East Asia

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Timeline: East Asia

Years: c. 500,000 years ago - 2011	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735905

Jump to a year:

BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 500,000 years ago	Peking man shelters in caves south of modern Beijing, leaving many scraps of evidence of his way of life Go to Zhoukoudian in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Asia China Fire is used in China by Peking man, and may have been in use much earlier in Africa Go to Zhoukoudian, China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Asia China
c. 60,000 years ago	The first human inhabitants of Australia make the crossing from southeast Asia Go to Pacific Islands in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Migration Asia Southeast Asia Australia and Oceania Society Australia
c. 30,000 years ago	With the sea level falling, a land bridge (known as Beringia) forms between Siberia and Alaska, enabling humans to enter the continent of America Go to Bering land bridge in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Migration American Indians Asia Society North America Canada United States
c. 8000 BCE	Humans cross from eastern Siberia to the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, according to the earliest traces left by the Jomon culture Go to Jomon in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Asia Japan Humans cross from eastern Siberia to the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, according to the earliest traces left by the Jomon culture Go to Jomon in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Asia Japan
c. 2850 BCE	The Chinese discover that the cocoon of a certain worm can be unwound, spun as thread and then woven - thus creating silk Go to silk in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
c. 2000 BCE	The red jungle fowl is domesticated as poultry in southeast Asia Go to junglefowl noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Social and domestic Asia Southeast Asia Society
c. 1600 BCE	The characters written in Chinese documents of the Shang dynasty are directly related to those still in use today Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia China
c. 1500 BCE	The Chinese develop a form of scroll, made of strips of bamboo threaded together and rolled up like a wooden blind Go to scroll binding, East Asia in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Communication Asia China
c. 1400 BCE	The Great City Shang, on a site later known as An-yang, develops as the capital of China's first dynasty Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China Chopsticks are in use in China, with bronze versions featuring in Shang tombs Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Social and domestic Asia China Society Ancestor worship, a central theme of Chinese history, is practised by the royal family and high nobility in Shang times Go to ancestor worship in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Religion Asia China China produces superb bronzes, in the ritual vessels for sacrifices to the ancestors Go to Chinese art in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Decorative arts Religion Asia China
c. 1300 BCE	Chinese priests record on oracle bones the result of their divination, thus providing the earliest examples of Chinese characters Go to Chinese writing system in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Religion Asia China
c. 1050 BCE	The Zhou defeat the Shang, and establish a new dynasty with a capital at Ch'ang-an (now Xi'an) Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
771 BCE	The Zhou rulers, driven east from Xi'an, create a new capital at Loyang and establish the Eastern Zhou dynasty Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 600 BCE	The poems of the Shi Jing, China's earliest work of literature, are gathered together Go to Chinese Mythology in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Literature Poetry Asia China
c. 550 BCE	K'ung-fu-tzu, or Confucius, teaches a practical philosophy which will profoundly influence Chinese history Go to Confucianism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Literature Philosophy Politics Asia China
513 BCE	The Chinese become the first people to cast iron, after developing a furnace which can reach a very high temperature Go to iron in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
c. 500 BCE	The secret of lacquer, the sap of a tree which can be hardened by moisture, is discovered in China Go to lacquer in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Arts Decorative arts Asia China The Chinese I Jing, or 'Classic of Changes', is compiled as a book of divination Go to I Ching in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Religion Asia China The Chinese philosophy of alternating opposites is expressed as yin and yang Go to Taoism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Literature Philosophy Asia China
c. 400 BCE	Daodejing ('The Way and the Power') is the book of Daoism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Literature Philosophy Religion Asia China
c. 350 BCE	Daoism, attributed to the mythical sage Lao Tzu, becomes a popular alternative to the solemnity of Confucianism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Religion Asia China Tea, now well established as a drink, features in a Chinese dictionary Go to tea in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Social and domestic Asia China Society The brutal philosophy of Legalism contributes to the decline of the Zhou dynasty Go to legalism in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Asia China
