	Columbus returns to Spain, landing at Palos with news of his great discoveries Go to Columbus, Christopher (c. 1451–1506) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Spanish empire Europe Spain Society Empires Pope Alexander VI draws a line through the Atlantic, dividing new discoveries between Spain (west) and Portugal (east) Go to Alexander VI (1431–1503) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Italian Renaissance Politics Papacy Portuguese empire Spanish empire Europe Italy Portugal Spain Empires Latin America
1494	In negotiations about the New World at Tordesillas, the king of Portugal insists on a new demarcation line which later brings him Brazil Go to Tordesillas, Treaty of (7 June 1494) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Portuguese empire Europe Portugal Empires Latin America Brazil South America
1496	Diego Columbus, brother of the explorer, establishes the first secure Spanish colony at Santo Domingo Go to Santo Domingo (Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1497	Henry VII commissions the Italian navigator John Cabot to cross the Atlantic in search of new territories for England Go to Cabot, John (c. 1450–c. 1498) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Exploration British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain North America Canada John Cabot, searching for a trade route to China, probably reaches Newfoundland Go to Cabot, John (c. 1450–c. 1498) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Europe Society Empires North America Canada
c. 1500	The Portuguese establish trading posts in east Africa, on the coast of Mozambique Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires European diseases bring death on a massive scale to an American population that has no immunity Go to Aboriginals and European diseases in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Medicine Europe Empires Latin America
1502	Vasco da Gama wins a trading treaty for Portuguese merchants after bombarding the Indian port of Calicut into submission Go to da Gama, Vasco (c. 1469–1524) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1503	The Portuguese set up a trading post on the east African island of Zanzibar Go to Zanzibar in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1505	The Portuguese establish a presence in Sri Lanka, trading in the island's crop of cinnamon Go to Sri Lanka in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Sri Lanka Europe Society Empires
1510	The Portuguese seize Goa and make it their colonial capital in India Go to Goa (India) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
1511	The Portuguese take control of Malacca, in the Malay peninsula, as a base for trade further east Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1512	The Portuguese make treaties in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands), to trade in cloves and nutmeg Go to Moluccas in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1513	Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches the Pacific coast and claims the ocean for the king of Spain Go to Balboa, Vasco Núñez de (1475–1519) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1514	The Portuguese capture Hormuz and establish a garrison to control the Gulf of Oman Go to Hormuz in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Portuguese empire Asia West Asia Europe Empires
1515	The Spanish complete the conquest of Cuba and establish the town of Havana Go to Havana (Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1519	The Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes lands on the coast of Mexico with 600 men, 16 horses and about 20 guns Go to Cortés, Hernando (1485–1547) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Cortes and his tiny force capture Montezuma, ruler of the mighty Aztec empire, in his palace at Tenochtitlan Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1520	Cortes loses control of Tenochtitlan and has to escape in haste with his men during 'the Sorrowful Night' Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1521	After a little more than a year Cortes recaptures Tenochtitlan and finally establishes Spanish control over Mexico Go to Cortés, Hernán (1485–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1525	The conquistadors, settling on land granted to them after the conquest, begin the long process of European emigration to America Go to conquistadores in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Mesoamerican civilization Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1530	Francisco Pizarro sails from Panama to attempt the conquest of Peru Go to Pizarro, Francisco (c. 1478–1541) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Peru South America
1531	Francisco Pizarro leads 168 men, with about 30 horses, into the territory of the Inca empire Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1532	Pizarro and his tiny force ambush and massacre the Inca court in Cajamarca, capturing Atahualpa himself alive Go to Pizarro, Francisco (1471–1541) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America Atahualpa agrees to buy his freedom from the Spaniards with a room full of gold and another of silver Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1533	Although the ransom has been paid, Atahualpa is executed by the Spaniards — who ensure that he dies a Christian Go to Atahualpa (1533) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America The Spanish conquistadors capture and sack the Inca capital of Cuzco, high in the Andes Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1534	The Portuguese force the local ruler to cede to them the island of Bombay Go to Bombay in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1536	Manco Inca begins a siege of the Spaniards in Cuzco that lasts for a year Go to Cuzco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1537	With the end of the siege of Cuzco, and the flight of Manco Inca, the Spanish have full control of Peru Go to Peru (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Civilizations of Peru Incas Andean Civilizations Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1540	Francisco Vasquez de Coronado penetrates far north and west of Texas in an expedition searching for gold Go to Coronado, Francisco Vásquez de in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration Europe Society Empires North America United States
1542	New Laws are passed in Spain, in an attempt to protect the Indians on the encomiendas of Spanish America Go to encomiendas in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America South America
1545	Rich seams of silver are discovered at Potosi, in modern Bolivia Go to Potosí in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1548	La Paz is founded on the trade route between Lima and the newly discovered silver mines at Potosi Go to La Paz (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Uruguay, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America South America
1549	The first Portuguese governor general of Brazil selects Bahia (now Salvador) as his capital Go to Bahia (Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Portuguese empire Europe Empires Latin America Brazil South America
c. 1550	Africans, bought in the Portuguese trading posts of west Africa, are shipped across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Slavery European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Latin America Spanish galleons assemble each year at Portobelo to deliver European goods and to ship home the metals of Latin America Go to Portobelo (Panama) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1557	The Portuguese establish a trading post on Macao, a small peninsula off the south coast of China Go to Macao in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1568	Discovery of the Solomon Islands by a Spanish ship prompts interest in a possible Terra Australis Incognita ('unknown southern land') Go to Terra Australis Incognita in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires
1571	The Spanish governor general, Legazpi, makes his capital at Manila,and names the surrounding islands the Philippines after Philip II Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1575	English sailor and slave-trader John Hawkins turns the top-heavy carrack into the more seaworthy galleon Go to Hawkins, Sir John (1532–95) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Empires Britain
1577	Francis Drake sails from Plymouth, heading west for the Pacific and the East Indies Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Exploration British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1579	Francis Drake seizes a Spanish vessel laden with gold and silver in the Pacific, formerly a safe area for Spain Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry Europe Society Empires Latin America South America
1580	Francis Drake returns to England after his three-year voyage round the world and is knighted by Queen Elizabeth on board his Golden Hind Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Exploration British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1583	Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland on behalf of England's queen Elizabeth Go to Gilbert, Sir Humphrey (c. 1539–83) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires North America Canada
1585	Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, is settled by the first English colonists in America – with disastrous results Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States The English artist John White paints the everyday life of the Secotan Indians of America Go to White, John (1585–93) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Arts Painting American painting British painting Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American art American Indians British colonial America Europe Society Empires Britain North America United States
1587	A new group of English settlers arrives at Roanoke Island and makes a second attempt at a settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Britain North America United States Virginia Dare becomes the first English child to be born in America, on Roanoke Island Go to Dare, Virginia in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Britain North America United States
1590	An English ship, the first to arrive at Roanoke Island since 1587, finds no remaining trace of the settlers or their settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Britain North America United States
1600	Britain's East India Company is established when Elizabeth I grants a charter to a 'Company of Merchants trading into the East Indies' Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Commerce and industry British Isles British empire Europe Society Empires Britain
1607	Colonists establish the first lasting British settlement in the new world, at Jamestown Go to Jamestown in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1609	Henry Hudson reaches the inlet of New York Bay and explores the river now known by his name Go to Hudson, Henry (d.1611) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Exploration British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires North America United States Castaways from an English vessel reach Bermuda, which becomes the first British island in the new world Go to Bermuda in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1611	Henry Hudson, after wintering in Hudson Bay, is set adrift in an open boat by his mutinous crew Go to Hudson, Henry (d.1611) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Exploration British empire Europe Society Empires North America Canada
1613	The British East India establishes a 'factory' (a secure warehouse for the storing of Indian goods) at Surat, on the west coast Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Commerce and industry British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Society Empires The American Indian princess Pocahontas is taken hostage by Jamestown colonists in the first Anglo-Powhatan war Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1614	Pocahontas is baptized a Christian and marries John Rolfe, one of the Jamestown colonists Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1615	Sir Thomas Roe, the first British ambassador to India, arrives at the court of the Mughal emperor Jahangir Go to Jahangir (1569–1627) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
1616	Pocahontas fascinates Londoners when she arrives with her husband to publicize Jamestown Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Social and domestic British Isles American Indians British colonial America Europe Society Empires Britain North America United States John Smith publishes A Description of New England, an account of his exploration of the region in 1614 Go to Smith, John (1580–1631) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration British Isles American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires Britain North America United States
1619	Jan Pieterszoon Coen destroys the town of Jakarta, on the coast of Java, and rebuilds it as a Dutch trading centre under the name Batavia Go to Jakarta (Java/Indonesia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Asia East Asia Europe Empires
1620 September 16	The Pilgrims (or Pilgrim Fathers), a group of 102 English settlers, sail in the Mayflower to the new world Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Britain North America United States
