Important Dates in Modern World History

These flashcards cover key events and dates in modern world history that are essential for understanding historical developments.

Mongolian Empire

From 1250-1350 CE, it consisted of four khanates: the Golden Horde, the Khanate of Chagatai, the Il-Khanate of Persia, and the Yuan dynasty.

Italian Renaissance

A cultural movement from 1300-1500 CE characterized by a revival of interest in art, literature, and learning from classical antiquity.

Mansa Musa

The Mali king who made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 CE, known for his immense wealth and influence.

Zheng He

A Chinese admiral whose voyages on the Indian Ocean from 1405-1433 CE promoted trade and cultural exchanges.

Fall of Constantinople

In 1453 CE, this event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire as it fell to the Ottoman Turks.

Columbian Exchange

A widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and ideas that began after Columbus's voyages in 1492 CE.

95 Theses

A document published by Martin Luther in 1517 CE, criticizing the Catholic Church's practices.

British East India Company

This company began trading in India in 1600 CE, establishing significant influence over the Mughal Empire.

Qing Dynasty

The dynasty that rose to power in China in 1644 CE following the fall of the Ming Dynasty.

James Watt's Steam Engine

The engine perfected by Watt in 1765 CE, which played a crucial role in the industrial revolution.

American Revolution

A conflict that occurred in 1776 CE, leading to the Thirteen Colonies gaining independence from Britain.

Slavery Abolished in Britain

The act of ending slavery in Britain achieved in 1833 CE.

Treaty of Nanjing

A treaty signed in 1843 CE that ended the Opium Wars between China and Britain.

Communist Manifesto

Written by Karl Marx in 1848 CE, it outlined the principles of communism during early industrialization.

Sepoy Mutiny

A rebellion in 1857 CE leading to the start of direct British rule in India.

Meiji Restoration

A period beginning in 1868 CE during which Japan transitioned from feudalism to a modern state.

Berlin Conference

An 1884-1885 CE meeting where European nations established rules for the colonization of Africa.

Spanish-American War

The 1898 CE conflict that resulted in the United States gaining territories such as the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

Mexican Revolution

A major armed struggle in Mexico from 1910 to 1920 CE aimed at political and social change.

World War I

A global conflict fought from 1914-1918 CE, also known as the Great War.

Russian Revolution

The revolution in 1917 CE that led to the establishment of a communist government in Russia.

The Great Depression

An economic downturn occurring from 1929-1939 CE that affected many countries worldwide.

World War II

A global conflict from 1939-1945 CE, involving the majority of the world's nations.

Founding of the United Nations

Established in 1945 CE to promote international cooperation and maintain peace.

Indian Independence

The event in 1947 CE that marked the end of British rule in India and led to the Partition of India and Pakistan.

Communist Revolution in China

The 1949 CE revolution that led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Korean War

A war that started in 1950 CE between North and South Korea, involving several other nations.

The Year of Africa

1960 CE, recognized as the year many African nations gained independence from colonial rule.

Berlin Wall

A barrier erected in 1961 CE to separate East and West Berlin, symbolizing the Cold War divide.

Iranian Revolution

The 1979 CE revolution that resulted in the overthrow of the Shah of Iran.

Fall of Communism

The 1990 CE event marking the dissolution of communist governments across Eastern Europe and Russia.

End of Apartheid

The 1994 CE event when Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa's first black president.

Hong Kong's Autonomy

In 1997 CE, Hong Kong became semi-autonomous after Britain transferred sovereignty to China.

Euro Adoption

The introduction of the Euro as the official currency of the Eurozone in 1999 CE.

Arab Spring

A series of protests and uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa from 2010-2012 CE.