c. 250 BCE	The Chinese develop the crossbow, many centuries before its use in Europe Go to crossbow in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Weapons Asia China
221 BCE	After 800 years the Zhou dynasty is brought to an end by the ruler of the Qin kingdom Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China The ruthless Qin dynasty establishes control over the whole of central China Go to Qin in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 215 BCE	The Qin emperor joins up earlier fortifications to create the Great Wall of China Go to Great Wall of China, China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Architecture Asia China
213 BCE	In the Qin dictatorship, all Confucian books are burnt (except those of any practical use) and 460 Confucian scholars are executed Go to Shi Huangdi (259–210 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Persecution and repression Asia China
207 BCE	A delegate from imperial China establishes the kingdom of Nam-Viet with himself as king Go to Dong Son Culture in The Oxford Companion to Archaeology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam
206 BCE	The Qin emperor, Shi Huangdi, is buried at Xi'an with a vast army of terracotta soldiers Go to Shi Huangdi (259–210 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China The Han, the first of the great Chinese dynasties, is established Go to Han in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
176 BCE	The Yuezhi, defeated by the Xiongnu, move west - before eventually descending into Bactria and northwest India Go to Xiongnu in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Migration Asia Society
138 BCE	Zhang Qian, a Chinese diplomat, begins a spell of twelve years as a captive of the nomadic horde, the Xiongnu Go to Qian, Zhang (d. 114 b.c.e.) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Exploration Asia China Society
c. 126 BCE	Zhang Qian reaches Bactria and is the first to bring news of western Asia back to China Go to Qian, Zhang (d. 114 b.c.e.) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Exploration Asia Central Asia China Society
c. 125 BCE	Under the Han dynasty the Confucians become the official civil servants in China, with entry to the service regulated by examination Go to Confucianism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Asia China
c. 120 BCE	Sima Qian undertakes (and carries through against unusual odds) a major survey of Chinese history Go to Sima Qian (c. 145–85 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Literature Asia China
106 BCE	A caravan leaves China with goods destined for Persia - proof that the eastern half of the Silk Road is now open Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Commerce and industry Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) China Society
c. 100 BCE	The practice of acupuncture is described in Nei Qing, a Chinese medical text Go to Acupuncture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE 1st century BCE Science Medicine Asia China
57 BCE	Silla becomes the first of the three kingdoms of Korea, followed by Koguryo in 37 BC and Paekche in 18 BC Go to Korea in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Korea
51 BCE	The Xiongnu split into two hordes, one of them submitting to China and the other moving west Go to Xiongnu in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Migration Asia Society
23 BCE	Sukune, according to tradition, wins the first sumo wrestling contest and becomes patron saint of the sport Go to sumo wrestling in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Sports and games Asia Japan Society
23	The Han dynasty recovers control, after a 15-year interlude, and moves the capital to Loyang - starting the Eastern Han period Go to Han in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 100	Theravada Buddhism, strong in south India and Sri Lanka, travels with traders through southeast Asia Go to Theravada Buddhism in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Religion Commerce and industry Asia South Asia Sri Lanka Southeast Asia Society Buddhism, arriving with trade along the Silk Road from India, puts down firm roots in China Go to Buddhism in China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Religion Commerce and industry Asia China Society
105	The eunuch Ts'ai Lun either invents paper or presents a report on the new substance to the Chinese emperor Go to paper in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
c. 175	The Han emperor in China has the six main Confucian classics engraved in stone, so that scholars may take rubbings - a first step towards printing Go to Confucian Classics in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Printing Asia China
221	The Han dynasty is brought to an end, after more than four centuries, by decades of peasant unrest Go to Han in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 300	The Chinese transform the toe loop of nomadic horsemen into the metal stirrup Go to stirrups in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Social and domestic Asia China Society Ten dynasties and nineteen kingdoms jockey for power in the three centuries after the fall of the Han dynasty Go to Three Kingdoms (220–280) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Politics Asia China
c. 350	The clan ruling the Yamato plain becomes so powerful that its chieftain is seen as the emperor of Japan Go to Yamato in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