1620 November 1121	Ten days after their first landfall, at Cape Cod, the adult males on the Mayflower agree a form of government for their new colony Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1620 December 26	The Pilgrims on the Mayflower select a place for their settlement, and give it the name of Plymouth, their port of departure in England Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1620	William Bradford begins a journal of the Pilgrims' experience in New England, subsequently published (in 1856) as History of Plymouth Plantation Go to Plimmoth Plantation, History of in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1621 autumn	The Mayflower settlers in Plymouth offer thanksgiving for their first harvest, eating turkeys in a celebration shared by local Indians Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires North America United States
1621	William Bradford, one of the Pilgrims from the Mayflower, is elected governor of the new Plymouth Colony Go to Bradford, William (1590–1657) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Democracy and dissent British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States The Dutch West India Company is chartered to trade and found colonies anywhere along the entire American coast Go to Dutch West India Company in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Europe Netherlands Empires
1622	A sudden attack by Powhatan Indians, led by their chieftain Opechancanough against the English colony at Jamestown, results in the death of more than 300 settlers Go to Powhatan Indians in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
c. 1625	The Dutch gradually exclude the Portuguese from the immensely lucrative trade in cloves from the Spice Islands (or Moluccas) Go to Molucca Islands in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1626	Peter Minuit purchases the island of Manhattan from local Indians and calls the place New Amsterdam Go to Minuit, Peter in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians Dutch empire Europe Empires North America United States
1627	A British colony is founded in Barbados and within fifteen years has 18,000 settlers Go to Barbados (West Indies) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
c. 1630	Rival Dutch, English and French colonies are established in Guiana, the northeast coast of south America Go to Guiana in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Dutch empire French empire Europe Empires Latin America South America John Winthrop, appointed governor of the new Massachusetts Bay Company, sails from England with 700 settlers Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Britain North America United States John Winthrop selects the site of Boston for the first Massachusetts settlement Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States John Winthrop, arriving in Massachusetts, begins the journal that is eventually published as The History Of New England Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1632	Maryland is granted to Lord Baltimore as a haven for English Roman Catholics Go to Baltimore, George Calvert, 1st Lord (c. 1580–1632) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1633	Williamsburg, first known as Middle Plantation, is founded in Virginia Go to Williamsburg in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1636	Rhode Island is founded by Roger Williams as a colony based on the principle of religious tolerance Go to Williams, Roger (c. 1603–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1637	War between English colonists and Pequot Indians brings disaster to the Pequots but safeguards the settlement of Connecticut Go to Pequot War (1636–1637) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1638	The French build a trading station on the estuary of the Senegal river in west Africa Go to Senegal River in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1641	The Dutch expel the Portuguese from their trading posts in Malacca Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1644	The British East India Company completes the construction of Fort St George in Madras Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1647	Peter Stuyvesant begins a 17-year spell as director-general of the Dutch colony of New Netherland in North America Go to Stuyvesant, Peter (1610–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Europe Empires North America United States
1649	The Russian empire, expanding eastwards through Siberia, reaches the Pacific coast Go to Siberia (Russia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia Europe Russia Empires
1650	To protect their market, the Dutch destroy all clove trees in the Moluccas except on two islands, Amboina and Ternate Go to Molucca Islands in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1652	Jan van Riebeeck establishes a Dutch settlement at the Cape of Good Hope Go to Riebeeck, Jan van (1610–77) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1655	The British, settling in Jamaica, soon turn the island into the major slave market of the West Indies Go to Jamaica (and Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery British empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Caribbean
1656	After a six-month siege, the Dutch capture Colombo from the Portuguese in Sri Lanka Go to Colombo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Portuguese empire Asia South Asia Sri Lanka Europe Empires
1657	The Dutch in South Africa purchase slaves to do domestic and agricultural work Go to Dutch East India Company in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires
1658	The Dutch expel the Portuguese from the last of their trading posts in Sri Lanka Go to Sri Lanka in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire Portuguese empire Asia South Asia Sri Lanka Europe Society Empires
1660	Louis XIV grants New France the status of a royal province and greatly increases the flow of colonists to north America Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires North America Canada
1661	The British establish Fort James on an island in the Gambia river Go to Gambia River in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1664	Peter Stuyvesant accepts the reality of the military situation and yields New Amsterdam to the British without a shot being fired Go to Stuyvesant, Peter (1610–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Dutch empire Europe Empires North America United States
1666	New Amsterdam is renamed New York by the recently established English regime Go to New York (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Dutch empire Europe Empires North America United States
1667	In the treaty of Breda, England keeps New Amsterdam and New Netherland, and Holland keeps the English-held territory of Surinam Go to Anglo‐Dutch Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America Dutch empire Europe Empires Latin America South America North America United States
1668	The Jesuits establish a mission at Sault Sainte Marie which becomes the starting point for French exploration south of the Great Lakes Go to Sault Sainte Marie (Canada, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Monasticism French empire Europe Empires North America Canada England's East India Company is granted a lease on Bombay by Charles II, who has received it from his Portuguese bride Go to Catherine of Braganza (1638–1705) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire Mughal empire Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1669	Robert de La Salle makes his first exploration of the Ohio valley, providing the basis for France's later claim to the area Go to La Salle, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de (1643–87) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires North America United States
1675	A sudden uprising by the Wampanoag Indians against the new England settlements begins the conflict known as King Philip's War Go to King Philip's War (1675–76) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1681	Charles II grants William Penn the charter for the region that becomes Pennsylvania, in settlement of a debt to Penn's father Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1682	Robert de la Salle travels down the Mississippi to its mouth and claims the entire region for France, naming it Louisiana Go to La Salle, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de (1643–87) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires North America United States William Penn approves the Great Law, allowing complete freedom of religious belief in Pennsylvania Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States William Penn achieves peace for Pennsylvania by negotiating a treaty with the local Lenape (or Delaware) tribes Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1683	Mennonites and other from Germany (later known as the Pennsylvania Dutch) begin to settle in Penn's liberal colony Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
c. 1690	France by now has six fortified trading settlements around the coast of India, of which Pondicherry is the most important Go to Pondicherry (India) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry French empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires John Strong, landing on some remote Atlantic islands, names them after Viscount Falkland, treasurer of the British navy Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America
1696	Peter the Great makes an unexpected raid down the river Don and captures Azov from the Crimean Tatars Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Russia Empires Fort St William is built by the East India Company in the Ganges delta, and subsequently develops into Calcutta Go to Calcutta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1697	In the Treaty of Rijswijk, Spain cedes the western half of Hispaniola to France, which names its new colony Saint-Domingue Go to Haiti in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1698	A fleet from Oman evicts the Portuguese from Mombasa and Zanzibar Go to Mombasa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Scotland makes a disastrous attempt to establish a colony in Darien, on the isthmus of Panama Go to Darien venture in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Empires Latin America Central America
c. 1700	Holland and England are now producing the magnificent ocean-going merchant vessels known as East Indiamen Go to East Indiamen in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Travel and transport British Isles British empire Europe Belgium Netherlands Society Empires Britain
1721	In the treaty of Nystad Sweden cedes Estonia to Russia together with most of Latvia (the rest of which soon follows) Go to Great Northern War in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Europe Russia Empires
1732	Georgia is granted to a group of British philanthropists, to give a new start in life to debtors Go to Oglethorpe, James Edward in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire Europe Empires North America United States
1740	Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador become the Spanish viceroyalty of New Granada, with Bogota as the capital Go to New Granada in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1749	A French official travels down the Ohio valley, placing markers to claim it for France Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics Conquest and colonization War French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1754	Benjamin Franklin proposes to the Albany Congress that the colonies should unite to form a colonial government Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The British colonies negotiate with the Iroquois at the Albany Congress, in the face of the French threat in the Ohio valley Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War American Indians British colonial America British empire French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1756	122 people die after being locked overnight in a small room in Calcutta, in an incident that becomes known as the Black Hole of Calcutta Go to Black Hole of Calcutta in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1757	Robert Clive defeats the nawab of Bengal at the battle of Plassey, and places his own man on the throne Go to Clive, Robert (1725–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1763	A treaty signed in Paris ends the Seven Years' War between Britain, France and Spain Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe France Spain Empires Britain In the treaty of Paris France cedes to Britain all its territory north of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi river, except the district of New Orleans Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States In the treaty of Paris, Spain cedes Florida to Britain, completing British possession of the entire east coast of north America Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, leads an uprising of the Indian tribes in an attempt to drive the British east of the Appalachians Go to Pontiac (c. 1720–69) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians British colonial America Europe Empires North America United States
