Must Know Dates: Era 4, Part 1 - APWH

1904-1905

Russo—Japanese War

A conflict between the Russian Empire and Japan over control of parts of East Asia, especially Korea and Manchuria; the Japanese were victorious.

Showed a major political shift as an Asian power defeated a European one, breaking the pattern of Western dominance. Would also contribute to furthering Japan as an imperial power, which would eventually cause future conflict over territory/colonies.

1910-1920

Mexican Revolution

Revolutionary Mexican forces overthrow a corrupt government to address inequality in land and wealth through violent conflict.

Caused major social change by challenging class divisions and expanding rights for laborers. Also reshaped political structures through a new constitution limiting dictatorship and promoting reform and nationalism in Mexico.

1911

Chinese Revolution

Revolutionaries overthrow the Qing Dynasty to end imperial rule and establish a republic in China.

It marks a major political shift from dynastic monarchy to republicanism, ending over two thousand years of imperial rule. More importantly, the new, unstable republic would lead to the Warlord Era, which would create the conditions for the eventual rise of communism in China.

1914

Panama Canal (Opened)

The United States completes the Panama Canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for faster trade and military movement.

It transforms interactions with the environment through massive engineering that reshapes land and water routes. It also boosts economic and political power for the US by controlling a key global trade passage.

1914-1918

World War I

A global war breaks out among major powers due to militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism, ending with Entente (Britain, France, later US ) victory and the collapse of several empires who fought along the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire).

Caused massive political upheaval by ending many monarchies in Europe and redrawing national borders. Industrialized warfare, making conflict far more brutal. Disillusionment leads to the spread of more radical ideologies, such as fascism, socialism, and communism.

Feb/Mar 1917

Russian Revolution (Czar Abdicates)

Mass protests and military mutiny force Tsar Nicholas II to step down, ending centuries of imperial rule in Russia.

Collapse of the Romanov dynasty, creating a temporary provisional government. Would result in the targeting of the current Russian aristocracy. Set up for the formation of the Soviet Union a few months later.

Oct/Nov 1917

Russian Revolution (Communist/Bolshevik)

The Bolsheviks (group/party of Russian communists) overthrow the provisional government and seize power to establish a communist state, led by Vladimir Lenin.

It transforms political structures by replacing the provisional government with a one-party communist regime. Would completely change economics, social structure, political governing in Russia. Most importantly would result in the creation of the USSR, a major communist power which would completely shift the global balance of power and influence in the 20th century, mainly during the Cold War.

Nov 1917

Balfour Declaration

The British government issues a statement supporting the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine.

It increases tensions between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East under British control. It promotes Zionism while disregarding Arab resistance, fueling long-term regional conflict.

Nov 1918

Armistice (End of WWI Fighting)

The Allies and Germany agree to stop fighting, bringing an end to World War I on the Western Front.

Lead to the collapse of multiple empires and shifts global power dynamics. It also leaves widespread destruction and bitterness, setting the stage for future instability and conflict. (Look at the WWI [1914-1918] card for more information.)

1919

Treaty of Versailles

The Allies impose a peace treaty on Germany that blames them for World War I and forces them to pay heavy reparations and give up territory.

Reshapes Europe’s borders and weakens Germany’s economy and military. It also creates resentment in Germany, fueling nationalism and laying the groundwork for the rise of the NSDAP (Nazi Party) and World War II.

1921-1922

Washington Naval Conference

Major world powers agree to limit the size of their navies to prevent another arms race after World War I. US and UK also attempt to limit Japan’s naval power with the “5:5:3” ratio; for every 5 capital ships the US and UK had, the Japanese could only have 3.

Shows shifting political power as the US takes a leading role in international negotiations. Would harm Japan’s relations with the West further, as they saw this as an attempt to undermine their political and military power.

1928

Kellogg-Briand Pact (outlawing war)

Dozens of countries sign an agreement promising not to use war to solve international disputes.

