Colonization Timeline

  • 1600

    On December 31, 1600, Queen Elizabeth I sent out 25 adventurers to start trade in the East Indies. The adventurers made settlement on both the east and west coast of India, calling themselves the British East India Company.
  • 1652

    Boers arrive in Cape of Good Hope, or South Africa.
  • 1757

    In 1757, the British East India Company defeated and killed the Mughal governor of Bengal, Sirajud-Dawla. This happened after he captured Calcutta in an attempt to obstruct the Company.
  • Period: to

    1757-1947

    The Raj was a British dominion over India from 1757 to 1947.
  • 1850

    European and African trade becomes well established with one another.
  • 1852

    Napoleon III proclaims himself as emperor of France.
  • 1853

    In 1853 a war broke out between the Russians and Ottomans called the Crimean War.
  • 1857

    The Great Rebellion of 1857 broke out after the sepoys went against their commanders of the British East India Company after being fed up with limited opportunities.
  • 1876

    In 1876, Queen Victoria of Britain declared herself Empress of India.
  • Period: to

    1884-1885

    Berlin Conference sets rules for African colonization.
  • 1896

    The Suez Canal opens.
  • 1898

    United States wins the Spanish-American War and gained control of the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii as a result of the victory.
  • Period: to

    1899-1902

    British and Boer war in South Africa starts in 1899 and ends in 1902 resulting in Britain capturing South Africa.
  • 1910

    By 1910 India had the fourth largest railway system in the world, unifying the country, but still under British rule.
  • 1914

    Most of Africa is under European control.
  • Period: to

    1914-1918

    World War I began in 1914 and ended in 1918.