1764	A French expedition from St Malo, founding a colony on East Falkland, name the islands Les îsles Malouines Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire French empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America Britain passes the Sugar Act, levying duty on sugar, wine and textiles imported into America Go to Sugar Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1765	Britain passes the Stamp Act, taxing legal documents and newspapers in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States American campaigners against the Stamp Act organize themselves as the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts and New York Go to Sons of Liberty in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1766	Britain repeals the Stamp Act, in a major reversal of policy achieved by resistance in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1767	The British Chancellor, Charles Townshend, passes a series of acts taxing all glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported into the American colonies Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1768	Captain James Cook sails from Plymouth, in England, heading for Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain
1769	Captain Cook reaches New Zealand and sets off to chart its entire coastline Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire Australia and Oceania New Zealand Europe Society Empires
c. 1770	The triangular trade, controlled from Liverpool, ships millions of Africans across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Migration Slavery Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Britain Latin America North America British troops fire into an unruly crowd in Boston, Massachusetts, killing five Go to Boston Massacre (1770) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Captain Cook reaches the mainland of Australia, at a place which he names Botany Bay, and continues up the eastern coast Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia In response to American protests, the British government removes the Townshend duties on all commodities with the exception of tea Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1772	Russia, Prussia and Austria agree a treaty enabling them to divide the spoils in the first partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Austria Germany Poland Russia Empires The first partition of Poland begins the process of Lithuania being progressively absorbed into Russia Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Poland Russia Empires Captain Cook sets off, in HMS Resolution, on his second voyage to the southern hemisphere Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain
1773	Some fifty colonists, disguised as Indians, tip a valuable cargo of tea into Boston harbour as a protest against British tax Go to Boston Tea Party (1773) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1774	As a retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the British parliament closes Boston's port with the first of its Coercive Acts Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Britain's new Coercive (or Intolerable) Acts include the requirement that Massachusetts citizens give board and lodging to British troops Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States The Spanish, now in sole occupation of the Falkland Islands, call them Las Islas Malvinas Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America In the treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji, ending the recent Russo-Turkish war, the Ottoman empire cedes the Crimea to Russia Go to Russo-Ottoman Wars in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Crimean War Politics War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
c. 1775	Dutch nomads, pressing far north from Cape Town, become known as the Trekboers Go to Afrikaner in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires Patrick Henry makes a stirring declaration – 'Give me liberty or give me death' – to the Virginia Assembly Go to Henry, Patrick (1736–99) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States General Gage sends a detachment of British troops to seize weapons held by American Patriots at Concord Go to Gage, Thomas (1721–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The first shot of the American Revolution is fired in a skirmish between redcoats and militiamen at Lexington, on the road to Concord Go to Lexington and Concord, Battle of (19 April 1775) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates from the states reassemble in Philadelphia, with hostilities against the British already under way in Massachusetts Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates in Philadelphia select George Washington as commander-in-chief of the colonial army Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States At Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston from the north, the American militiamen prove their worth against British professional soldiers Go to Bunker Hill, battle of (1775) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates to the Continental Congress make a final bid for peace, sending the Olive Branch Petition to George III Go to Olive Branch Petition in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Britain declares the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, and sets up a naval blockade of the American coastline Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Yankee Doodle is the most popular song with the patriot troops in the American Revolution Go to Yankee Doodle in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Performing arts Music British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1776	George Washington raises on Prospect Hill a new American flag, the British red ensign on a ground of thirteen stripes – one for each colony Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States In Common Sense, an anonymous pamphlet, English immigrant Thomas Paine is the first to argue that the American colonies should be independent Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The revolutionary convention of Virginia votes for independence from Britain, and instructs its delegates in Philadelphia to propose this motion Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Virginia's motion for independence from Britain is passed at the Continental Congress of the colonies with no opposing vote Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Thomas Jefferson's text for the Declaration of Independence is accepted by the Congress in Philadelphia Go to Declaration of Independence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States John Hancock is the first delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence, formally written out on a large sheet of parchment Go to Hancock, John (1737–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Spanish America is now administered as four viceroyalties - New Spain, New Granada, New Peru and La Plata Go to Spanish America in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Buenos Aires rather than Asunción is chosen to be capital of the new Spanish viceroyalty of La Plata Go to Buenos Aires (Argentina) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America
1778	Benjamin Franklin persuades the French to sign a Treaty of Alliance, committing France to the US cause Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics War Europe France Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1779	British explorer Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives in Hawaii over a stolen boat Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons Go to Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Migration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Britain
1780	An Indian uprising in Spanish Peru is led by a descendant of the Incas, Tupac Amaru II Go to Inca noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Incas Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1781	The British general Charles Cornwallis, isolated at Yorktown, is forced to surrender in the final engagement of the Revolutionary War Go to Cornwallis, Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis (1738–1805) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
c. 1783	Some 40,000 Loyalists flee from British America to the previously French colonies, in particular Nova Scotia Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution War British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States The empress Catherine the Great annexes the Crimean peninsula, giving Russia a presence in the Black Sea Go to Catherine II (1729–96) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Russia Empires In the Treaty of Paris, negotiated by Adams, Franklin and Jay, the British government recognizes US independence Go to Paris, Treaty of (1783) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1787	The First Fleet (eleven ships carrying about 750 convicts) leaves Portsmouth for Australia Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia Britain A British ship lands a party of freed slaves as the first modern settlers in Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa Go to Sierra Leone in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Migration Slavery European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1788	After a journey of eight months from England the First Fleet reaches Australia, anchoring in Botany Bay Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Migration British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Arthur Phillip, selecting a suitable coastal site for the first penal colony in Australia, names the place Sydney Cove Go to Sydney (Australia, Canada) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1789	Alexander Mackenzie explores by canoe from central Canada through the Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean Go to Mackenzie, Sir Alexander (c. 1764–1820) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration Europe Society Empires North America Canada
1790	A second fleet arrives in Sydney, bringing more convicts and a regiment, the New South Wales Corps, to keep order Go to New South Wales Corps in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Migration British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia
1791	Naval officer George Vancouver sails from Britain on the voyage which will bring him to the northwest coast of America Go to Vancouver, George (1757–98) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Europe Society Empires Britain North America Canada
1792	Alexander Mackenzie reaches the Pacific coast of Canada, becoming the first known person to cross the north American continent See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration Europe Society Empires North America Canada George III sends Lord Macartney on an embassy to the Chinese emperor Qianlong Go to Macartney's embassy in An Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Asia East Asia China Europe Empires Britain
1793	Russia and Prussia agree on a second partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Germany Poland Russia Empires
c. 1795	Dutch Boers begin calling themselves Afrikaners, to emphasize that Africa is their native land Go to Afrikaner in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires Mungo Park sets off on his first expedition to explore the Niger on behalf of the African Association Go to Park, Mungo (1771–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires With the Dutch entering the war on the side of the French, Britain seizes their valuable Cape colony in South Africa Go to Cape Colony in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1798	British explorer George Bass sails round Tasmania in an open whaleboat, discovering the strait which now bears his name Go to Bass Strait in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia The British acquire a foothold in the Persian Gulf by making Oman a protectorate Go to Oman in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Asia West Asia Europe Empires
1800	Toussaint L'Ouverture emerges as the leader of Saint-Domingue, ruling without French colonial control Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1801	Toussaint L'Ouverture invades the neighbouring Spanish colony of Santo Domingo, and becomes ruler of the whole island of Hispaniola Go to Hispaniola in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean A powerful French force arrives in Saint-Domingue and recovers control of the colony, offering generous terms to the native leaders Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture, Pierre Dominique (c. 1743–1803) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1802	The Treaty of Amiens restores the Cape of Good Hope to the Netherlands Go to Amiens, treaty of (1802) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1804	The city of Hobart is founded on the southern coast of Tasmania Go to Hobart in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1806	The British recapture the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1807	Napoleon and the Russian tsar Alexander I meet on a raft at Tilsit and set about carving up Europe Go to Tilsit, Treaties of (7) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe France Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions
1808	The British government uses Freetown, in Sierra Leone, as a base in the fight against the slave trade Go to Freetown (Antigua, The Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1809	The British impose the so-called Hottentot Code, protecting Africans at the Cape but also tying them to employers' farms Go to Hottentot in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires With acts of defiance in Sucre, Bolivia becomes the first American province to rebel against the Spanish authorities Go to Bolivia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Ranjit Singh, maharaja of the Punjab, agrees an eastern boundary between himself and the British in the Treaty of Amritsar Go to Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires In the Treaty of Hamina (or Fredrikshamn), Sweden cedes Finland to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy Go to Finland (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Finland Russia Empires
1810	Simón Bolívar, a young officer in Caracas, takes part in a coup which wins control of Venezuela from the Spanish Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America After a public meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentinians set up an autonomous local government in opposition to Spanish forces Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Argentina Brazil South America José Gervasio Artigas lays siege to the Spanish forces in Montevideo, beginning Uruguay's long struggle for independence Go to Artigas, José Gervasio (1764–1850) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America The citizens of Bogotá expel the local Spanish officials and declare their loyalty to the deposed Ferdinand VII Go to Ferdinand VII (1784–1833) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America The parish priest of Dolores sparks a rebellion against the Spanish authorities in Mexico with his Grito de Dolores Go to Hidalgo y Costilla, Miguel (1753–1811) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Chile begins four years of untroubled independence, ruled by a junta introducing liberal reforms Go to Chile in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Spanish empire China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1811	The citizens of Bogotá declare the independence of the province of Colombia See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America The colonists of Paraguay throw out their Spanish governor and declare independence Go to Paraguay in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1812	The Spanish authorities recover control of Venezuela, ending the region's first brief spell of independence Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1813	Simon Bolívar publishes the Manisfesto de Cartagena, calling on the citizens of New Granada to unite and expel the Spaniards Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Bolívar defeats the Spanish forces in Venezuela and is welcomed in Caracas as the Liberator Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Rebels meeting for a conference in Chilpancingo proclaim a short-lived Mexican independence Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1814	José San Martín becomes commander of the patriot army of Argentina, replacing Manuel Belgrano Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America The Spanish recapture Caracas, after which Bolívar moves southwest to advance on Bogotá, now held again by the Spanish Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Spanish forces at Rancagua defeat a Chilean army commanded by Bernardo O'Higgins, who escapes across the Andes into Argentina Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America Bolívar recaptures Bogotá from the recently returned Spanish troops Go to Bolívar, Simón in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1815	The congress of Vienna leaves the Cape of Good Hope in British hands Go to Vienna, Congress of (1814–15) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions The Spanish suppress the independence movement in Mexico with the capture and execution of its leader, Jose Maria Morelos Go to Morelos y Pavón, José María (1765–1815) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico The Spanish recover Bogotá yet again and Bolívar flees into exile in Jamaica Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean South America
1816	The independence of Argentina is formally proclaimed, dropping any pretence of remaining loyal to the Spanish king Go to Spanish–South American Wars of Independence (1810–25) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America The British establish Bathurst (now Banjul) at the mouth of the Gambia as a base against the slave trade Go to Banjul (The Gambia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1817	San Martín and O'Higgins lead an army through the Andes into Chile and capture Santiago Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America O'Higgins is elected the 'supreme director' of independent Chile after San Martín declines the post Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Spanish empire China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America Bolívar returns to Venezuela and builds up an army of liberation in a remote region up the Orinoco Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Bernardo O'Higgins introduces liberal reforms in Chile, reducing the privileges of aristocracy and church Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1818	Thomas Cochrane arrives in Valparaiso to take command of the Chilean navy Go to Cochrane, Thomas, 10th earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1819	Spain sells Florida to the USA for $5 million, in return for the waiving of any American claim to Texas Go to Florida in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians North America United States Bolívar marches his army across the Andes, captures Bogotá and proclaims the republic of Gran Colombia Go to Colombia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1820	The newly independent republic of Argentina takes possession of Las Islas Malvinas (the Falklands) Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America The first big influx of British settlers, numbering some 5000, arrives at Cape Town in South Africa Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1821	San Martín enters Lima and proclaims Peruvian independence with himself as 'Protector' Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America Bolívar defeats the Spanish at Carabobo and liberates, for the second time, his native city of Caracas Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America A reactionary movement led by Agustín de Iturbide wins new and lasting independence for Mexico Go to Iturbide, Agustín de (1783–1824) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico The American Colonization Society buys the area later known as Liberia to settle freed slaves Go to American Colonization Society in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Slavery European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1822	After defeating the Spanish at Pichincha, Antonio José de Sucre enters Quito and liberates Ecuador Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Agustin de Iturbide declares himself emperor of the new nation of Mexico, as Agustin I Go to Iturbide, Agustín de (1783–1824) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico The two liberators, Bolívar and San Martín, meet in Guayaquil for a conference Go to Guayaquil (Ecuador) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America After failing to agree with Bolívar at Guayaquil, San Martín resigns his post as Protector of Peru Go to San Martín, José de (1778–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America The first shipload of freed slaves reaches Cape Mesurado (in the region soon called Liberia) from the USA Go to Liberia (and Costa Rica) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Migration Slavery European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1823	Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's first liberal reformer, is so unpopular that he has to resign Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics China Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America Guatemala declares independence following the example of neighbouring Mexico Go to Guatemala in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Central America Mexico Bolívar arrives in Lima to be granted command of the army and dictatorial powers in the republic of Peru Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1824	After the surrender of the Spanish army to Antonio José de Sucre at Ayacucho, Peru is finally liberated Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1825	With a victory at Tumusla Antonio José de Sucre liberates Upper Peru (the future Bolivia), the last Spanish stronghold in continental America Go to Sucre, Antonio José de (1795–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America
1826	Bolívar attempts to create a pan-American gathering in the Congress of Panama Go to Bolívar, Simón (1783–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Empires Latin America Central America
1827	The Turkish governor of Algiers, flicking at the French consul with his fly whisk, finds that he has provoked a French blockade and eventually invasion Go to Algeria in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1829	James Stirling explores up the Swan River in western Australia to find a site for the settlement which he names Perth Go to Stirling, James (1791–1865) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1830	Richard Lander and his brother John explore the lower reaches of the Niger, proving that the great river is navigable Go to Lander, Richard Lemon (1804–34) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires A French army invades Algeria, beginning the process which brings the region within the French empire Go to Algeria in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1831	The last surviving Aborigines of Tasmania are moved by the British to a small island where they soon die out Go to Aborigine in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1832	The paddle steamer Alburkah becomes the first ocean-going iron ship, completing the journey from England to the Niger Go to paddle steamer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Steam Exploration Technology Engineering European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1833	Britain ejects the Argentinians from the Falklands and begins the process of settlement with British farmers Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America
1835	Melbourne, founded by settlers from Tasmania, develops as the centre of a sheep-rearing community Go to Melbourne in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1836	Hendrik Potgieter sets off with some 200 Boers and their cattle at the start of the Great Trek to the north Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires A site is selected for Adelaide and emigration begins from Britain to south Australia Go to Adelaide in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia The Portuguese ban the shipping of slaves from the coast of Angola Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery Dutch empire European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Portugal Society Empires Hendrik Potgieter and the Boers, protected by a laager at Vegkop, hold off an attack by a large force of Ndebele tribesmen Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1837	After a victory at Vegkop, Boers massacre the inhabitants of a dozen Ndebele villages in secret dawn raids Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Piet Retief emerges as the new leader of the Great Trek, replacing Potgieter Go to Great Trek (1835–40) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Potgieter defeats the Ndebele at the Marico river and drives them north of the Limpopo Go to Great Trek, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Piet Retief reaches a provisional agreement with Dingaan, the Zulu leader, for a Boer settlement in southern Natal Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1838	During a ceremony to celebrate their treaty with Dingaan, Piet Retief and his Boer companions are overpowered and killed Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Dingaan's warriors massacre Boer families in a series of dawn raids near the Bloukrans river Go to Dingaan (1843) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The river Ncome becomes known as the Blood River after thousands of Zulu die attacking Andries Pretorius and the Boers Go to Blood River, Battle of (16 December 1838) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1839	The British seize the strategic port of Aden and administer it as a province annexed to India Go to Aden in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Asia West Asia Europe Empires A British army invades Afghanistan and installs a puppet ruler, Shuja Shah, as the Afghan amir Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires Abd-el-Kader proclaims a holy war against the French in Algeria and begins a military campaign that will last for eight years Go to Abd al-Qadir (1883) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires Andries Pretorius sets up the Boer republic of Natalia, with its capital at Pietermaritzburg Go to Pretorius, Andries (1799–1853) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires British troops invade China after the Chinese authorities seize and destroy the opium stocks of British merchants in Canton Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia East Asia China Europe Empires