c. 400	The Chinese solve the difficult problem of harnessing a horse without strangling it Go to harness in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Social and domestic Asia China Society The Yamato clan adapt Shinto to their own purposes, and claim imperial descent from the sun Go to Yamato in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Asia Japan
538	A Buddhist image, sent as a gift from Korea, introduces the religion to Japan Go to Buddhism in A Dictionary of Sociology (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Religion Asia Japan
c. 550	Caves along the Silk Road are decorated with a profusion of carvings in the traditions of Mahayana Buddhism Go to Mahayana Buddhism in The Oxford Companion to World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Arts Sculpture Asia
589	After three centuries of chaos and disunion in China, a stable dynasty - the Sui - is established by Wen Ti (the Cultured Emperor) Go to Sui in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
607	Prince Shotoku Taishi, an enthusiastic patron of Buddhism, builds the Horyuji temple and pagoda at Nara Go to Nara in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Architecture Religion Asia Japan
c. 610	The Grand Canal is constructed in China, joining a network of existing waterways to link the Yangtze and Yellow rivers Go to Grand Canal in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Canals Technology Engineering Asia China Society
618	A high official of the Sui empire seizes power and establishes one of China's greatest dynasties, the T'ang Go to T'ang in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 650	At Dunhuang, an oasis on the Silk Road, as many as 500 caves are decorated with Buddhist murals Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Arts Painting Religion Asia China Songtsen Gampo builds temples in Lhasa for his two Buddhist wives, thus introducing the religion to Tibet Go to Songtsen Gampo (c.609–50) in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Religion Asia Thonmi Sambhota, a student of Sanskrit, devises a way of writing Tibetan and produces treatises on Tibetan grammar Go to Sanskrit in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Asia
c. 700	The discovery of the technique of porcelain, the most delicate of all forms of pottery, is made in China Go to porcelain in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Arts Decorative arts Technology Asia China
710	The Japanese imperial court makes its capital city at Nara, based on the Chinese example of Xi'an Go to Xi'an (Shaanxi/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Asia Japan
c. 730	Three of China's most famous poets - Wang Wei, Li Po and Tu Fu - are contemporaries during the T'ang dynasty Go to Li Po (701–62) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Literature Poetry Asia China
735	Japanese tradition gives this as the year in which the game of I-go, known in the west as go, is introduced from China Go to go noun in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of Foreign Terms in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Sports and games Asia Japan Society
c. 750	T'ang potters make vigorous and brightly coloured figures, of horses, camels or human attendants, to accompany the dead in the grave Go to Tang in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Arts Decorative arts Religion Asia China
768	The empress of Japan, in a remarkable start to the story of printing, commissions a million copies of a Buddhist charm Go to printing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Printing Prints Religion Technology Communication Asia Japan
794	The Japanese imperial court moves to a new capital city - Kyoto Go to Kyōto (Honshū/Japan) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Asia Japan
801	Chia Tan produces an ambitious map for the emperor, some 30 by 33 feet in size, showing the entire T'ang empire Go to Abbas I (1571–1629) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Science Asia China
845	On the orders of the T'ang emperor, 4000 monasteries are destroyed in China and 250,000 monks and nuns forced into secular life Go to T'ang dynasty in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Monasticism Asia China
868	The world's first known printed book, a Diamond Sutra, is commissioned by a Buddhist monk in honour of his parents Go to sutra in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Printing Technology Communication Asia China The Diamand Sutra has as a frontispiece a printed woodcut depicting an enthroned Buddha Go to Diamond Sutra in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Printing Prints Technology Asia China
877	The Fujiwara family creates for itself a new hereditary office, that of imperial chancellor, through which it effectively rules Japan Go to Fujiwara in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
c. 900	Playing cards are in use in T'ang dynasty China. Go to playing card noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century 10th century Sports and games Asia China Society
903	The leader of a peasant uprising captures and kills the Chinese emperor, bringing to an end the T'ang dynasty Go to T'ang in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Asia China
c. 910	Paper money is developed in China, becoming later one of the aspects of Chinese life which most impresses Marco Polo Go to Marco Polo (c.1254–1324) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Commerce and industry Asia China Society
935	Wank Kon changes the name of his kingdom to Koryo, meaning 'high and beautiful', thus providing the rest of the world with the name Korea Go to Korea in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Korea
