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The Opium Wars
China fought Britain to stop the opium trade. The wars ended with China losing and signing "Unequal Treaties." Britain gained control of Hong Kong and access to Chinese ports.
Location: China. -
The Treaty of Nanjing
After the First Opium War, China was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing. It opened five ports to British trade and gave Hong Kong to Britain. This treaty marked the beginning of foreign dominance in China.
Location: Nanjing, China. -
The Indian Rebellion
Indian soldiers rebelled against British rule due to cultural and political tensions. The rebellion spread across northern India but was brutally suppressed. It led to the end of the British East India Company’s rule.
Location: Northern and Central India. -
The British Raj
Britain took direct control of India after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. British rule introduced new infrastructure but also exploited Indian resources. India remained under British control until its independence in 1947.
Location: India. -
The French Colonization of Indochina
France established control over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, forming French Indochina. The French exploited the region’s resources and imposed cultural changes. This colonization impacted the region for decades.
Location: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. -
The Construction of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean and Red Seas, improving trade routes. Britain gained control of the canal in 1882, securing its imperial interests. The canal became crucial for global trade.
Location: Egypt. -
The Meiji Restoration
Japan ended feudal rule and restored power to the Emperor. The new government focused on modernizing the country. Japan became a major imperial power in East Asia.
Location: Japan. -
The Meiji Restoration
Japan ended feudal rule and restored power to the Emperor. The new government focused on modernizing the country. Japan became a major imperial power in East Asia.
Location: Japan. -
The Battle of Isandlwana
The Zulu Kingdom defeated British forces in the Anglo-Zulu War. The British were initially shocked by the defeat. Eventually, Britain overcame the Zulu resistance and annexed their land.
Location: Zulu Kingdom (South Africa). -
The Congo Free State
King Leopold II of Belgium controlled the Congo Free State for personal profit. He exploited the population and natural resources, leading to brutal treatment and death. International outcry forced Belgium to take control of the region in 1908.
Location: Congo (Central Africa). -
The Scramble for Africa
European powers rapidly divided Africa into colonies. The Berlin Conference formalized this process, disregarding African boundaries. By 1914, most of Africa was controlled by Europe.
Location: Africa. -
The Berlin Conference
European powers met to divide Africa and establish rules for colonization. The conference ignored African political systems. It led to the formal partitioning of Africa.
Location: Berlin, Germany. -
The Spanish-American War
The United States fought Spain over control of its colonies, like Cuba and the Philippines. The war ended with the U.S. defeating Spain. As a result, the U.S. gained several new territories.
Location: Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines. -
The Annexation of Hawaii
American planters and businessmen overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy. The U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898 to control its strategic location and sugar trade. Hawaii became a U.S. territory.
Location: Hawaii. -
The Annexation of the Philippines
The U.S. took control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. Filipinos resisted American rule, leading to a brutal conflict. The U.S. established long-term control over the islands. -
The Boer Wars
The British fought the Boers (Dutch settlers) in South Africa over territory control. The Boers initially won some battles, but Britain ultimately triumphed. The war resulted in British control over South Africa.
Location: South Africa. -
The Boxer Rebellion
Chinese nationalists, called Boxers, rebelled against foreign influence. The uprising targeted foreigners and Chinese Christians. It was crushed by an eight-nation alliance, leading to more foreign control over China.
Location: China. -
The Russo-Japanese War
Japan and Russia fought over control of territories in Manchuria and Korea. Japan won the war, shocking the world. It marked Japan's rise as an imperial power.
Location: Manchuria, Korea. -
The Panama Canal Construction
The U.S. took control of the Panama Canal project after Panama gained independence. The canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It gave the U.S. military and economic power in the Western Hemisphere.
Location: Panama. -
The Fall of the Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty fell after a revolution due to internal unrest and foreign pressure. The revolution led to the creation of the Republic of China. Foreign powers continued to influence China even after the dynasty’s collapse.
Location: China.