AP WORLD‬ important events timeline

Mongols sack Baghdad- 1200s

In 1258, the Mongol army, led by Hülegü, conquered and sacked Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, marking the end of the caliphate and a significant turning point in Islamic history. This event is often cited as the end of the Islamic Golden Age, leading to a period of instability and fragmentation.

Marco Polo's Travels- 1200s

Marco Polo's travels, documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," significantly impacted European perceptions of the East and spurred exploration and trade. He traveled extensively through Asia, including China, and served under Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor. His writings, which described the wealth and wonders of the East, sparked European curiosity and desire for direct trade.

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage- 1300s

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca, was a significant event in 1324, showcasing the immense wealth and influence of the Mali Empire. This journey, marked by lavish displays of gold and a massive entourage, drew attention from the wider world, solidifying Mali's status as a powerful player in international trade and cultural exchange.

Bubonic Plague in Europe- 1300s

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, devastated Europe in the 14th century, killing an estimated one-third to one-half of the population. This pandemic spread from Asia to Europe via trade routes, particularly by fleas on rats living on ships. The Black Death led to significant social, economic, and cultural changes, including labor movements, questioning of traditional values, and a fascination with death in art and literature.

Zheng He's voyages- 1400s

Zheng He's voyages, conducted between 1405 and 1433, represent a significant period in the history of the Ming Dynasty. These voyages, led by the eunuch admiral Zheng He, aimed to display Chinese power, establish diplomatic relations, and expand trade along the Indian Ocean.

Ottomans seized Constantinople (Forced European exploration - spice routes)- 1450s

The Ottoman seizure of Constantinople in 1453 significantly disrupted traditional European access to Asian spice routes, prompting European powers to seek alternative sea routes to Asia. This event marked a turning point, triggering the Age of Exploration as European nations sought to bypass Ottoman control and establish their own direct trade connections with the East.

Columbus sailed to Americas (Columbian Exchange) - 1492

The Columbian Exchange, named after Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage, refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, people, diseases, and ideas between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This exchange fundamentally altered the environment, economic systems, and cultures of both hemispheres.

Martin Luther/95 Theses (Protestantism)- 1510s

In 1517, Martin Luther's "95 Theses" were the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a religious and political movement that challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther's theses, which questioned the practice of selling indulgences and other abuses within the Church, sparked widespread debate and ultimately led to the formation of new Protestant denominations.

Cortes conquered the Aztecs- 1520s

Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, conquered the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, specifically in 1519-1521. He led an expedition to Mexico and, with a small number of conquistadors, was able to defeat the Aztec Empire. Cortés destroyed the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, and built a new capital, Mexico City.

Pizarro conquered the Incas- 1530s

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro led an expedition that conquered the Inca Empire in what is now Peru. Pizarro's forces, leveraging a period of Inca civil war, captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa and ultimately oversaw the collapse of the Inca civilization.

30 Years War (Catholics vs Protestant) - 1610-1640s

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was a series of European conflicts that began as a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire, but it evolved into a broader power struggle involving most of Europe's major powers. It's considered one of the most destructive wars in European history, with significant territorial changes and the emergence of new political systems.

Glorious Revolution (English Bill of Rights) - 1680's

The Glorious Revolution, which took place in 1688-89, and the English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, were crucial events in establishing a constitutional monarchy in England and limiting the power of the monarch. This shift from absolute monarchy to a system where Parliament held significant power marked a significant step toward modern democratic governance.

Industrialization begins in England (First Industrial Revolution)- 1760s

The First Industrial Revolution, a period of significant technological and economic transformation, began in England (specifically Great Britain) around 1760. This transition involved moving from hand production to machine production, including the rise of the factory system and the mechanization of textile and other industries

7 Years' War - 1750-1760s

The Seven Years' War, also known as the French and Indian War in North America, was a global conflict from 1754 to 1763 that involved European powers and their colonial holdings. It resulted in a shift in global power, with Britain emerging as a dominant imperial force and France losing much of its North American territory. The war also significantly impacted the relationship between Britain and its American colonies, ultimately contributing to the American Revolution.

American Declaration of Independence- 1776

The American Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress, declared the thirteen British colonies as independent states, severing their political ties with Great Britain. It articulated the reasons for this separation, including the colonists' belief in inherent natural rights and their right to govern themselves. The document was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and influenced by Enlightenment ideals of natural rights, as articulated by thinkers like John Locke.

French Revolution begins- 1790s

The French Revolution, a pivotal event in world history, is generally considered to have begun in 1789. Several key events marked the start of the revolution, including the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14th and the Great Fear, a period of widespread peasant unrest. The revolution was fueled by Enlightenment ideals, social inequalities, and a financial crisis, ultimately leading to the overthrow of the absolute monarchy of King Louis 14th.

