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Jan 1, 1276
Mongol Takeover of China
In 1276, the Mongol Empire led by Kublai Khan invaded China. By 1279, the Mongols controlled all of China. This was the first time the Chinese Empire was ever controlled by foreign power. The Chinese gradually took back power and by 1356, the Chinese threw out the Mongols under the leadership of Chu Yuan-Chang. The Chinese were helped and hindered by the disaster of the Black Plague sweeping through the Mongol Empire during their reign. -
Beginning of Qing Dynasty
In 1664, under the reign of Huang Taiji, the Qing Dynasty began its rule of China. The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China. During this period of China, culture and science progressed particularly fast. The Qing Dynasty ended in 1912 with the death of Chongzhen. He committed suicide after the capitol of Beijing had fallen to rebel forces. This last dynasty marks a subtle transition from strict Chinese culture to foreign and more modern ways of government. -
The First Opium War
The First Opium War was a war between the United Kingdom and the Qing Dynasty of China. Each side wanted control over trade and other diplomatic issues such as the spread of opium. British having a powerful military, quickly made the Chinese sign a treaty called the Nanking Treaty. This treaty opened five ports to the British and gave them the island of Hong Kong. The British were still unhappy with the results of the treaty. This then led to the Second Opium War from 1856 to 1860. -
The Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion took place from 1898 to 1901. It was an attempt to stop the influence of foreign imperialists and Christianity in China. The name "Boxers" was given to a secret society who practiced boxing and other rituals. Many foreigners and Christians in China were killed because of this rebellion. China still practices their ancient culture. However, foreign influence is almost impossible to prevent. China will soon be one of the largest English speaking countries in the world. -
Communists Take Control of China
In 1949, the Communists won the China's Civil War against the Nationalists and established China as a communist country and procalimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. Having lost, the Nationalists fled to Taiwan. This switch in power has greatly influenced the Chinese people limiting their freedom and ability to state their opinion. -
The Great Chinese Famine
The Great Chinese Famine lasted from 1958 to 1961. Although natural disaster contributed to the famine, it was mostly caused because the communist government, led by Mao Zedong, tried and failed to reconstruct the economic and farming systems of China. At least fifteen million deaths were caused due to lack of food during this period. This event exposed the weaknesses and problems with the communist government. -
China's First Nuclear Bomb
On October 16, 1964, China tested its first nuclear bomb named Project 596. Project 596 symbolizes the date June, 1959, in which the project was started. With the success of their first test, China became the fifth nuclear power in the world. The first four countries to build nuclear bombs were the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. The making of a nuclear bomb makes China an enormous military threat to the rest of the world. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
On April 15, 1989, a group of mostly students and other revolutionists conducted a non-violent protest in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. The Chinese government took total control of the protest. They used live fire to clear the square and many protesters were arrested and killed. The Chineses governent also controlled the news coverage of the event within and outside of China. This event showed that the Chinese government will stop at nothing to keep control of its people. -
The Invention of Paper
In 105 A.D., T'sai Lun reported the invention of paper to the Cinese Emperor. The earliest fragments of paper ever found were dated back between 140 B.C. and 86 B.C.. However, the Chinese were the first to full develop paper. This invention drastically improves a culture's ability to communicate, learn, record information, and facilitate the progress in daily life. It is a major factor for the success of ancient China. -
Three Gorges Dam Completion
On October 30, 2006, the Three Gorges Dam was completed in Sandouping, China. Spanning the Yantze River, the dam is the largest in the world. The dam took fourteen years to build. The dam shows the adeptness and aptitude for technology and renewable energy in China. The completion of this dam also shows the construction and engineering capabilities of China compared to the rest of the wolrd. -
The Invention of Gunpowder
The invention of gunpowder was a total accident. Chinese alchemists were trying to find a substance that would make the drinker immortal. When mixing saltpeter, charcoal, sulfur, and an open flame together, the conconction ignited with a surprising explosion. Gunpowder has made a huge impact on modern day life. It made way for guns, fireworks, and ultimately, modern day war.