c. 950	A Chinese engineer, Chiao Wei-yo, is credited with devising the principle of the two-level pound lock for canals Go to canal lock in Visual English Dictionary (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Canals Technology Engineering Asia China Society
960	A warlord, Zhao Kuangyin, establishes a new Chinese dynasty - the Song Go to Song in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
986	The Khitan, a tribe from eastern Mongolia, fortify Beijing and make it their capital city Go to Beijing (Beijing Municipality/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Asia China
c. 995	Sei Shonagon, a lady-in-waiting to the Japanese empress, records her thoughts and impressions in her Pillow Book Go to pillow book noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Social and domestic Asia Japan Society
1001	Japanese author Murasaki Shibubi produces, in The Tale of Genji, a book which can be considered the world's first novel Go to Murasaki, Shikibu (978–1014) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Literature Fiction Asia Japan Europe
c. 1040	A Chinese manual on warfare includes the earliest known description of gunpowder Go to gunpowder in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Science Chemistry Weapons Asia China
c. 1050	The concept of movable type for printing is pioneered in China, using fired clay, but it proves impractical Go to movable type in A Dictionary of Media and Communication (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Printing Technology Communication Asia China The earliest surviving reference to the principle of the compass occurs in a Chinese manuscript Go to compass in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
1054	Astronomers in China and Japan observe the explosion of the supernova which is still visible as the Crab Nebula Go to Crab Nebula in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Science Astronomy and space Asia China Japan
1064	Su Sung, a Buddhist monk, develops in China the principle of the escapement in his tower clock worked by a water wheel Go to escapement in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
c. 1100	Chinese potters in the Song dynasty develop the wares known as celadons, with thick transparent green glazes Go to Song in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century 12th century Arts Decorative arts Asia China
c. 1150	The city of Angkor and the great temple of Angkor Wat are created by the Khmer dynasty in Cambodia Go to Angkor in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Zen Buddhism reaches Japan from China and appeals greatly to the new samurai class Go to Zen Buddhism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Religion Asia Japan
1185	The triumph of the Minamoto clan in Japan in 1185 leads to an uneasy relationship between the brothers Yoritomo and Yoshitsune Go to Minamoto Yoritomo (1147–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1192	Yoritomo is given the title sei-i-tai-shogun, beginning centuries of rule by shoguns more powerful than the Japanese emperors Go to shogun in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Politics Asia Japan
c. 1200	The samurai provide military support for the shogun, in a system similar to feudalism at this same period in Europe Go to samurai in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Politics Asia Japan Bushido, the code of the samurai, emphasizes the necessary qualities of respect, decorum, courage and martial skill Go to bushidō in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Politics Asia Japan The Chinese develop a feature of great significance in the history of seafaring - a sternpost rudder which is an integral part of the ship Go to sternpost in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia China
1206	Temujin, elected chief of all the Mongol tribes, takes the name Genghis Khan Go to Genghis Khan (1162–1227) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia
c. 1230	Ogadai, son of Genghis Khan, turns his father's headquarters at Karakorum into a capital city Go to Karakorum in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia
1231	The Mongols conquer the Korean peninsula, subsequently using it as a base for two expeditions against Japan Go to Mongols in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia Korea
c. 1250	A Japanese potter, returning from China, makes Seto the centre of ceramic production in Japan Go to Seto in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Arts Decorative arts Asia Japan
1252	A huge bronze sculpture, known as Daibutsu and cast in Kamakura, depicts Amida, the Amitabha Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism Go to Pure Land in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Arts Sculpture Religion Asia Japan
1264	Kublai defeats his brother Ariq Böge and thus establishes his position as Great Khan of the Mongols Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
1271	The Mongol leader Kublai Khan chooses a name for his new dynasty in China, calling it Ta Yuan ('Great Origin') Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
1274	The Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 seems to confirm the doom and disaster foretold by the Buddhist prophet Nichiren Go to Nichiren (1222–82) in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Migration War Asia China Japan Society
1275	Marco Polo is presented to Kublai Khan in Xanadu, and according to his own account makes a very good impression Go to Polo, Marco (c.1254–1324) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Travel and transport Asia China Society
