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Opening of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal opened in November 1867. It connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. This made travel and trade much faster between Europe and Asia. It was a major achievement in engineering. -
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First Boer War
The First Boer War took place from December 1880 to March 1881. The war was the struggle against the British army by the Boer settlers in South Africa. The Boers struggled to defend their independence. The war concluded in the Boer gaining increased confidence in their own power. -
Treaty of Berlin
The Treaty of Berlin of February 1885 established the rules by which the European states might claim Africa. The treaty diminished strife among the states. The treaty revealed the extent to which the European powers sought to extend their empires. -
Shimonoseki Treaty
Japan and China signed the Shimonoseki Treaty to end their war. China had to give up territory and pay a large sum of money. Japan grew stronger and gained respect in Asia. This treaty was a clear sign of shifting power in the region. -
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Jameson raid
The Jameson Raid took place between December 1895 and January 1896. It was a failed attack by British forces against the Boers in South Africa. The raid was meant to spark a rebellion but ended in humiliation. This event increased tension between the British government and local settlers. -
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Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was from April to August 1898. The US fought against Spain over colonies in the Caribbean and Pacific. The US won and took over lots of land. This war marked America's rise as a world power -
Fashoda Incident
In September 1898, the Fashoda incident brought French and British forces into a tense stand-off in Africa. Both sides wanted control over important territories in eastern Africa. They eventually backed down without fighting a battle. The incident helped set the stage for later cooperation between the two powers. -
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Second Boer War
The Second Boer War raged from October 1899 to May 1902 in South Africa. The British fought the Boer settlers, who were determined to remain independent. The war was very difficult and caused many losses. In the end, the British were victorious and extended their control. -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
Britain and Japan came together to form an alliance. They agreed to support each other against enemies. This alliance helped to balance power against other nations. This was an important step in international relations. -
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Russo-Japanese War
Russia and Japan fought over influence in East Asia. Japan surprised many by winning the war against Russia. This victory boosted Japan's reputation as a strong country. -
Treaty of Portsmouth
This treaty was signed in Spetember 1905 to end the Russo-Japanese War. Russia agreed to give up some of its land to Japan. The treaty helped to bring peace and confirmed Japan as a rising power in international affairs. -
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Algeciras Conference
The Algeciras Conference was held from January to April 1906. Leaders from several European countries met to settle fights over Morocco. They worked out rules to prevent future conflicts. This conference was an early attempt to manage rivalries peacefully. -
Revolution in China
The Revolution in China began in October 1911. It was aimed at ending the old imperial system. Revolutionists wanted to build a modern gov. The uprising led to many important changes in the country. -
Abdication of the last Chinese emperor
China's last emperor stepped down. His abdication marked the end of over 2000 years of imperial rule. China then moved toward a Republican form of government, which was a change for the nation. -
Establishment of the Kuomintang
The Kuomintang, or Nationlist Party, was founded in August 1912. It was created to help modernize and unify the country. The party soon became a major force in the political sense. Its work shaped the future of Chinese politics. -
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First World War
WWI lasted from July 1914 to 1918. Many countries from around the world were involved into fighting. This war led to millions of changes and overall changed global borders. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in all of history. -
Opening of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal opened in August 1914. It created a shorter route for trade to go through making it quicker and more accessible. This short route connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This was a major breakthrough in engineering. -
Japan issues China with the Twenty-One Demands
Japan sent China a list of twenty one demands. These demands forced China to give up control of parts of its economy and territory. The harsh demands increased tensions between the two nations and many Chinese people felt they were being treated unfairly. -
Bolshevik Revolution in Russia
The Bolshevik Revolution happened in October 1917. This was led by Lenin and overthrew the od tsarist gov. This event stopped centuries of imperial rule in Russia. Led to the formation of Soviet Union. -
Bolshevik Revolution in Russia
This revolution was led by Lenin, the Bolsheviks overthrew the old tsarist gov. This event ended centuries of imperial rule in Russia. Led to the creation of the Soviet Union. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
The treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed in March 1918 between Germany and Russia. Russia agreed to give up a large area of land. This allowed Germany to focus more on fighting in the west. The treaty changed the balance of power in. WWI, -
