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Opium Wars Begin
The Chinese did not allow trading with Europeans. In order to get Chinese goods, British smugglers began to take opium into China to trade for things such as silk, porcelain, tea, and ivory. The Chinese government did everything they could to stop the illegal imports, but until they allowed British trading in 1842, the smuggling continued. -
Treaty of Kanagawa
Following Matthew C. Perry's accidental run in with Japan, trade began to flow between the two countries. The Treaty of Kanagawa was the official agreement between Japan and America that opened trade ports in Shimoda and Hakodate. -
David Livingstone Found
Henry Morton Stanley was sent to Africa to find David Livingstone in 1869. David Livingstone was sent to Africa to map rivers and convert people, but had not been heard from in several years. On Nov. 10, 1871, Stanley found Livingstone and said the famous words "Mr. Livingstone, I presume?". -
Queen Victoria crowned Indian Empress
Following the establishment of the British Raj, Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India to ensure a fastened hold on the Indian government. Many Indians were very upset about this, feeling as though the British were stepping too far into their politics. While others felt the British was trying to take a step to acknowledge their culture. -
The Boer War
In the 1860s and 80s, Europeans discovered diamonds and gold in southern Africa. Pre-existing Dutch settlers took up arms against them in an attempt to prevent them from gaining political rights. This was one of the first modern wars. The Boers use guerrilla tactics and raids, while the British burned farms and put women and children in camps. In 1910, the Boers joined the Union of South Africa, ending the war. -
Start of the Boxer Rebellion
In 1899, a group of Chinese peasants took control over the European section of Beijing. China chose not to interfere because they had no desire to help the Europeans keep control over them. Eventually the Europeans sent in soldiers who defeated them and retook Beijing. -
Panama Canal Competed
President Rosevelt wanted to build a canal through Panama that connected the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This would allow trading ships to cut their time by weeks because they wouldn't have to go down around South America. In order to accomplish this, Rosevelt had to pay 10 million dollars and additional yearly payments during construction. Many died during its construction.