1279	With the fall of Hangzhou, the Song imperial capital, Kublai Khan's new Yüan dynasty is secure Go to Song (960–1279) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia China The Tibetan link with the Mongols brings Tibet within the Chinese empire of Kublai Khan Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Asia China
1281	For the second time Japan is saved from Mongol invasion by powerful storms - which are given the name kamikaze, or 'divine wind' Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century War Asia China Japan
c. 1300	The formalities of the Tea Ceremony demand equivalently exquisite wares from the Japanese potters Go to tea ceremony in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century 14th century Arts Decorative arts Social and domestic Asia Japan Society
1338	A new dynasty, the Ashikaga shogunate, comes into power after a member of the family, Takauji, wins a civil war Go to Ashikaga in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan The first Dalai Lama dies in 1338 and is discovered to have been reincarnated in a boy born in 1340 Go to Dalai Lama in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Religion Asia
1346	The plague which later becomes known as the Black Death makes its first appearance in China Go to Black Death (1347–50) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Social and domestic Asia China Society
c. 1350	The classic Chinese underglaze blue is perfected in the imperial ceramic factory at Jingdezhen Go to Jingdezhen in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Arts Decorative arts Asia China
1356	Chu Yüan-chang, leader of a peasant band, makes his headquarters in a town which he renames Nanking - 'southern capital' Go to Nanjing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Asia China
1368	Chu Yüan-chang drives the Mongols out of Beijing and declares a new dynasty - the Ming Go to Ming in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China On the fall of the Yuan dynasty, replaced by the Ming, Tibet declares its independence from China Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
1374	Kanami and Zeami Motokiyo please the shogun with their theatrical performance, and his patronage begins the tradition of Japan's No theatre Go to Nō drama in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Performing arts Theatre Asia Japan
c. 1380	Koreans establish the first type foundry, casting movable type in bronze Go to movable type in A Dictionary of Media and Communication (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Printing Technology Communication Asia Korea
1392	Yi Song-gye founds the Yi dynasty, which rules in Korea until the twentieth century Go to Korea in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Korea
1397	The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is built by the shogun Yoshimitsu as his own villa Go to shogun in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Architecture Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1421	The third Ming emperor moves the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and begins laying out the Forbidden City Go to Lithuania in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
c. 1425	The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is built for the third emperor of the Ming dynasty Go to Temple of Heaven in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China Zheng He, a Muslim eunuch, makes voyages of trade and exploration with a fleet of Chinese junks Go to Zheng He (died c.1433) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Asia China Society
1445	A Muslim ruler is established in Malacca, forming the first of many Muslim dynasties in the Malay archipelago Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Islam Asia Southeast Asia
1511	The Portuguese take control of Malacca, in the Malay peninsula, as a base for trade further east Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1512	The Portuguese make treaties in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands), to trade in cloves and nutmeg Go to Moluccas in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1521	Ferdinand Magellan is killed in the Philippines, in a skirmish with natives Go to Magellan, Ferdinand (c. 1480–1521) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Exploration Asia Southeast Asia Society
1543	The first Europeans reach Japan by accident, blown ashore in a storm Go to Japan in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Migration Asia Japan Society
1550	The Mongols, increasingly dominated by their neighbours in Manchuria, submit to them and are accepted by the Manchus as vassals Go to vassal noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia
1557	The Portuguese establish a trading post on Macao, a small peninsula off the south coast of China Go to Macao in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1571	The Spanish governor general, Legazpi, makes his capital at Manila,and names the surrounding islands the Philippines after Philip II Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires The Philippines and its governor general are placed under the authority of the Spanish governor of New Spain, ruling from Mexico City Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Spanish empire Asia Southeast Asia Empires Latin America Mexico
1573	Oda Nobunaga takes power into his own hands, after ruling for a while through the Ashikaga shogun Go to Oda Nobunaga (1534–82) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1583	The Jesuit Matteo Ricci arrives in China, and becomes the first western student of Chinese civilization Go to Ricci, Matteo (1552–1610) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Monasticism Asia China
