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Period: to
Imperialism in Europe
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French Colonization of Algiers
Ironically taking place on the fourth of July, this colonization marked the beginning of the French Colonial Empire, one of the most brutal and imperialistic empires of the period. -
First Opium War
In one of the most grotesque displays of imperialism ever, the British attack the Chinese to prevent them from outlawing opium, which, while it was getting Britain loads of money, was destroying China. -
End of the First Opium War
The war was a huge loss for China. Even though they outnumbered the British four to one, they were crushed. The Chinese lost nearly 20,000 soldiers... and the British lost 69. -
French take New Caledonia
Another gain for the brutal regime, New Caledonia was annexed by the French's Napoleon III in 1853. It remains under French control even today. -
Second Opium War
Also known as the boxer rebellion, this war pitted French and British troops against Chinese forces. The rebels, known to Europe as the Boxers, sought to free China from all foreign influences. -
End of Second Opium War
The British and French crushed the Chinese once again. Britain gained Southern Kowloon in the Treaty of Tientsin -
Seven Weeks War
In a stunning excersize of realpolitik, Bismarck, who had just allied up with Austria to take Denmark, turned around and mercililessly attacked Austria. The fighting was over in less than a year, with Prussia the clear winner. -
Colonization of the Congo
The abuse of the people of the congo was cruel and rutheless. During the colonization, the native population was butchered in pursuit of natural recourses. By far one of the worst things to come out of the scramble for Africa, this travesty will be remembered forever. -
Berlin Conference
This was a conference held in Berlin in which Africa was carved up. Britain and France got the Lion's share, and the rest was cut up and thrown to smaller countries. Not only did this legalize the scramble for Africa, it encouraged it -
Independence of the Congo
This year, the Congo finally achieved its independence from European control. Though it still has not recovered, it's certainly better for it.