c. 1841	Britain sends four naval ships up the river Niger to make anti-slavery treaties with local kings Go to Buxton, Thomas Fowell (1786–1845) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Slavery British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1842	The British abandon Kabul, losing most of the garrison force in the withdrawal to India and bringing to an end the first Anglo-Afghan war Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires The First Opium War ends with the island of Hong Kong, and extensive new trading rights, ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking Go to Nanking, treaty of (1842) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Asia East Asia China Europe Empires
1843	The British take control of the existing Boer republic and proclaim Natal a British protectorate Go to Natal in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1845	The first Anglo-Sikh war breaks out between Sikh forces in the Punjab and encroaching forces of Britain's East India Company Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1846	The first Anglo-Sikh war ends with the Treaty of Lahore, by which Jammu and Kashmir are ceded to the British Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1847	Pretorius leads the last Boer families out of Natal and over the Drakensberg to the high veld Go to Pretorius, Andries (1799–1853) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Liberia wins independence and international recognition as a republic Go to Liberia in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1848	Harry Smith annexes for Britain the land between the Orange and Vaal rivers, calling it the Orange River Sovereignty Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The second Anglo-Sikh war begins when a British army invades the Punjab to suppress a local uprising Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1849	A British victory at the Battle of Gujarat effectively ends the second Anglo-Sikh war, and is followed by annexation of the Punjab Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Vancouver Island is given the status of a British crown colony, to be followed by British Columbia in 1858 Go to Vancouver Island in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires North America Canada
1850	The British government buys the Danish fortresses on the Gold Coast, including Christiansborg castle in Accra Go to Ghana in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Denmark Empires
1854	The Boers establish the Orange Free State as an independent republic, with its own custom-built constitution Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1857	Animal fat on a new issue of cartridges sparks off the Indian Mutiny, also know as the First War of Indian Independence Go to Indian Mutiny (1857–58) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires The Boers of the southern Transvaal declare independence as the South African Republic Go to South Africa, Republic of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires After being besieged for five months in Lucknow, the remnants of the British garrison finally escape Go to Lucknow in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1858	Lucknow is retaken by the British, nearly a year after it fell to the rebels Go to Lucknow in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires The end of the Indian Mutiny is followed by brutal British retaliation Go to Indian Mutiny (1857–58) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires The India Act places India under the direct control of the British government, ending the rule of the East India Company Go to India Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Britain The Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Second Opium War, gives European powers new rights to intervene in Chinese affairs Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Religion War Asia East Asia China Europe Empires Under the Treaty of Aigun, Russia wins from China the valuable Pacific coastline down to Vladivostok Go to Vladivostok (Primorye Territory/Russia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia China Europe Empires Napoleon III sends forces to capture the port of Da Nang, beginning the French colonization of Vietnam Go to Napoleon III (1808–73) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, is deposed by the British and exiled to Rangoon, in Burma Go to Mogul Empire (1526–1857) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Dynasties and royalty Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1861	Lagos, on the coast of Nigeria, is annexed as a British colony when the royal family prove unable or unwilling to end the slave trade Go to Lagos in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1862	John McDouall Stuart reaches the north coast of Australia at Van Diemen's Gulf seven months after setting off from Adelaide Go to Stuart, John McDouall (1815–66) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration British empire Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia
1863	France establishes a protectorate over Cambodia Go to French Indo-China in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1864	The island of Corfu is ceded by Britain to the kingdom of Greece Go to Corfu (Greece) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Greece Empires
1867	The Canadian nation is called the Dominion of Canada – the first example of 'dominion status' Go to dominion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires North America Canada
1868	Britain annexes Basutoland (now Lesotho), the kingdom of the Sotho leader Moshoeshoe Go to Lesotho in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires An uprising against Spanish rule in Cuba sparks off a Ten Years' War Go to Cuban War of Independence in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Protest and rebellion War Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba
1869	Britain, France and Italy take joint control of the finances of a bankrupt Tunisia Go to imperialism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires British explorer Samuel Baker annexes the southern Sudan, or Equatoria, on behalf of the khedive of Egypt Go to Baker, Sir Samuel White (1821–93) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1871	18-year-old English entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes, on a temporary visit to South Africa, arrives in the new diamond town of Kimberley Go to Rhodes, Cecil (1853–1902) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1874	The southern region of present-day Ghana becomes a British colony, to be known as the Gold Coast Go to Ghana in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1876	The chaotic government finances of Egypt are placed under joint French and British control Go to Mixed Courts of Egypt in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Europe Empires Britain India becomes the 'jewel in the crown' of Queen Victoria when Benjamin Disraeli secures for her the title Empress of India Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Mughal empire British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain Leopold II hosts a conference in Brussels on the subject of opening up the African continent Go to Brussels Geographical Conference in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa Europe Belgium Empires
1877	Britain annexes the Boer republic in the Transvaal Go to Transvaal in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Stanley completes his exploration of the Congo, reaching the Atlantic coast at Boma after a three-year journey Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration British empire European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1878	Stanley agrees to work for Leopold II in opening up the Congo river to commerce Go to Leopold II (1835–1909) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires in Africa Africa Europe Society Empires Britain The Ten Years' War ends in Cuba, with Spain promising extensive reforms including the abolition of slavery Go to Cuban War of Independence in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Slavery War Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba Three British armies invade Afghanistan, beginning the second Anglo-Afghan War Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires
1879	The British find a pretext to march into the territory ruled by Cetshwayo, thus launching the Zulu War Go to Zulu War (1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Zulu tribesmen surprise and annihilate a British army encamped near Isandhlwana Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Immediately after Isandhlwana a tiny British garrison at Rorke's Drift fights off an overwhelming Zulu attack Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires George Goldie and British traders on the Niger form the United African Company (later the Royal Niger Company) to consolidate their interests Go to Concessionary Companies in Africa in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Commerce and industry British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires The British destruction of Cetshwayo's kraal at Ulundi ends the Zulu War Go to Ulundi, battle of (1879) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1880	French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza forestalls Stanley in opening up the Congo, reaching Stanley Pool ahead of him Go to Brazza, Pierre Savorgnan de (1852–1905) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1881	The Boers inflict a convincing defeat on a British army at Majuba, in the Transvaal Go to Majuba Hill, battle of (1881) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War Battles British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires France invades Tunisia from Algeria, and in the Treaty of Bardo forces the bey of Tunis to accept the status of a French protectorate Go to Tunisia, French conquest of (1881–1911) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires The British withdraw from Afghanistan, having achieved nothing in the Second Anglo-Afghan War Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires Stanley finds Brazza's French tricolor already flying on the north bank of the Congo, on the site of what later becomes Brazzaville Go to Brazza, Pierre Savorgnan de (1852–1905) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1882	Stanley establishes a foothold for Leopold II on the southern bank of the Congo, at a site which he names Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires Anti-western riots in Alexandria result in many deaths and provoke a British invasion Go to Arabi Pasha (1839–1911) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Alexandria British empire European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires
1883	French marines land at Tamatave in Madagascar to protect French interests and assert French control Go to French empire in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1884	The British empire is first described as a 'Commonwealth of Nations', by Lord Rosebery speaking in Australia Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th earl of (1847–1929) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Australia Britain General Gordon marches south to protect Khartoum from the advancing forces of the Mahdi Go to Gordon, Charles George (1833–85) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Bismarck launches the colonial scramble for Africa by suddenly annexing three territories for Germany (Togo, Cameroon and Angria Pequena) Go to Africa, partition of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires The Boer republic in the Transvaal regains its independence from Britain Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Gustav Nachtigal arrives in Togo and persuades local chiefs to accept the protection of the German emperor Go to German Second empire (1871–1918) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Gustav Nachtigal, moving on to Cameroon, annexes this region too for the new German empire Go to German Second empire (1871–1918) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Karl Peters hurries round east Africa persuading chiefs to accept the German emperor as their protector Go to Peters, Karl (1856–1918) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires British general Garnet Wolseley sails from London on a mission to rescue Gordon, trapped by the Mahdi in Khartoum Go to Gordon relief expedition (1884–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Bismarck invites the European powers to a West Africa Conference in Berlin Go to Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires Spain begins to colonize the Western Sahara, subsequently known as the Spanish Sahara Go to Western Sahara in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Spanish empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1885	Bismarck grants Karl Peters a charter to rule a German protectorate in east Africa Go to Peters, Karl (1856–1918) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Britain annexes Bechuanaland as a protectorate, to secure the route north from the Cape into central Africa Go to Botswana in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Italian troops occupy Eritrea, a province of Ethiopia Go to Asmara, Eritrea in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires German warships arrive in Zanzibar harbour to persuade the sultan to cede territory to the Kaiser, William I Go to Zanzibar (Tanzania) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1886	Germany and Britain define neighbouring spheres of interest in east Africa Go to Africa, partition of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires The German and British agreement in east Africa creates the present-day boundary between Tanzania and Kenya Go to Scramble for Africa in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1887	The imperial government in China formally acknowledges Portuguese territorial rights in Macao Go to Macao in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Portuguese empire Asia East Asia China Southeast Asia Europe Empires A gathering of leaders from the British empire holds a colonial conference in London to coincide with Queen Victoria's jubilee Go to imperial conferences in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires in Africa Africa Europe Empires Britain France brings Cambodia and Vietnam into a federation of protectorates under the title French Indochina Go to Indochina in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1888	The Ndebele chieftain, Lobengula, grants Rhodes mining rights in what is now Zimbabwe Go to British South Africa Company in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires The Imperial British East Africa Company is given a charter to administer Kenya and Uganda Go to Concessionary Companies in Africa in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1889	Cecil Rhodes forms the British South Africa Company to push British commerce and imperial control further north Go to British South Africa Company in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires France and Britain agree colonial boundaries for Senegal and Gambia in west Africa Go to Gambia, The in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires In the treaty of Uccialli, Menelik II cedes the Ethiopian province of Eritrea to Italy Go to Menelik II (1844–1913) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires
1890	Cecil Rhodes sends colonists to settle the newly won colony of Rhodesia Go to Rhodesia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Zanzibar, under its Arab sultan, is declared a British protectorate Go to Zanzibar in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1891	Germany takes direct control of German East Africa as a protectorate Go to Tanzania in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Rhodes wins the right to administer the region from the Zambezi up to Lake Tanganyika, forming present-day Zambia Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Britain cedes the tiny island of Heligoland to Germany in return for vast areas of Africa Go to Heligoland (Schleswig-Holstein/Germany) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires in Africa German empire Africa Europe Germany Empires Britain
1892	Frederick Lugard's Maxim machine gun settles a Protestant-Catholic clash in Kampala, the capital of Buganda Go to Maxim, Sir Hiram S. in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Weapons British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French establish a protectorate in part of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey in west Africa Go to Dahomey expedition (1892–4) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires The Falkland Islands, by now occupied by some 2000 settlers, become a British colony Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Britain
1893	France claims the Ivory Coast (or Côte d'Ivoire) in west Africa as a French colony Go to Côte d'Ivoire in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Leander Jameson, finding a pretext for war, drives Lobengula out of his kingdom in Rhodesia Go to Lobengula (c. 1836–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires The British Central African Protectorate is set up in the region of present-day Malawi Go to Malawi in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires France incorporates Laos within French Indochina Go to Indochina in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization French empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1895	The territory south of the Zambezi is given the name Rhodesia, in honour of the man who has colonized it Go to Rhodesia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Khama III, the king of Bechuanaland, travels to London to demand the continuing protection of the British crown Go to Khama III (1837?–1923) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires The British government takes responsibility for Kenya, as the East Africa Protectorate Go to Kenya in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Leander Jameson leads a disastrous raid into the Transvaal, in an attempt to topple Paul Kruger's government Go to Jameson Raid (1895) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1896	Cecil Rhodes' involvement with the Jameson raid forces his resignation as the Cape Colony prime minister Go to Jameson Raid (1895) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The Ethiopian emperor, Menelik II, inflicts a shattering defeat on Italian forces at Aduwa Go to Menelik II (1844–1913) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires Britain unites Buganda and three other kingdoms into the single Uganda Protectorate Go to Uganda in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Italy, one of the local colonial powers, accepts Ethiopia's claim to the Ogaden region of the Somali territory Go to Menelik II (1844–1913) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires
1897	The Spanish governor in Cuba is recalled to Spain, for pioneering the concept of the concentration camp Go to concentration camp in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba Zululand, annexed by Britain in 1887, is now merged with the colony of Natal Go to Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Paul Kruger, prime minister of the Transvaal, forms an alliance with the other Boer republic, the Orange Free State Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The UK colonial secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, appoints enthusiastic imperialist Alfred Milner as high commissioner in South Africa Go to Milner, Alfred (1854–1925) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Germany claims Ruanda and Urundi as a joint colony adjacent to German East Africa Go to German East Africa in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French exile the queen of Madagascar and claim the island as a French colony Go to French empire in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires The British burn Benin City in a punitive expedition after members of a British delegation are murdered Go to Benin, Kingdom of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1898	The US battleship Maine is blown up in Havana harbour, sparking off the Spanish-American War Go to Spanish–American War (1898) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War Spanish empire US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba Theodore Roosevelt fights against the Spanish in Cuba with a volunteer regiment of cavalry, the Rough Riders Go to Rough Riders in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba French and British forces meet at Fashoda, in a potentially explosive incident in the scramble for Africa Go to Fashoda crisis (1898) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa French empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kitchener's victory at Omdurman brings to an end thirteen years of rule in Sudan by followers of the Mahdi Go to Omdurman, battle of (2 September 1898) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires In the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish-American War, Spain cedes Puerto Rico and Cuba to the USA Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War Spanish empire US presidents Europe Spain Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States The agreement ending the Spanish-American War includes Spain selling the Philippines to the USA for a payment of $20 million Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War Spanish empire US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Rulers and politicians North America United States
1899	The Sudan begins half a century of supposedly joint rule by Britain and Egypt Go to Sudan in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Mohammed ibn Abdullah (the Mad Mullah in British eyes) leads an uprising in British Somaliland Go to Hasan, Muhammad Abdille Sayyid (1864–1920) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1900	Paul Kruger flees after the British take Pretoria and annexe both the Boer republics Go to Kruger, Stephanus Johannes Paulus (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The relief of Mafeking ends a long siege which brings fame to the British commander of the garrison, Robert Baden-Powell Go to Mafeking, siege of (1899–1900) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Hostility to foreign intrusion erupts in China with the Boxer Rising Go to Boxer Rising (1899–1900) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia China Europe Empires The British government assumes direct responsibility for the entire region of Nigeria, previously entrusted to a commercial company Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires
1901	Thousands of women and children die in the concentration camps used by the British army for displaced Boer families Go to Boer Wars (1880–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1902	A treaty at Vereeniging ends the Boer War and brings the Boer republics under British control Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires After the defeat of neighbouring Transvaal in the Boer War, the British take sole control of Swaziland Go to Swaziland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1903	Edward VII, the first British monarch to travel to India, holds a great coronation durbar in Delhi Go to Edward VII (1841–1910) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa British monarchs - from 1066 Africa Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Roger Casement, British consul in the Congo Free State, discovers appalling abuses by Belgian companies Go to Casement, Sir Roger (1864–1916) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1904	A violent uprising by Herero warriors in South West Africa targets male Germans of military age Go to Herero Wars (1904–08) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires The German general Lothar von Trotha drives 8000 Herrero people to slow death in the Kalahari desert Go to Herero Wars (1904–08) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1905	Transvaal politician Louis Botha forms Het Volk ('The People'), a party committed to Afrikaner self-government Go to Botha, Louis (1862–1919) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Kaiser Wilhelm II visits Tangier in support of Moroccan independence, causing a diplomatic crisis with the colonial powers France and Britain Go to Moroccan Crisis, First (1905) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa French empire German empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires The Maji-Maji rising results in alarming outbreaks of violence in German East Africa Go to Maji-Maji in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires The German commander in east Africa uses famine as a means of ending the Maji-Maji rising Go to Maji-Maji in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1906	An international conference at Algeciras effectively gives France informal control of Morocco Go to Algeciras, Conference of (1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires Istanbul cedes the Sinai Peninsula to British-controlled Egypt Go to Sinai in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia West Asia Europe Empires Transvaal is given the self-governing status promised in the treaty ending the Boer War Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1908	International outrage at Congo atrocities forces Belgium to annexe King Leopold's private colony Go to Leopold II (1835–1909) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Belgium Empires
1909	National delegates from the four provincial parliaments draw up a draft constitution for a South African union Go to South Africa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Mahatma Gandhi, on a visit to India, publishes a pamphlet entitled Hind Swaraj ("Indian Home Rule") Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Mineral discoveries on the border of Northern Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo give the first hint of the riches of the Copper Belt Go to Zambia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa Central Africa East Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires
1910	The Union of South Africa becomes an independent dominion within the British empire Go to South Africa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Three French colonies south of the Sahara are consolidated as French Equatorial Africa Go to French Equatorial Africa in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1911	Italy finds a reason to invade Libya, a province of the Turkish empire. Go to Libya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Italy Empires Germany causes international alarm by sending a warship to Agadir, a port in French-controlled Morocco Go to Agadir crisis (1911) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War German empire Africa North Africa Europe Germany Empires Wars since 1900 Copper mining begins in Katanga, soon to be followed by the extraction of even more profitable diamonds Go to Katanga (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires The British monarch George V holds a great durbar in Delhi to celebrate his coronation as emperor of India Go to George V (1865–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British empire British monarchs - from 1066 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians
1912	Turkey, beset by troubles elsewhere, cedes to Italy her north African province of Libya Go to Libya in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Muslim empires Ottoman empire Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Italy Empires By the treaty of Fès a French protectorate is formally established in Morocco Go to Morocco in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires France and Spain agree that Spain shall become the colonial power in the north of Morocco and France in the south Go to Morocco in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Spanish empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires The South African National Native Congress (subsequently the ANC, African National Congress) is set up in Cape Province Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1914	British rule is consolidated in Nigeria by the merging of north and south as a single colony Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires The British government changes the status of Egypt from a Turkish province to a British protectorate Go to Egypt in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks British empire European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires August - British and French forces invade the German colony of Togoland Go to Togoland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1915	February - British and French forces invade and capture the German colony of Cameroon Go to Cameroon in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 July - South African troops capture German South West Africa Go to Namibia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1916	British and French forces win full control of the German colonies of Togoland and Cameroon Go to Togoland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 June 17 - Belgian troops from the Congo occupy the German colony of Ruanda-Urundi Go to Burundi in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1918	Wafd, a national party, is formed in Cairo with the purpose of ending Egypt's enforced link with Britain Go to Wafd in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires November 23 - Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, commander of the German army in East Africa, surrenders after four stubborn years of resistance Go to Lettow-Vorbeck, Gen Paul Emil von (1870–1964) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1919	More than 300 die when British troops fire on a peaceful demonstration in Amritsar Go to Amritsar Massacres (1919) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires The League of Nations makes South West Africa (Namibia) a mandated British territory, to be administered by South Africa Go to Namibia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa German empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 June 28 - German East Africa is to be governed by Britain as Tanganyika, under a League of Nations mandate Go to Tanzania in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1920	Destour is formed as a nationalist party in Tunisia, demanding full independence from France Go to Destour in The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires May - League of Nations mandates give Britain responsibility for Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine Go to Mandate in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Palestine and Israel Europe Empires Wars since 1900 May - League of Nations mandates give France responsibility for Syria and Lebanon Go to Mandate in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War French empire Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1921	The Young Kikuyu Association is formed in Kenya, to fight for African rights and the restoration of Kikuyu land Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Abd-el-Krim wins a sensational victory over Spanish forces in Morocco and gains control of the Rif Go to Abd el‐Krim (1881–1963) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1922	Egypt becomes an independent kingdom, subject to a British military presence to protect the Suez canal Go to Suez Canal in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires Mahatma Gandhi is arrested by the British in India as an agitator and is sentenced to six years in prison Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires The League of Nations gives France and Britain mandates to govern separate areas of the German colony of Cameroon Go to Cameroon in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires France and Britain are given a League of Nations mandate to govern separate areas of the German colony of Togoland Go to Togoland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1923	The African National Congress (ANC) is formed in South Africa by renaming the South African National Native Congress Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Rhodesia becomes a self-governing colony with political power exclusively in the hands of European settlers Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1924	The League of Nations grants Belgium a mandate to administer the former Germany colony of Ruanda-Urundi Go to Burundi in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires The British government takes on the administration of Northern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1926	The Balfour Report, by former UK prime minister A.J. Balfour, suggests the way forward for the British Commonwealth of Nations Go to Balfour Report in Oxford Companion to Australian Politics (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain
1928	Jomo Kenyatta becomes the editor of Muigwithania, the newspaper of the Kikuyu Central Association Go to Kenyatta, Jomo (b. 10 Oct) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1930	Mahatma Gandhi leads a 240-mile march from Ahmedabad to the sea to defy the British salt tax, thus launching a campaign of civil disobedience Go to Salt March in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1933	The Hutus and Tutsis of Ruanda-Urundi are issued with racial identity cards by the Belgians Go to Hutu and Tutsi in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1934	Neo-Destour, a party demanding Tunisian independence, has Habib Bourguiba as its secretary general Go to Bourguiba, Habib (1903–2000) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes president of the Muslim League in India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1935	Mussolini uses a disagreement over grazing rights as a pretext for an empire-building invasion of Ethiopia Go to Abyssinia, Italian invasion of (1935–6) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Italy Empires
1936	The Italian forces invading Ethiopia reach Addis Ababa, and Haile Selassie flees into exile Go to Haile Selassie (1892–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires
1940	Mohammed Ali Jinnah puts forward the concept of independent Muslim states within India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Religion Islam Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires
1941	January 22 - Archibald Wavell's Allied divisions, after a rapid desert campaign, drive the Italians from the Libyan port of Tobruk Go to Tobruk, Siege of (Apr. 1941–June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 April 6 - the Allies recover Ethiopia from the Italians and Haile Selassie returns to his throne in Addis Ababa Go to Abyssinia, WW II campaign in (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1942	Mahatma Gandhi launches the Quit India Movement, calling on a large crowd in Bombay to 'do or die' in the struggle to expel the British Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Algerian nationalist Ferhat Abbas produces a manifesto demanding independence from France Go to Abbas, Ferhat (b. 24 Oct. 1899) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Mahatma Gandhi and nearly all the leaders of India's Congress party are arrested and will remain in prison until the end of the war Go to Gandhi, ‘Mahatma’ (1869–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
c. 1945	Gamal Abdel Nasser and army colleagues form a secret party, the Free Officers, to fight for an independent Egyptian republic Go to Nasser, Gamal Abdel (1918–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires Demonstrations in Algeria spark off an uprising against French rule, which is put down with the loss of perhaps 10,000 Muslim lives Go to Parti du Peuple Algérien in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Achmed Sukarno makes a unilateral declaration of Indonesian independence, and leads the subsequent struggle against the Dutch Go to Indonesian Revolution (1945–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires September 2 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims the democratic republic of Vietnam, independent of the colonial power, France Go to Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War French empire Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1946	The Indochina War breaks out in Vietnam between the French colonial forces and the Vietminh Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War French empire Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1947	In granting independence to India, Britain partitions the subcontinent along sectarian lines into Pakistan and the republic of India Go to Partition in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Religion Islam British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Jawaharlal Nehru becomes prime minister of the newly independent republic of India Go to Nehru, Jawaharlal (1889–1964) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Muslim leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes the first governor-general of the new state of Pakistan Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires
1950	The British government bans hereditary ruler Seretse Khama from Bechuanaland because he has married a white woman Go to Khama, Sir Seretse (1921–80) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1951	Libya wins independence from Italy, as a kingdom with Idris I as head of state Go to Libya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1952	Kwame Nkrumah, recently released from gaol, becomes prime minister of the British colony of the Gold Coast Go to Nkrumah, Kwame (c. 1909–1972) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires A group of officers led by Gamal Abdel Nasser depose Egypt's king, Farouk, and send him into exile Go to Nasser, Gamal Abdel (1918–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires Ahmed Ben Bella forms the Front de Libération National (FLN) to fight for Algerian independence Go to Ben Bella, Mohammed Ahmed (25 Dec. 1916) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires An outbreak of terrorism in Kenya is orchestrated by a secret Kikuyu organization, the Mau Mau Go to Mau Mau (1952–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1953	Jomo Kenyatta, charged with having organized the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, is sentenced to seven years in prison Go to Kenyatta, Jomo (1894?