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First Opium War
The First Opium War lasted from 1839-1842. It began when the Chinese government seized a British warehouse full of opium because opium had become a prominent issue in China. The British responded by destroying a Chinese blockade which led to the British taking Canton and Nanking. All of this ended with the Treaty of Nanking, which forced China to open up ports to foreigners, pay for all damages they caused during the war, give Hong Kong to Britain, and required free trade (for opium). -
Talping Rebellion
The Talping Rebellion began when starving peasants, miners, and workers attempted to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.The rebellion lasted from 1850-1864 and resulted in almost 20. million deaths. The Qing was able to remain on top, but this rebellion is an example of the struggle China had to endure to maintain it's government. -
Indian Rebellion of 1857
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began when Sepoys (Indian British soldiers) stood up to the British. The British maintained dominance over the sepoys, but this event caused the return of Indian nationalism and is a prime example of direct resistance. -
Second Opium War
The Second Opium War began because China and Britain were unhappy with the Treaty of Nanking. China Boarded a british ship in october of 1859 and set off the Second Opium War. The french joined the British against China in order to Challenge the chinese and resulted in the Treaty of Tientsin (which legalized opium, opened a new port to Western trade, and allowed foreign envoys to stay in Beijing). This further demonstrated the power difference of an industrialized nation vs. one further behind. -
Boer Wars
The Boer wars began when the British took control of the Cape from the Dutch. The settlers that were there were allowed to keep their language and were labelled as "Afrikaners". The Afrikaners and the British began to fought over the land and thus participated in the Boer Wars. They were fought during the timespan of 1880-1881 and 1898-1902. It contributed to the "Scramble for Africa". -
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 began when the U.S banned Chinese immigration due to the huge numbers coming in to California for jobs. This act is a prime example of how prejudice against immigrants was prominent during this time period. The chinese were banned from the opportunity of working in the U.S due to a combination of Nativism and Racism up until 1943. -
The Establishment of the Suez Canal and the Taking of Egypt for the British
The British established the Suez Canal in Egypt. They later on seized Egypt from the Ottomans to gain control of the Suez Canal in 1882. This event serves as an example of Imperialism in Africa and resulted in the British taking Sierra Leone, Gambia, Lagos, and Ghana. -
Berlin Conference
The berlin conference was a meeting between multiple European leaders. It was hosted by Otto Von Bismark in order to discuss the best way to colonize Africa. Major rivers and boundaries were discussed during this meeting, and it was a major part of the "Scramble for Africa". It was held between 1884 and 1885. -
Scramble for Africa
The "Scramble for Africa" lasted from 1884 until 1914. It essentially was the majority of European countries fighting for parts of Africa. This was due to the vast amount of valuable natural resources Africa withheld, thus it was heavily sought after. Events such as the Boer Wars and the Berlin conference contributed to what made up the "Scramble for Africa". Cecil Rhodes also played a large part due to his control over certain African mines, along with King Leopold II who took over the Congo. -
Boxer Rebellion
From 1891-1901, the Boxer Rebellion began with the desire to attack Chinese Christians. This, with the support of Empress Dowager Cixi, led to all foreigners being killed along with the murders of Chinese Christians. The rebellion resulted in more Western trade and influence.