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Congress of Vienna
Italy is divided into small states under foreign control. The north is dominated by Austria. -
Congress of Vienna pt.2
The German Confederation is created, a loose association of 39 German States under Austrian influence. -
Foundation of Young Italy
Giuseppe Mazzini founds Young Italy, a nationalist movement aimed at unifying Italy. -
Zollverein (Customs Union)
Prussia leads the creation of a customs union, fostering economic unity among German states, excluding Austria. -
Opium Wars
These wars, especially the First Opium War (1839-1842), marked the beginning of significant Western influence in China, leading to the Treaty of Nanking. -
Treaty of Nanking
This treaty ended the First Opium War and was the first of the “Unequal Treaties.” It forced China to cede Hong Kong to the British and open several ports to British trade. -
Revolutions in Italy
Revoltions erupt in several Italian states seeking independence and unity. They fail but strengthen the unification sentiment. -
Revolutions of 1848
Liberal revolutions in German states push for unification and a constitution, but they fail due to conservation forces. -
Taiping Rebellion
Although not directly caused by the West, the instability during the rebellion allowed for increased foreign interference and influence, as Western powers supported the Qing dynasty to suppress the rebellion. -
Camillo di Cavour becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia
Cavour promotes internal reforms and seeks international alliances to advance unification. -
Second Opium War
Also known as the Arrow War, this conflict resulted in further Western concessions, including the opening of more Chinese ports to European powers. -
Second Italian War of Independence
Piedmont-Sardinia, with French support, defeats Austria, liberating Lombardy. -
Expedition of the Thousand
Giuseppe Garibaldi leads military campaign in southern Italy, conquering Sicily and Naples. -
Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy
Victor Emmanuel II is proclaimed King of Italy. Most Italian states are unified, except for Rome and Venice. -
Self Strengthening Movement
This period saw China attempting reforms and modernization based on Western technology and military models, largely in response to foreign pressure. -
Otto von Bismarck becomes Chancellor of Prussia
Bismarck rises to power and begins implementing his Realpolitik strategy to unify Germany under Prussian leadership. -
Danish War
Prussia and Austria defeat Denmark, gaining control of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, increasing Prussian influence. -
Third Italian War of Independence
Italy allies with Prussia against Austria. Venice is annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. -
Austro-Prussian War (Seven Weeks War)
Prussia defeats Austria and excludes it from German Affairs, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the creation of the North German Confederation. -
Formation of the North German Confederation
A federal alliance of northern German states is formed under Prussian dominance, excluding southern German states and Austria. -
Annexation of Rome
After the withdrawal of French troops, Italy takes Rome, which becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. -
Franco-Prussian War
Bismarck provokes war with France rallying southern German states to join the North German Confederation against a common enemy. -
Rome becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Italy
Unification is consolidated with Rome as the political center of power. -
Treaty of Frankfurt
The Franco-Prussian War ends with this treaty, marking France’s defeat. Alsace and Lorraine are annexed to Germany, solidifying German unification. -
Proclamation of the German Empire
Following the defeat of France, the German Empire is proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, with Wilhelm I as Emperor. -
Sino French War
France’s victory in this conflict led to increased European influence in China, particularly in southern regions like Vietnam, which became a French colony. -
Sino Japanese War
Japan’s victory over China shocked the Qing government and opened the door for further Western incursions into Chinese territory and influence. -
Open Door Policy
Proposed by the United States, this policy aimed to ensure equal trade opportunities for all foreign powers in China, preventing any one nation from dominating. -
Boxer Rebellion
A nationalist uprising against foreign influence, which was crushed by a coalition of Western powers and Japan, leading to further imposition of Western controls. -
1911 Xinhai Revolution
This revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty, marking the end of imperial China and the beginning of the Republic of China, influenced in part by Western ideas of nationalism and governance.