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1854 BCE
Crimean war
In 1854 began the crimean war which opposed Russain against an alliance of Britain, France and Turkey. The alliance was afraid of the Russian expension in the Balkans. The war was ended by the treaty of Paris in March 1856. -
Victoria's crowning
Victoria became queen at the age of 18 after the death of her uncle, William the IV. She came to the throne 20 June 1837. She reigned during 60 years, it was the largest reign before queen Elizabeth II. The expansion of Britain's industry increased. -
The first organistaion of the Great Exhibition
1st may 1851 the Great Exhibition opened at Crystal Palace in Hyde Park in London. It was created by Prince Albert (Victoria's husband) to showcase different inventions, manufactures and works of art. -
The Origin of Species
"The Origin of Species" was published by Charles Darwin 24 november 1859. He did reseach about the basis of natural selection. This book contradicted the Bible's creation story, which was very influential at this age. -
The death of Prince Albert
Prince Albert died aged of 42 from typhoid. He played an important part in scientific and intellectual life of Britain, his adopted country. -
The Second Reform Act
The Second Reform Act became law 15th August 1867. It virtually doubled the electorate, enabling one-third of men in Britain and one-sixth in Ireland to vote in parlimentary elections. -
Suez Canal opening
Britain had disagreed with the building of Suez Canal. However in 1875 British changed their opinion as Benjamin Disraeli's Conservative government bought 40% of the Canal Company's shares. Suez Canal became an important and strategic way to reach India and the Far East to exchange goods. It was protected by British troops from 1883. -
Wireless Age: the work of Guglielmo Marconi
Guglielmo Marconi was an Italian-born physicist. He made many researchs and experiments of radiocommunication in Southern Britain from 1896 to 1897 .He received a patent of radio communication in thanks of his work. He established the first transatlantic signal in December 1901 -
Queen Victoria's death
Victoria died aged 81 at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Edward VII succeeded her. She had governed over almost a quarter of the world's population. She was wilful and narrow-minded in some respects, but she established firm precedents for a hard-working 'constitutional monarch'. Her death was the end of an era.
