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Congress of Vienna
Italy is divided into small states under foreign control. The north is dominated by Austria. -
Congress of Vienna pt.2
The German Confederation is created, a loose association of 39 German States under Austrian influence. -
Foundation of Young Italy
Giuseppe Mazzini founds Young Italy, a nationalist movement aimed at unifying Italy. -
Zollverein (Customs Union)
Prussia leads the creation of a customs union, fostering economic unity among German states, excluding Austria. -
Opium Wars
These wars, especially the First Opium War (1839-1842), marked the beginning of significant Western influence in China, leading to the Treaty of Nanking. -
Treaty of Nanking
This treaty ended the First Opium War and was the first of the “Unequal Treaties.” It forced China to cede Hong Kong to the British and open several ports to British trade. -
Revolutions in Italy
Revoltions erupt in several Italian states seeking independence and unity. They fail but strengthen the unification sentiment. -
Revolutions of 1848
Liberal revolutions in German states push for unification and a constitution, but they fail due to conservation forces. -
Taiping Rebellion
Although not directly caused by the West, the instability during the rebellion allowed for increased foreign interference and influence, as Western powers supported the Qing dynasty to suppress the rebellion. -
Camillo di Cavour becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia
Cavour promotes internal reforms and seeks international alliances to advance unification. -
Second Opium War
Also known as the Arrow War, this conflict resulted in further Western concessions, including the opening of more Chinese ports to European powers. -
Indian Rebellion (First War of Independence)
It laid the groundwork for growing nationalistic movements and resistance against British rule. -
Second Italian War of Independence
Piedmont-Sardinia, with French support, defeats Austria, liberating Lombardy. -
Expedition of the Thousand
Giuseppe Garibaldi leads military campaign in southern Italy, conquering Sicily and Naples. -
Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
Victor Emmanuel II is proclaimed King of Italy. Most Italian states are unified, except for Rome and Venice. -
Self Strengthening Movement
This period saw China attempting reforms and modernization based on Western technology and military models, largely in response to foreign pressure. -
Otto von Bismarck becomes Chancellor of Prussia
Bismarck rises to power and begins implementing his Realpolitik strategy to unify Germany under Prussian leadership. -
Danish War
Prussia and Austria defeat Denmark, gaining control of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, increasing Prussian influence. -
Third Italian War of Independence
Italy allies with Prussia against Austria. Venice is annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. -
Austro-Prussian War (Seven Weeks War)
Prussia defeats Austria and excludes it from German Affairs, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the creation of the North German Confederation. -
Formation of the North German Confederation
A federal alliance of northern German states is formed under Prussian dominance, excluding southern German states and Austria. -
Annexation of Rome
After the withdrawal of French troops, Italy takes Rome, which becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. -
Franco-Prussian War
Bismarck provokes war with France rallying southern German states to join the North German Confederation against a common enemy. -
1870
European exploration and missionary activities increase in Africa, particularly in the Congo region. -
Rome becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Italy
Unification is consolidated with Rome as the political center of power. -
Treaty of Frankfurt
The Franco-Prussian War ends with this treaty, marking France’s defeat. Alsace and Lorraine are annexed to Germany, solidifying German unification. -
Proclamation of the German Empire
Following the defeat of France, the German Empire is proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, with Wilhelm I as Emperor. -
1876
King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the International African Association, marking Belgium’s involvement in the Congo. -
Sino French War
France’s victory in this conflict led to increased European influence in China, particularly in southern regions like Vietnam, which became a French colony. -
Berlin Conference
Berlin Conference: European powers meet to establish rules for the partition of Africa and avoid conflicts among themselves. -
Leopoldo II claims the Congo Free State
Leopold II claims the Congo Free State, establishing his control over the Congo Basin as a personal colony. -
Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)
The INC emerged as a political party advocating for greater Indian autonomy. -
HeIigoland-Zanzibar Treaty
Britain and Germany sign an agreement, dividing spheres of influence in East Africa. -
Sino Japanese War
Japan’s victory over China shocked the Qing government and opened the door for further Western incursions into Chinese territory and influence. -
Italy invades Ethiopia
Italy invades Ethiopia, beginning the First Italo-Ethiopian War. -
Battle of Adwa
Ethiopia defeats Italy, maintaining its independence, one of the few African nations to do so. -
Open Door Policy
Proposed by the United States, this policy aimed to ensure equal trade opportunities for all foreign powers in China, preventing any one nation from dominating. -
Boxer Rebellion
A nationalist uprising against foreign influence, which was crushed by a coalition of Western powers and Japan, leading to further imposition of Western controls. -
Second Boer War
British Empire fights against Boer republics in South Africa, leading to British dominance in the region. -
Herero and Namaqua genocide
Germany commits atrocities during its colonization of present-day Namibia. -
Formation of the All-India Muslim League
This group was created to represent the interests of Muslims in India. -
1911 Xinhai Revolution
This revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty, marking the end of imperial China and the beginning of the Republic of China, influenced in part by Western ideas of nationalism and governance. -
French and British Agreement
Final borders between French and British territories in West Africa are settled. -
Lucknow Pact
The INC and the Muslim League agreed on a joint platform to demand more political reforms from the British. -
Round Table Conferences
These were a series of meetings held in London to discuss constitutional reforms in India, including the role of minorities. -
Lahore Resolution
The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, called for a separate Muslim state, which eventually became Pakistan. -
Quit India Movement
Launched by the INC under Mahatma Gandhi, it was a mass protest demanding an end to British rule. -
Direct Action Day
Marked by widespread communal violence between Hindus and Muslims, it highlighted the growing divide and demand for partition. -
Mountbatten Plan
Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, announced the plan to partition India into two nations – India and Pakistan. -
Partition of India
India gained independence, and the country was divided into two dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to massive migration and violence.