Haitian Independence- 1800s

The Haitian Revolution, a slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, led to the establishment of Haiti as an independent nation in 1804. It was the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere and the world's first black republic. The revolution, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture and later Jean-Jacques Dessalines, resulted in the overthrow of French colonial rule and the abolition of slavery in the colony.

Opium Wars in China- 1830-1840s

The wars stemmed from China's attempts to suppress the illegal opium trade, which was largely driven by British traders and fueled by opium addiction in China. These wars resulted in China's defeat, opening the country to further economic imperialism and leading to significant territorial losses and unequal treaties.

Communist Manifesto (Marx & Engels) - 1840s

The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, is a foundational text for understanding Marxism. It outlines a vision of history as a class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class). The Manifesto calls for a revolution by the proletariat to overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a classless society.

Second Industrial Revolution (Led by Germany) - 1870-1910s

The Second Industrial Revolution, which occurred primarily from 1870 to 1914, involved significant advancements in various fields, including steel, chemicals, electricity, and precision machinery. While Britain initiated the First Industrial Revolution, Germany became a major player in the Second, leading in steel and chemical production

Sepoy Mutiny in India (Failed Indian Uprising)- 1850s

The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the First Indian War of Independence, was a failed uprising against the rule of the British East India Company in India in 1857-58. It began as a mutiny of sepoy troops in the EIC army and eventually spread to involve a wider range of the Indian population in certain regions. While the rebellion was ultimately crushed, it led to the dissolution of the EIC and the direct rule of the British Crown over India, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between Britain and India.

Berlin Conference (Scramble for Africa) - 1880s

The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) was a gathering of European powers (and the United States) that formalized the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense competition and colonization of the African continent. The conference established rules for claiming territories, effectively dividing Africa among European nations without any African representation.

Russo-Japanese War - 1900s

The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a major conflict in early 20th-century Asia, pitting Japan against Russia. The war stemmed from competing imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea. Japan's victory was a landmark event, as it was the first time a non-European power had defeated a major European power. This victory significantly boosted Japan's international standing and had far-reaching consequences for both nations.

Mexican Revolution - 1910-1920s

The Mexican Revolution, a defining event in modern Mexican history, was a long series of armed conflicts from 1910 to 1920. It resulted in the overthrow of President Porfirio Díaz's long-standing rule and the establishment of a new Constitution of 1917, which aimed to create a strong central government. The revolution also saw the rise of key figures like Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa.

Chinese Revolution - 1940s

The Chinese Revolution, as relevant to AP World History, refers to a series of events from the early 20th century leading to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This included the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, the rise of the Communist Party of China (CCP), and the ensuing Chinese Civil War.

World War I - 1914-1918

World War I, also known as the First World War or the Great War, was a global conflict that significantly impacted the 20th century. It was a result of a complex interplay of factors, including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism, culminating in a series of interconnected conflicts that involved many major powers of Europe, their colonies, and overseas allies. The war had a profound impact on global politics, leading to the fall of several empires and laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

Russian Revolution - 1910s

The Russian Revolution, encompassing the February and October Revolutions of 1917, marked a pivotal period in world history, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of communism. It was triggered by a combination of factors including widespread discontent with the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, economic hardship, and Russia's devastating involvement in World War I. The revolution resulted in the abdication of the Tsar, the formation of a Provisional Government, and the subsequent seizure of power by the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin.

Start of Great Depression- 1920s

The Great Depression, a severe global economic downturn, began in the United States with the stock market crash of 1929. While often associated with "Black Thursday" (October 24, 1929) and "Black Tuesday" (October 29, 1929), the crash was part of a longer process of economic decline that had begun earlier. The downturn led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and business failures, impacting economies around the world.

Japanese Invasion of Manchuria- 1930s

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria, a province in northeast China, began in September 1931 with the Mukden Incident, a staged event used as a pretext for military action. Japan sought to gain control of Manchuria's resources and expand its influence in Asia, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. This event is significant in AP World History as it marked the beginning of a series of escalating conflicts in Asia that contributed to World War II.

World War II - 1939-1945

World War II, a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, saw the vast majority of the world's nations, including all the great powers, pitted against each other in a "total war". It was a pivotal event in the 20th century, resulting in an estimated 50 to 85 million deaths, making it the deadliest war in human history. The war's causes include the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the Great Depression.

Partition of India & Pakistan- 1940s

The Partition of India in 1947 resulted in the division of British India into two independent states: India and Pakistan. This hasty partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims fleeing their homes across the newly drawn borders, triggering widespread communal violence. The partition was driven by growing Hindu-Muslim tensions and the British "divide and rule" policies.

Creation of the state of Israel- 1948

The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 was a pivotal event in modern history, deeply connected to the aftermath of World War II, the Holocaust, and the long-standing aspirations of the Zionist movement.