Opening of the Paris Peace Conference at Versailles
The paris peace conference opened at versailles in January 1919. Leaders from many nations came together to decide on how to end WWI. They talked about borders and war reparations. The conference shaped the international actions for year to come. -
Beggining of the May Fourth Movement in China
The may fouth movement began in May 1919 in China. It started because people in China protested against foreign influence and their weak gov. Students and higher ups demanded reform and national strength. The movement generated new ideas and change overall. -
Treaty of Versailles
The treaty of versailles was signed in June 1919 to officially end WWI. It forced Germany to pay reparations for their loss. Many people thought the treaty was very harsh. The agreement contributed to future conflicts. -
Treaty of Saint Germain
The treaty of Saint Germain dealt with the split of Austro Hungarian empire. It acknowledged new borders in Europe and changed the balance of power in the area. It was one of the treaties that reshaped Europe after WWI. -
Treaty of Neuilly
The treaty of neuilly was signed in November 1919. It addressed the consequences of Bulgaria after WWI. Bulgaria had to give up territory and pay reparations. The future of politics of the Balkans were affected by the treaty. -
Treaty of Sevres
The treaty of sevres was signed in August 1920. It was signed to split up the Ottoman empire and re format the map of the middle east. new countries were planned to be created but this treaty was replaced because of the local beliefs. -
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Washington Naval Conference
The Washington Naval Conference was from 1921 to 1922. Leaders from major countries met to talk about naval disarmament. They agreed on limits for building warships. This conference was an effort to prevent another world war. -
Treaty formally ending the war between the US and Germany
This treaty signed in May 1921 ended the war between the US and Germany. It helped to settle the last of the fights after WWI. This treaty allowed both countries to move towards peaceful relationships. -
Formation of the Chinese Communist Party
The CCP was founded in July 1921. This new party aimed to change China's social and economic system. It got rid of old traditions and influenced future gov policies. The party became a major force in Chinese history -
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World Disarmament Conference
Leaders met to discuss ways to reduce armies and weapons after WWI. They wanted to prevent future wars by limiting military power. Howeverm the talks did not lead to lasting agreements. -
Treaty of Rapallo
This treaty was signed in April 1922 between Germany and the Soviet Union. Both countries agreed to make their relationship normal. They also decided to start working together on economic and diplomatic issues as one. This treaty helped them bypass restrictions set by western powers. -
French occupation of the Ruhr
In january 1923, French troops took over the Ruhr, a key industrial region inside of Germany. This move by France was a punishment for Germany's failure to pay reparations. It caused even more economic issues within Germany. The occupation go Germans fired up and increased their anger. -
The Dawes Plan
The dawes plan was introduced in August 1924 to help Germany pay its reparations. It gave Germany loans and restructered payments. The plan helped stabilize the German economy. It was seen as a temporary fix to postwar problems. -
Death of Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was the father of modern China. He was a key role in the act of overthrowing the old imperial system. His ideas inspired political and social reforms in China. His death marked the end of an important era. -
Locarno Conference
The Locarno Conference took place in October 1925. Leaders from European nations all came together on the borders set via WWI. They all promised to respect these borders and work together. This conference created a short period of stability throughout Europe. -
Chiang Kia-shek begins the Northern March
In july 1926, Chiang Kai-shek started the northern march in China. He led his forces in the north to unite the country. The march involved many different battles. It was an important step in the fight for control of China. -
Begging of the Kuomintang's Purification Movement
The Kuomintang created a campaign aimed to remove communist influences from the party. THis led to a split and internal conflict within the party. The movement changed the course of Chinese politics for years. -
Kellogg-Briand Pact
The kellogg-briand pact was signed in August 1928 by many nations. They agreed to renounce war as an an acceptable way to solve problems. the pact was a hopeful promise for peaceful world. However, this didn't prevent future battles -
Kuomintang forces take control of Peking
Forces from the Kuomintang took control of Peking, which is now Bejing. This changed the balance of power in China. IT was part of the struggle to modernize and unify China. The event marked a victory for national forces. -
The Young Plan
The Young Plan was introduced to ease Germany's war reparations. This lowered the amount and extended the time for payment. The plan helped German economy recover. It was an important step towards stabilizing Europe. -
Wall Street Crash
The wall street crash occurred in October 1929. This crash in stocks led to a worldwide economic crises called the Great Depression. Millions of people lost their jobs and savings. Everyone pulled their money out the bank at the same time and it was being invested. The crash changed the way economies around the world work. -
Mao Tse-tung elected Chairman of the Soviet Republic of China