–1978) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The two Rhodesias and Nyasaland are merged in the self-governing Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Go to Central African Federation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1954	George Grivas leads a guerrilla movement, EOKA, fighting for Cyprus's independence from Britain and union with Greece Go to EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire Europe Greece Empires In an armistice ending the Indochina War, France acknowledges the independence of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires A radical manifesto and acts of terrorism alert the world to the emergence of the FLN, committed to independence for Algeria Go to Front de Libération nationale in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1955	An armed uprising in Morocco persuades France to accept the principle of independence for the colony Go to Morocco in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1956	The Sudan, declining the opportunity of union with Egypt, opts for independence as a separate state Go to Sudan in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Tunisia wins independence from France, with Habib Bourguiba as prime minister Go to Tunisia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires French Morocco and Spanish Morocco win independence from the two colonial powers Go to Morocco in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Spanish empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires After a plebiscite British Togo is merged with the neighbouring colony of the Gold Coast Go to Togo in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1957	Kwame Nkrumah leads the Gold Coast into independence under a name of historic resonance, Ghana Go to Ghana in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires The FNLA is established, with US support, as a guerrilla group to fight for a non-communist independent Angola Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa Cold war Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1958	French Algerians seize government buildings in Algiers, in a campaign to ensure that Algerian remains French Go to Algerian War of Independence (1954–62) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires On his second day in power, de Gaulle visits Algiers to confront the settlers with an unwelcome message Go to Gaulle, Charles de (b. 22 Nov. 1890) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe France Empires The colony of French Guinea opts for immediate independence as the republic of Guinea, breaking its links with France Go to Guinea in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1959	Lee Kuan Yew becomes the first prime minister of the newly independent state of Singapore Go to Lee Kuan Yew (16 Sept. 1923) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1960	UK prime minister Harold Macmillan, in Cape Town, warns the white settlers of Africa that 'the wind of change' is blowing through their continent See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians French Cameroun becomes independent as the republic of Cameroun, with Ahmadou Ahidjo as the first president Go to Cameroon in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kenneth Kaunda is elected president of UNIP, a new party fighting for an independent Northern Rhodesia Go to Kaunda, Kenneth David (1924– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires French Togo becomes independent as the republic of Togo, with Sylvanus Olympio as president Go to Togo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Cyprus becomes an independent nation, free of British colonial rule, with Archbishop Makarios as president Go to Cyprus in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire Europe Empires French Sudan becomes independent as the republic of Mali, with Modibo Keita as president Go to Mali in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Madagascar becomes independent (under the name Malagasy republic from till 1975), with Philibert Tsiranana as president Go to Madagascar in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Patrice Lumumba becomes prime minister of the newly independent Democratic Republic of the Congo, previously the Belgian Congo Go to Lumumba, Patrice Emergy (b. 2 July 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The South West Africa People's Organization is founded to fight against South African control of Namibia Go to South West Africa People's Organization in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires British and Italian colonies merge as the independent Somali republic, also known as Somalia, with Aden Abdullah Osman as president Go to Somalia in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Anti-European riots in the Congo cause some 25,000 Belgians to flee the country Go to Congo crisis (1960–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Social and domestic European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires The French colony of Dahomey (known from 1975 as Benin) becomes independent but suffers six military coups in its first twelve years Go to Benin in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Niger becomes independent, with Hamani Diori as the new nation's first president Go to Niger in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires Kenyatta, still in prison, is elected leader of KANU, a new political party in Kenya Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Upper Volta becomes independent as Burkina Faso, with Maurice Yaméogo as president Go to Burkina Faso in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Félix Houphouët-Boigny, first president of the newly independent Ivory Coast, begins thirty-three years of relatively peaceful rule Go to Ivory Coast in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Chad becomes independent with François Tombalbaye as president Go to Chad in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Gabon becomes independent with Léon M'ba as president Go to Gabon in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Ubangi-Shari becomes independent and takes the name Central African Republic Go to Central African Republic in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French Congo becomes independent as the republic of Congo, with Fulbert Youlou as president Go to Congo, Republic of the in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Senegal becomes independent, with Léopold Senghor as the new nation's first president Go to Senegal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Nigeria wins independence, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister, but its stability is threatened by tribal and regional factions Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires The French colony of Mauritania becomes independent, with Moktar Ould Daddah as president Go to Mauritania in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1961	Patrice Lumumba is sent to Katanga, where he is murdered Go to Lumumba, Patrice (2 July 1925) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Former British colony Sierra Leone becomes an independent state within the Commonwealth Go to Sierra Leone in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Joshua Nkomo founds ZAPU, the Zimbabwe African People's Union, in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia Go to Nkomo, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo (b. 17 June 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Two French generals, Raoul Salan and Edmond Jouhaud, form the OAS (Organisation de l'Armée Secrète) to preserve French rule in Algeria Go to Organisation de l'Armée Secrète in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The southern part of the British Cameroons votes to merge with Cameroun, becoming the federal republic of Cameroon Go to Cameroon in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Tanganyika becomes an independent nation with Julius Nyerere as prime minister Go to Tanzania in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1962	Frelimo emerges as a Marxist guerrilla group dedicated to winning independence for Mozambique Go to FRELIMO in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires Ian Smith's white supremacist party, the Rhodesian Front, wins power in Rhodesia's election Go to Smith, Ian Douglas (1919–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires A massive yes vote in a referendum is immediately followed by French recognition of Algerian independence Go to Algeria in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The former British colony of Uganda becomes an independent republic, with Milton Obote as prime minister Go to Uganda in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1963	The OAU (Organization of African Unity) is founded in Addis Ababa to give Africa a united voice in world affairs Go to African Union in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires Robert Mugabe and Ndabaningi Sithole split from ZAPU to found ZANU, the Zimbabwe African National Union Go to ZANU in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Zanzibar becomes an independent nation and a member of the Commonwealth Go to Zanzibar in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kenya becomes independent, with Jomo Kenyatta as prime minister Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is dissolved, as the three colonies go their separate ways Go to Central African Federation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1964	Ian Smith, now prime minister of Rhodesia, arrests leading black politicians Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe Go to Smith, Ian Douglas (1919–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Tanganyika and Zanzibar merge as the United Republic of Tanzania Go to Nkomo, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo (b. 17 June 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Hastings Banda is prime minister of the newly independent nation of Malawi, formerly Nyasaland Go to Malawi in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Kenneth Kaunda becomes president of the independent republic of Zambia, previously Northern Rhodesia Go to Zambia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1965	The General Assembly of the UN asks Argentina and Britain to enter negotiations on their long-running dispute over the Falklands Go to Falklands War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain Latin America Argentina South America The Gambia becomes an independent member of the Commonwealth, with Dawda Jawara as prime minister Go to Gambia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Ian Smith makes a unilateral declaration of Rhodesia's independence Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1966	UNITA, led by Jonas Savimbi, joins the fight for Angolan independence Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires Former chief Seretse Khama becomes the first president of an independent Botswana Go to Khama, Sir Seretse (1921–80) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1968	Spanish Guinea becomes an independent republic as Equatorial Guinea, with Francisco Macias Nguema as president Go to Equatorial Guinea in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Spanish empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires The United Nations, with the approval of Britain as the colonial power, imposes economic sanctions on Rhodesia Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1973	The Polisario is formed to fight for the independence of Western Sahara Go to Polisario Front in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1974	Portuguese Guinea becomes independent as Guinea-Bissau, with Luís Cabral as president Go to Guinea-Bissau in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1975	The independence of Angola is established in the Alvor agreement between Portugal and three rival guerrilla groups, the MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA Go to Angola in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century European empires in Africa Africa Europe Empires The king of Morocco sends 350,000 settlers across the border into Western Sahara Go to bin Mohammed, Hassan Moulai (9 Jul. 1929) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Portuguese East Africa becomes independent as Mozambique, with Frelimo as the only political party Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires The Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa, become independent as the republic of Cape Verde Go to Cape Verde in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Surinam wins independence from the Dutch, with Johan Ferrier as the first president Go to Surinam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Europe Empires Latin America South America
1976	The UN entrusts the Western Sahara to joint administration by Morocco and Mauritania Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires The Polisario, as a government-in-exile in Algeria, proclaim the independence of Western Sahara as the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1977	The French Territory of Afars and Issas becomes independent as Djibouti, with Hassan Gouled Aptidon as president Go to Djibouti in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa French empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1979	Morocco annexes the Mauritanian part of the Western Sahara, thus taking control of the entire region Go to Western Sahara in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires A conference in London, at Lancaster House, finally achieves agreement on Southern Rhodesia Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Britain
1980	Rhodesia becomes independent, taking the name Zimbabwe, with Robert Mugabe as prime minister Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1982	5000 Argentinian troops land in the Falkland Islands, provoking war with Britain Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America British troops recapture Port Stanley, after which the Argentinian forces in the Falklands surrender Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War British empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America The leader of the Argentinian junta, Leopoldo Galtieri, resigns three days after the Falklands defeat Go to Galtieri, Leopold Fortunato (b. 15 July 1926) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America
1990	Namibia becomes independent with Sam Nujoma as president Go to Nujoma, Sam Daniel Saffishuna (12 May 1929) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1997	Fifteen years after the Falklands War there are 1700 British troops in the islands, guarding 2200 residents Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century War British empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America

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date: 10 April 2024

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