Mao Zedong comes to power in China- 1940s

Mao Zedong's rise to power in China in 1949, culminating in the establishment of the People's Republic of China, is a pivotal event in AP World History with far-reaching significance.In essence, understanding Mao Zedong's rise to power and its consequences is crucial for comprehending 20th-century global history, especially regarding the spread of communism, the Cold War, and the emergence of China as a major world power.

Korean War- 1950s

The Korean War (1950-1953) was a significant event in AP World History, marking the first major conflict of the Cold War. It exemplified the ideological struggle between communism and democracy, demonstrating the US commitment to containment and shaping US-East Asian relations for decades. The war also influenced global tensions, highlighting the impact of Cold War rivalry on decolonization efforts in Asia.

Cuban Revolution- 1950s

The Cuban Revolution, which culminated in 1959, was a pivotal event in the Cold War era, impacting the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the trajectory of Latin American politics. The revolution, led by Fidel Castro, resulted in the establishment of a communist state in Cuba, a nation just 90 miles off the coast of the United States. This led to a hardening of Cold War tensions and a significant shift in Cuba's political and economic alignment.

Cuban Missile Crisis- 1960s

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal event during the Cold War, considered the closest the world came to nuclear war. It involved the Soviet Union placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, which threatened the United States, leading to a tense standoff with the U.S. The crisis, which lasted 13 days, highlighted the dangers of nuclear brinkmanship and ultimately led to the establishment of a hotline between Washington and Moscow.

Chinese Cultural Revolution- 1960-1970s

The Chinese Cultural Revolution, a period of immense social and political upheaval from 1966 to 1976, had a profound impact on China, particularly on its culture, education, and governance. Led by Mao Zedong, the movement aimed to purge what he perceived as capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, resulting in widespread violence, political purges, and the disruption of social and economic life.

Iranian Revolution- 1970s

The Iranian Revolution, which took place in 1979, is significant in AP World History because it marked the end of Iran's pro-Western monarchy and the beginning of an Islamic Republic, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This event is crucial for understanding the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, the impact of US foreign policy, and the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Fall of Berlin Wall- 1980s

The Fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, is significant in AP World History because it symbolized the end of the Cold War and the rise of democracy in Eastern Europe. It marked the collapse of communist rule and the first step towards German reunification, ultimately leading to a new global political order.

Fall of USSR- 1990s

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 had significant repercussions for AP World History, marking the end of the Cold War and ushering in a new global political landscape. It signaled the shift from a bipolar world dominated by the US and USSR to a unipolar world where the US emerged as the sole superpower. This event also led to the independence of many Eastern European countries and the dissolution of the Soviet Union's influence over them.

9/11 Terror Attacks on US- 2001

The September 11th terrorist attacks on the US, a pivotal event in modern history, had profound global consequences. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and instigated the US "War on Terror," leading to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. These events also led to a shift in US national security policies, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the implementation of more stringent air travel security measures. The attacks also had lasting impacts on global politics, international relations, and domestic policies, including the US Patriot Act and the expanded powers of surveillance.

Mongols sack Baghdad

1200s

Marco Polo's Travels

1200s

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage

1300s

Bubonic Plague in Europe

1300s

Zheng He's voyages

1400s

Ottomans seized Constantinople (Forced European exploration - spice routes)

1450s

Columbus sailed to Americas (Columbian Exchange)

1492

Martin Luther/95 Theses (Protestantism)

1510s

Cortes conquered the Aztecs

1520s

Pizarro conquered the Incas

1530s

30 Years War (Catholics vs Protestant)

1610-1640

Glorious Revolution (English Bill of Rights)

1680s

Industrialization begins in England (First Industrial Revolution)

1760s

7 Years' War

1750-1760s

American Declaration of Independence

1776

French Revolution begins

1790s

Haitian Independence

1800s

Opium Wars in China

1830-1840s

Communist Manifesto (Marx & Engels)

1840s

Second Industrial Revolution (Led by Germany)

1870-1910s

Sepoy Mutiny in India (Failed Indian Uprising)

1850s

Berlin Conference (Scramble for Africa)

1880s

Russo-Japanese War

1900s

Mexican Revolution

1910-1920s

Chinese Revolution

1940s

World War I

1914-1918

Russian Revolution

1910s

Start of Great Depression

1920s

Japanese Invasion of Manchuria

1930s

World War II

1939-1945

Partition of India & Pakistan

1940s

Creation of the state of Israel

1948

Mao Zedong comes to power in China

1940s

Korean War

1950s

Cuban Revolution

1950s

Cuban Missile Crisis

1960s

Chinese Cultural Revolution

1960-1970s

Iranian Revolution

1970s

Fall of Berlin Wall

1980s

Fall of USSR

1990s

9/11

2001