1588	The shogun's Tea Master awards a gold seal with the one word raku ('felicity') to a beautiful bowl, thus naming Japan's most famous ware Go to raku in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Arts Decorative arts Asia Japan
c. 1595	The writings of Matteo Ricci introduce Kung Fu Tzu to Europe under a Latin version of his name - Confucius Go to Confucius in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Literature Philosophy Asia China The first Dutch expedition round the Cape reaches Java and secures trading agreements Go to Java in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Commerce and industry Dutch empire Asia Southeast Asia Society Empires
1603	The warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu is awarded the title of shogun, beginning nearly three centuries of the Tokugawa shogunate Go to Tokugawa in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1614	An edict is passed expelling Jesuit missionaries from Japan, and ordering their converts to revert to Buddhism Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Religion Christianity Monasticism Asia China
1619	Jan Pieterszoon Coen destroys the town of Jakarta, on the coast of Java, and rebuilds it as a Dutch trading centre under the name Batavia Go to Jakarta (Java/Indonesia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Asia Europe Empires
1624	The Japanese are forbidden to leave their country, or foreigners to enter, at the start of more than two centuries of almost total isolation Go to Japan in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Asia Japan
c. 1625	The Dutch gradually exclude the Portuguese from the immensely lucrative trade in cloves from the Spice Islands (or Moluccas) Go to Molucca Islands in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1641	The Dutch expel the Portuguese from their trading posts in Malacca Go to Malacca in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1642	The Mongols depose the ruling dynasty of Tibet and offer the country to the Dalai Lama, to be ruled by him with Mongol military support Go to Dalai Lama noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia
1644	The last Ming emperor hangs himself, and China acquires a new and final dynasty - the Qing Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China
1649	The Russian empire, expanding eastwards through Siberia, reaches the Pacific coast Go to Siberia (Russia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia Europe Russia Empires
c. 1650	The pleasure districts of Edo and Kyoto provide the delights of ukiyo-e, the 'floating world' Go to Ukiyo-e in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Printing Arts Prints Social and domestic Asia Japan Society Hindu princes and brahmin priests withdraw from Java to Bali, turning the island into the last outpost of Hinduism in southeast Asia Go to Bali in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Religion Asia Southeast Asia Japan's popular theatre, kabuki, develops as a form of café entertainment Go to kabuki noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Performing arts Theatre Asia Japan To protect their market, the Dutch destroy all clove trees in the Moluccas except on two islands, Amboina and Ternate Go to Molucca Islands in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires The Dalai Lama declares that his teacher is also an incarnation of a future Buddha, and that he is to be known as Panchen Go to Panchen Lama in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Religion Asia
c. 1670	Members of the Sakaida Kakiemon family are producing exquisitely decorated porcelain ware in Japan Go to Kakiemon in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Decorative arts Asia Japan
c. 1675	Dutch traders purchase Kakiemon wares in Japan for import to the Netherlands Go to Kakiemon in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Decorative arts Commerce and industry Asia Japan Europe Netherlands Society
1683	The Qing emperor orders all Chinese men to shave their heads, leaving only a long pigtail Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Social and domestic Asia China Society
c. 1690	Chinoiserie becomes the new craze in Europe, after Jesuit reports of the Chinese civilization Go to chinoiserie in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Decorative arts Asia China
1720	The Dalai Lama in Lhasa accepts Chinese imperial protection, which lasts until 1911 Go to Dalai Lama noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia China
1728	The Danish explorer Vitus Bering sails into Arctic seas through the strait between Asia and America known now by his name Go to Bering (1681–1741) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration Asia Denmark Society
c. 1780	Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro is a master of colour woodcuts, often depicting the courtesan district of Edo Go to Utamaro, Kitagawa (1753–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Printing Arts Prints Asia Japan
1792	George III sends Lord Macartney on an embassy to the Chinese emperor Qianlong Go to Macartney's embassy in An Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires Britain
1830	Hokusai begins to publish his famous colour-printed views of Mount Fuji Go to Hokusai, Katsushika (1760–1849) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Printing Arts Prints Asia Japan
1839	British troops invade China after the Chinese authorities seize and destroy the opium stocks of British merchants in Canton Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires British forces capture Hong Kong, which is subsequently ceded to Britain by China at the end of the first Opium War in 1842 Go to Hong Kong in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia China