It shows idealistic attempts at global peace through diplomacy after World War I. However, it lacks enforcement, highlighting the gap between political promises and real international action, similarly to the League of Nations, which also lacked enforcement.

1929

New York Stock Market Crash

The US stock market suddenly collapses, triggering widespread financial panic and the start of the Great Depression.

Leads to massive unemployment and business failures across the United States and Europe. It also causes the rise of extremist political movements, like the Nazis in Germany, as people lose faith in democratic governments.

1930

Salt March (Ghandi’s)

Gandhi leads a peaceful protest against British salt taxes by marching to the sea and making salt illegally.

Draws global attention to British oppression in India and builds support for Indian independence; India was Britain’s most valuable colony, important for maintaining the economic and military stability of the British Empire. It also strengthens mass participation in the independence movement through nonviolent resistance.

1931

Japanese Invasion of Manchuria

Japan invades Manchuria (region in Northeastern China) to gain raw materials and expand its empire in Asia.

It shows Japan’s growing militarism and defiance of international agreements like the League of Nations. It also marks the beginning of aggressive expansion in East Asia that leads toward the Pacific War (a theater of WWII, fought between the US and Japan in the Pacific Ocean).

1935

Italian Invasion of Ethiopia

Italy invades and occupies Ethiopia, one of the two only independent African nations, to build its empire.

Strengthens fascist rule in Italy and encourages further expansion by Axis powers. Another prelude to WWII, with the Axis looking to expand their territory through invading other nations.

1937

Japan Invades the Rest of China (Rape of Nanking)

Japan launches a full-scale invasion of China, capturing cities like Nanking, where its army commits mass murder and atrocities against civilians.

Causes massive Chinese civilian suffering and international condemnation, especially over the brutality in Nanking. It deepens the conflict in Asia and pushes China into total war, setting the stage for its role as a theater of war during WWII.

1939

German Blitzkrieg into Poland (start of WWII in Europe)

Germany invades Poland using fast, destructive blitzkrieg tactics, prompting Britain and France to declare war and starting WWII in Europe.

It launches the deadliest war in history, leading to tens of millions of deaths and the Holocaust. It also results in the defeat of fascist regimes, the rise of the US and USSR as superpowers, and the division of Europe during the Cold War.

There were many important consequences of the the Second World War, but be sure to state the Holocaust, the large death toll, the rise of colonial independence movements, and the establishment of the US and the USSR as the two superpowers, starting the Cold War.

1941

Pearl Harbor (US enters WWII)

Japan attacks the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, leading the United States to enter WWII.

It turns WWII into a truly global conflict by bringing the US into both the Pacific and European theaters. It also shifts the balance of power, as US industrial and military strength becomes a major force in defeating the Axis. The United States came out of the war as one of the superpowers of the world, as the nation had now exercised its absurd military, industrial, and economic influence across the world.

1942-1943

Battle of Stalingrad (turning point of WWII)

The Soviet Union defeats Germany at Stalingrad after months of brutal fighting, the deadliest battle in history, halting the Nazi advance into the east.

It marks a major turning point in WWII, as Germany begins to lose ground on the Eastern Front. It also weakens the German army severely, shifting momentum to the Allies for the rest of the war.

1944

Bretton Woods Conference (post-war economic planning)

Allied nations meet to plan the post-WWII global economy, creating the World Bank and IMF to stabilize trade and currencies.

It sets up a US-led global economic system focused on free trade and financial cooperation. Helped rebuild war-torn economies to prevent another worldwide depression. Would facilitate American economic hegemony, as the standard for reserves and trade would be done in the US Dollar.

Feb 1945

Yalta Conference

Roosevelt (US), Churchill (UK), and Stalin (USSR) meet at Yalta to plan post-WWII Europe, dividing Germany and influencing future control of Eastern Europe, agreeing on the east/west territory split that would be seen later in the Cold War.