Mao Tse-tung was elected to be the Chairman of the Soviet Republic of China in Novermber 1931. Him being a leader began to influence the future of Chinese communism. Mao's ideas and actions shaped the way China worked for decades and his election marked a turning point in China's history. -
Japanese invasion of Manchuria
Japan invaded Manchuria in northereastern China. Japanese troops quickly took control of the region. This invasion was part of Japan's plan to expand in Asia. The action sparked international concern. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. His rise to power marked the start of the Nazi era. Hitler promised to restore Germany pride and his leadership soon led to dangerous and aggressive policies. -
Japan withdraws from the League of Nations
Japan left the League of Nations in February 1933. The country was not happy with how the Leauge handled international problems. Japan wanted more freedom to go after their own goals. This decision weakened the League and increased global aggression. -
The Long March sets out in China
Communist forces in China began the Long March. They retreated over thousands of miles to escape attacks by others. The journey was very hard and many soldiers died. This event became a powerful symbol of perseverance. -
Return of the Saar region to Germany after a plebiscite
In January 1935, the Saar region was returned to Germany after a vote. The area was controlled by France since WWI. This vote showed that people wanted to be part of Germany and this started to boost German national pride. -
Germany introduces conscription and begins open rearmament
In march 1935, Germany started conscription to build a larger army. The gov openly began rearming in violation of treaties from before. These actions made other nations very nervous for what was going to come. They set the stage for future conflicts in Europe. -
Italian invasion of Abyssinia
Italy invaded Abyssinia in October 1935. The invasion was led by Mussolini and his fascist government. Italian forces used harsh methods during the conflict and showed ambition to build a new empire. -
German occupation of the Rhineland
German troops marched into the Rhineland. The region was supposed to be free of military forces after WWI. Germany's bold move broke the treaty rules and increased tensions. Many European countries were shocked by this action of rebellion. -
Revolt of army generals leading to Spanish Civil War
In July 1936, a revolt by Spanish army generals sparked the Spanish Civil War. The conflict between republicans against nationalists led by General Franco. The war divided the country and caused lots of suffering. It was a sign of deep political and social problems. -
Rome-Berlin Axis
In October 1936, Italy and Germany formed an alliance called the rome-berlin axis. They each promised to help during war. This agreement showed they had similar goals. It also set the stage for later cooperation in military -
Anti-Comintern Pact
The Anti-Comintern Pact was signed in Nov 1936 by Germany and Japan. The came together joining forces to fight against the spread of communism. This pact strengthened the bonds between these two countries. This was a early sign of their alliance that would change future wars. -
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Sino-Japanese War
The Sino-Japanese War lasted from 1937 to 1945. It was a long and brutal conflict between China and Japan. Many people suffered during the fighting and this war later came together into a larger conflict of WWII. -
Italy joins the Anti-Comintern pact
In Nov 1937, Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact. Italy aligned itself with Germany and Japan against communism. This made the bonds among the nations stronger and this alliance increased the chances of a larger conflict. -
Anschluss
In March 1938, Germany annexed Austria in an event called the Anschluss. This event happened without a fight and expanded Germany's territory a lot. It was celebrated by many germans but worried other countries. -
Madrid falls to Nationalist forces, ending the Spanish Civil War
Madrid fell to the nationalist forces in Spain. This event effectively ended the Spanish Civil War as General Franco's forces took control of the country. The end of the war left a lasting impact on Spain. -
German occupation of Csechoslovakia
Germany occupied Csechoslovakia in a bold move that showed Germany's expanding power in Europe. Csechoslovakia lost its independence without resistance. The occupation increased global scares of Germany going further with aggression. -
Pact of Steel
The Pact of Steel was signed in May 1939 by Italy and Germany. It committed both nations to supporting each other in time of war. This agreement showed their strong military ambitions. The pact kickstarted the second world war. -
Nazi-Soviet Pact
Germany and the Societ Union signed the nazi soviet pact. They promised not to attack each other and secretly divided the eastern part of Europe. This was a surprising agreement to the rest of the world as it allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of a two-front war. -
German invasion of Poland and the outbreak of the Second World War
Germany invaded Poland and marked the beginning of the WWII. Many nations soon declared war on Germany. This domino effect was the catalyst of the conflict that changed the aspect of the world we see it as today. -
German invasion of the USSR
Germany launched operation barbarossa and invaded the USSR. This invasion opened a new front in WWII. It was marked by heavy fighting and severe losses. The attack changed the size of the war. -
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. many American ships and air pilots were lost. This attack shocked the US and led to their entry into WWII. It marked a dramatic turning point in the size of the war. -
Japan declares war against the US and Britain
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan declared war on the US and Britain. This declaration brought more nations into the conflict. It turned a regional war into WWII.