WHAP Unit 7 Dates because we are so cooked

"If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

1859

On the Origin of Species published by Charles Darwin, introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection

1860-1970

Period of Japan’s modernization and industrial growth following increased Western influence

1862-1908

Rule of Empress Dowager Cixi in China, marked by resistance to reform and decline of Qing Dynasty

1862-1895

French conquest of Indochina, establishing colonial control over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

1867

Das Kapital published by Karl Marx, critiquing capitalism and promoting socialist ideas

1868

Meiji Restoration, Japan restores imperial rule and rapidly modernizes and industrializes

1869

Opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and shortening trade routes

1870-1871

Franco-Prussian War, conflict that led to the unification of Germany

1871

Unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, creating a powerful nation-state

1877-1879

War between Britain and Zulu/Xhosa in South Africa, expanding British colonial control

1884

Berlin Conference, European powers meet to divide Africa among themselves

1894

Sino-Japanese War, Japan defeats China and gains influence in Korea

1898

Spanish-American War, U.S. defeats Spain and gains territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico

1899-1902

Boer War, conflict between Britain and Dutch settlers in South Africa over control of resources

1900

Boxer Rebellion, anti-foreign uprising in China suppressed by international forces

1905

Russian Revolution; protests and unrest force the Tsar to make limited reforms

1910

Japan annexes Korea, establishing colonial rule

1912-1913

Balkan Wars, regional conflicts that weaken the Ottoman Empire and increase tensions in Europe

1914-1919

World War I, global conflict involving major powers sparked by nationalism and alliances

1916

Arab Revolt, Arabs rebel against Ottoman rule with British support

1917

Russian Revolution; Bolsheviks seize power; U.S. enters WWI; Balfour Declaration supports Jewish homeland in Palestine

1918-1921

Russian Civil War, Reds (Bolsheviks) defeat Whites and secure communist control

1919

Treaty of Versailles, ends WWI and imposes harsh penalties on Germany

1923-1928

New Economic Policy in Russia, Lenin allows some private business to rebuild the economy

1928

Five-Year Plans begin in the Soviet Union, focusing on rapid industrialization and collectivization

1929

Great Depression, global economic crisis causing widespread unemployment and poverty

1931

Japan occupies Manchuria, expanding its empire in China

1933

Hitler rises to power in Germany, establishing a totalitarian Nazi regime

1934-1935

Mao’s Long March, Chinese Communists retreat and regroup, strengthening Mao’s leadership

1937-1938

Rape of Nanjing, Japanese troops commit mass atrocities in China

1939-1945

World War II, global conflict involving Axis and Allied powers

1940

Germany conquers much of Europe; Battle of Britain prevents German invasion of the UK

1941

Bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japan attacks the U.S., leading to U.S. entry into WWII

1943

Battle of Stalingrad, turning point where Soviet forces defeat Germany

1944

D-Day, Allied forces invade Normandy to liberate Western Europe

1945

Atomic bombs dropped on Japan; Germany and Japan surrender, ending WWII

1945-1949

Chinese Civil War resumes; Communists defeat Nationalists

1947

Partition of India, British India divided into India and Pakistan

1949

Establishment of the People’s Republic of China under Communist leadership