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Seven Years’ War
The Seven Years’ War lasted from 1754 to 1763 and involved several European powers. It was a competition over colonial possessions, mainly between England and France/Spain. It was significant because the British gained new territory in the Americas. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the first revolution by colonists against their colonizing power. The people of America were tired of mistreatment and rose up against the British. It was significant because it sparked subsequent revolutions. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war between Britain and the USA. It ended British rule of the area and gave territory to the United States. It was significant because it proved that colonists were capable of overpowering European powers. -
Australia Established as a Penal Colony
Australia was established as a small colony for British prisoners, but later expanded. The discovery of gold and other resources caused the British to colonize more of the continent at the expense of the native people. It was significant because it gave the British power in the Pacific and showed that native people often had little power. -
Haitian Revolution
The Haitian Revolution was a slave uprising against the French. The slaves were tired of being oppressed and fought for independence. It was significant because it was the second major revolution against colonizing powers, but Haiti was still an extremely poor country afterward. -
South American Independence Movements
The movements for independence in South America were inspired by the American and Haitian Revolutions, and the colonists wanted to become independent. However, many of them failed to establish lasting democracies and resulted in dictatorships. -
Mexican War of Independence Begins
The Mexican War of Independence lasted from 1810 until 1821. Mexico was under the control of the Spanish before this and was used for its minerals. After the war, Mexico was free from Spanish control. -
Venezuelan War for Independence
The Venezuelan War for Independence was one of the events that led to other revolutions in South America. Simon Bolivar led the opposition against Spain and his actions helped result in the independence of Venezuela as well as Gran Colombia. -
Brazilian Independence
Brazil became independent when Pedro broke away from Portugal and declared himself the King of Brazil. This event is significant because Brazil was a major agricultural colony and losing it was not ideal for Europe. -
French Invasion of Algeria
In 1830, the French invaded Algeria in order to expand their wealth and power. This event was significant because it weakened African power while increasing European dominance. -
Treaty of Nanking
The Treaty of Nanking was the event that ended the Opium War between Britain and China, in which Britain used superior technology to overpower the Chinese. This event was significant because it cemented British control over trade in China, and increased tension between the two forces. -
Commodore Perry Arrives in Japan
Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan showed the advantage that industrialization gave to Europeans. Japan had chosen to remain isolated from the rest of the world, but the power of the west did not allow Japan to remain this way. It was incredibly significant because it led Japan into the Meiji era, in which the nation prospered. -
Sepoy Rebellion
The Sepoy Rebellion was an uprising of the Hindus and Muslims in the Indian military. They were tired of the British, but the rebellion failed. It was significant because it showed that the people of India did not support the rule of the Company. -
Government of India Act
The Government of India Act was in response to the Sepoy Rebellion. The act eliminated the control of the East India Company and placed the rule of India in the hands of the British government. It was significant because it allowed Britain to retain control of India for several decades more. -
Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration was the time period in which Japan became industrialized. The nation transformed from being isolated to westernized in a short period of time. It was significant because it allowed Japan to become wealthier and more powerful, and allowed the country to avoid western domination. -
Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference was a meeting of European powers at which nations divided the continent of Africa amongst themselves. It was significant because it brought even more power to European nations, specifically Germany, while ignoring the native people. -
Congo Free State is Established Under Leopold II
The Congo Free State was established by Leopold II of Belgium, and helped Belgium become wealthier because of it’s resources such as rubber. It was significant because Belgium became wealthier while the native people were brutally mistreated. -
Indian National Congress
The goal of the Indian National Congress was to increase the influence of the Indian middle class and improve employment opportunities. This allowed the Indian people to succeed without challenging British rule. Britain now ruled India through indirect rule. -
British Gain Control of Suez Canal
The Suez Canal was built to connect the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean and reduce the time and cost of moving goods between the two areas. British obtained the canal from Egypt, which increased Britain’s wealth and power in the area. -
Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was a short was that resulted in an American victory over Spain. It resulted in Spain’s loss of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. It was significant because Spain’s colonies became colonies of the United States, and Cuba became independent. It also resulted in America gaining control and influence over Spain’s former colonies.
