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Treaty of Nanjing
The Treaty of Nanjing was a treay that ended the Opium Wars. The Chinese paid the British an indemnity, surrendered the territory of Hong Kong, and agreed to come up with a fairer tariff. The British were given more trade freedoms. Therefore the treaty was unfair. The Treaty of Nanjing granted the British money; Hong Kong became part of the British Empire. -
East India Company
The East India Company controlled most of India: a company controlled it, not the British government. The British considered India the brightest "jewel in the crown". -
Sepoy Rebellion
The Sepoys (Indian soldiers) rebelled against the British. The British put down the revolt within a year. Parliament tightened control of India and ended the East India Co. dominance. -
Queen Victoria Proclaimed Empress of India
Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. This was significant because she was a woman and had power! Before that time period women did not have many rights. Queen Victoria was given this title to help connect the monarchy with the British Empire further. -
The Berlin Conference Begins
Fourteen European nations met at the Berlin Conference to lay down rules for the division in Africa. They could claim land by notifying others. No African ruler was invited. -
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War began because of the rivalry between Russia and Japan. They wanted dominance in Korea and Manchuria. Japan forced Russia to give up its expansionist policy in the Far East. In effect, Japan was the first modern Asian power to defeat a European power. Japan won and officially annexed Korea. -
Chinese Revolution of 1911 Begins
Southern Chinese revolutionaries led a revolt against the Qing Dynasty. The Chinese who desired a modern, independent republic rebelled against the Qing dynasty and won. They established the Republic of China, ending the Imperial System. They created a democracy.