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Chinese Order Opium Surrender
In March of 1839 the Chinese foreign minister ordered that all foreign traders surrender their opium stock. This event caused the British to start thinking about taking a piece of Chinese territory. -
First Opium War
The first Opium War between the British and Chinese started in 1839. During this war the British and Chinese negotiated the cession of Chinese territory to the British. This war ended in 1842. -
Announcement of Hong Kong's Cession
On January 20 of 1841 British Rear Admiral George Elliot announced the cession of Hong Kong island to the British. -
First Opium War Ends
When the war ended control of Hong Kong officially passed from the Chinese to British. -
British Expand Territory
In April, 1899 the British acquired 230 islands for the defence of Hong Kong. -
Japanese Attack Hong Kong
In 1941 the Japanese attacked and destroyed Hong Kong's defences. For the next 4 years the Japanese occupied Hong Kong until their surrender in 1945. -
Japan Surrenders
When the Japanese surrendered unconditionally to the United States, Britain regained control of the dependency. -
Period: to
British Build Up Hong Kong
During this time span the British ruled Hong Kong and were able to turn it into one of the world's greatest cities. They strengthened the financial power of Hong Kong and built it into the city it is today. -
Control Passes to China
On July 1, 1997, control of the territory of Hong Kong passed from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. This marked one of the most monumentous events in Hong Kong's history.