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Poverty in Europe Worsens
With the rise of machine labor in factories across Europe and little government regulations in fields such as worker safety and wage income led many European workers in countries such as France and Great Britain to become ill from ingesting harmful chemicals. With such low wages paid by factory owners, many had to resort to sending their children to work for extra money. -
Beginnings of Industrialization
The introduction of the "spinning jenny" and cotton spinner by James Hargreaves and Sir Richard Arkwright begin the trend towards quality goods that can be produced cheaply by mechanical machines. Though industrialization would only be in its infancy stage, this would spurn an age of competition among the powers of Europe over whom had the best goods and at what price. Industrial Revolution -
Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith, Called the “Father of Capitalism” published the famous book on economics called The Wealth of Nations. Sometimes regarded as the most prominent figure in the history of modern economics. His work introduced and made popular with the powers of Europe the idea of Capitalism. Smith argued in favor of a free market economy and the absence of government regulations on the economy. His book would lead to the expansion of Western European colonialism in Africa and Asia. -
David Livingston Begins Exploration into Africa
Famous English explorer David Livingston begins almost thirty years of exploration in the African interior, documenting, and mapping of Africa's interior. His travels brought news to Europe of new lands and most importantly the abundance of natural resources that could improve the manufacturing and increase the abundance of goods in Europe. -
Communist Manifesto Published
Karl Marx publishes the famous book, "The Communist Manifesto." In this book, Marx argues that the history of man has been a power struggle between the social elites called the Bourgeoisie, and the working class called the Proletariat. Marx argued that until members of the working class seize resources for themselves that they would be economically enslaved to the Bourgeoisie. The writings of Marx would greatly influence the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union, -
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Scramble for Africa
During this time Powers of Europe including Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal establish colonies in Europe. These powers desired the wide variety of natural resources in Europe that could be used in European factories. Some of these resources include oil, rubber, ivory, gold, diamonds, iron, and tin. T protect these colonies, many of these powers build up their stockpiles of weapons and created alliances to protect their economics gains and interests. -
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The Rise and Development of Japan
This period begins the rise of Japan from a feudal society to a modern industrial nation. In 1905, the Japanese defeat the Russian Empire in the Russo-Japanese War, cementing itself as arguably the most powerful country in the East.
Meiji Restoration -
Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck
With the defeat of the French in the Franco-Prussian War and the Austrians in the Austro-Prussian war, several loose Prussian and German speaking states unified to create the country of Germany. After the defeat of these two armies, Germany was recognized as one of the top military powers in Europe. Germany now became a major power in Europe with its growing economy and prominent educational system. -
Triple Alliance Organized
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy sign a military alliance to protect each other’s interests. This is often called the "triple alliance." -
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Berlin Conference
In 1884 at the request of Portugal, German chancellor Otto von Bismarck called together the major western powers of the world to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa. German Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck organized the division of Africa into colonies. Each Country who staked a claim in Africa had to establish a treaty in whichever land they resided, but also soldiers, buildings, and administrators to support their claims. -
King Leopold Sets up the Colony of Belgian Congo
European powers recognize the Belgian Congo, King Leopold's private country in Europe. One of the most massive human rights violations in history. Millions of Africans perished from execution, sickness, and torture from Belgian soldiers to workers for infractions such as not meeting quotas or disobeying orders. -
Franco Russian Alliance Formed
Fearing the growing power of the triple alliance, France and Russian signed a mutual agreement pact, Britain would eventually join this pact. The pact would be renewed again in 1899 and 1912, shortly before World War I. -
United States Issues Open Door Notes to European Powers in China
With China refusing to adopt modern ways like Japan, many European countries as well as Japan set up businesses and sprees of influence within China. To keep interests in the East, President McKinley sent notes to global leaders pleading for equal rights for all powers in China. This doctrine is referred to as "Open Door" policy. -
Boxer Rebellion Begins
In 1900, in what became known as the Boxer Rebellion, a Chinese secret organization led an uprising in northern China against the spread of Western and Japanese influence there. Chinese rebels laid siege to the capital of Beijing before an international force including Europeans and Americans squashed it in 1901. -
Assassination at Sarajevo
While on trip to Sarajevo, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the Austrian-Hungarian throne was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist called Gavrilo Princip. This even would set off the ‘Balkan powder keg” and would set up the spiral of military alliances set up throughout Europe in the late 19th century. Assassination