It creates tensions between the US and USSR over political influence, helping spark the Cold War. It also shapes the postwar world by laying the groundwork for Soviet domination in Eastern Europe and the division of Germany.

July 1945

A-bomb tested (Manhattan Project)

The United States successfully tests the first atomic bomb in the deserts of New Mexico, proving the power of nuclear weapons developed through the secret Manhattan Project.

It gives the US a decisive advantage in WWII, leading to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s surrender, also beginning the nuclear age.

Aug 1945

Hiroshima/Nagasaki

The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing hundreds of thousands, forcing an unconditional Japanese surrender.

Ends WWII in the Pacific and demonstrates the destructive power of nuclear weapons, setting the stage for Cold War tensions. Starts the US-USSR nuclear arms race. Created the fear mass destruction through nuclear war, but also resulted in the adoption of the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (M.A.D.) by the two superpowers.

Sept 1945

End of WWII (Japan surrenders)

WWII ends with the surrender of Germany in Europe and Japan in the Pacific after years of total war and destruction.

It leaves much of Europe and Asia in ruins, leading to massive rebuilding efforts and shifts in global power, specifically towards the United States and Soviet Union, who filled the power vacuum left by the exhausted British, French, and other war-torn countries. Starts the Cold War as the US and USSR emerge as rival superpowers.

June 1947

Truman Doctrine

The US announces it will support countries resisting communism, starting with aid to Greece and Turkey, and promising aid will come to any nation threatened by the Soviet Union, or any forms of communism.

The declaration marks the start of US containment policy and the “official” beginning of the Cold War. Sets a precedent for American involvement in global conflicts to oppose Soviet influence (frequently called “interventionism”.)

Aug 1947

Independence and Partition of India

Britain grants independence to South Asia, splitting the region into India and Pakistan.

Britain loses its most valuable colony, marking a major step in the decline of its global empire and influence. It also sparks a bitter and ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan, especially over disputed territory like Kashmir.

1948

Birth of Israel

Jewish leaders declare the creation of Israel in Palestine after British withdrawal, leading to immediate conflict with neighboring Arab states.

It fulfills Zionist goals of a Jewish homeland but creates deep regional conflict, as Palestinians are displaced and Arab nations reject the new state. It also begins a long cycle of war and tension in the Middle East that continues today.

1948-1949

Berlin Blockade/Airlift

After WWII, the USSR blocks all land access to West Berlin (a piece of the US-occupied German territory that was cut off from the rest of the US German occupation zone) to force the Allies out of the city, so the U.S. and its allies respond with a massive airlift, flying in food and supplies for nearly a year.

It becomes the first major showdown of the Cold War, proving the West’s commitment to resisting Soviet pressure. It also strengthens American influence in Europe, with the US being viewed as the protector of Western Europe, enforcing their anti-communist containment policy.

Apr 1949

NATO Founded

The United States and several Western European nations create NATO, a military alliance meant to provide collective defense against the growing Soviet threat after WWII.

It formalizes Cold War divisions by uniting non-communist countries under U.S. leadership and directly opposing Soviet influence. It also marks a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, committing America to permanent military alliances and presence in Europe.

Note the importance of NATO’s Article 5, which is still in place within NATO countries today. An attack on one member state would be considered a direct attack on all member states; the Soviet Union could not invade any NATO member, or the United States would consider it an act of war.

Oct 1949

Chinese Communist Revolution

Mao Zedong and the Communist Party defeat the Kuomintang (the “Nationalists”) in a civil war, leading to the creation of the People’s Republic of China.

It turns China into a one-party communist state and drastically reshapes society through land reform and class struggle. It also shifts the global balance of power, as the world’s most populous country joins the communist bloc during the Cold War.

Today, China has transitioned away from hardliner communist ideology, but still remains one of the most influential nations on Earth, making the rise of the CCP in 1949 important to the existence of modern China.