1842	The First Opium War ends with the island of Hong Kong, and extensive new trading rights, ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking Go to Nanking, treaty of (1842) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires
1850	A rebellion against the Qing dynasty, led by Christian convert Hong Xiuquan, breaks out in southern China Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia China
1853	The Taiping rebels capture the Chinese city of Nanjing and make it their capital Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia China
1854	Commodore Matthew Perry, commanding a powerful US fleet, persuades the Japanese to open their country to western trade – ending their period of isolation Go to Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794–1858) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Asia Japan Society
1856	An incident aboard the Arrow, flying a British flag, gives the British the pretext to launch the Second Opium War Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia China
1858	The Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Second Opium War, gives European powers new rights to intervene in Chinese affairs Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Religion War European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires Under the Treaty of Aigun, Russia wins from China the valuable Pacific coastline down to Vladivostok Go to Vladivostok (Primorye Territory/Russia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires Napoleon III sends forces to capture the port of Da Nang, beginning the French colonization of Vietnam Go to Napoleon III (1808–73) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1860	British and French forces occupy Beijing and burn the imperial summer palace, at the end of the Second Opium War Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia China
1863	British officer Charles Gordon leads untrained auxiliaries against the Taiping rebels in China, becoming known as Chinese Gordon Go to Gordon, Charles George (1833–85) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia China France establishes a protectorate over Cambodia Go to French Indo-China in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1864	Imperial Chinese troops and Gordon's auxiliaries take Nanjing, the rebel capital, finally bringing to an end the Taiping rebellion Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia China
1875	Nikolai Przewalski discovers in western Mongolia a surviving example of the wild breed from which the horse was domesticated Go to Przewalski's horse in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Asia
1883	Eruption of the volcano on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa sends six cubic miles of debris into the atmosphere and causes a huge tsunami Go to Krakatoa in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Asia Southeast Asia Society
1887	The imperial government in China formally acknowledges Portuguese territorial rights in Macao Go to Macao in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia China Southeast Asia Europe Empires France brings Cambodia and Vietnam into a federation of protectorates under the title French Indochina Go to Indochina in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1891	Work begins in the Urals and at Vladivostock, laying track which will eventually join up as the Trans-Siberian railway Go to Trans‐Siberian Railway in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Asia Society
1893	France incorporates Laos within French Indochina Go to Indochina in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1894	Japan and China go to war over Korea, with disastrous results for China Go to Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia China Japan Korea
1895	Japan's navy destroys the remains of China's fleet at Weihaiwei Go to Sino-Japanese war (1894–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia Japan At the end of the Sino-Japanese war China cedes to Japan the island of Taiwan, together with Port Arthur and the Liadong peninsula Go to Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia China Japan
1898	Russian forces seize the strategically important Chinese harbour known in the west as Port Arthur Go to Lüshun (Liaoning/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia China The Philippines declare independence from the colonial power, Spain, with whom they are at war Go to Philippines in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Spanish empire Asia Southeast Asia Empires The agreement ending the Spanish-American War includes Spain selling the Philippines to the USA for a payment of $20 million Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Rulers and politicians North America United States
1900	Hostility to foreign intrusion erupts in China with the Boxer Rising Go to Boxer Rising (1899–1900) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia China Europe Empires
1902	The three-year Philippine-American War is brought to an end, and the Philippines become a US colony Go to Philippine War in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Spanish empire Asia Japan Empires
1904	A surprise Japanese attack on Russian warships in Port Arthur launches the Russo-Japanese War for influence in Far East Go to Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Asia Japan British troops under Francis Younghusband enter Tibet's holy city of Lhasa Go to Tibet, British expedition to (1904) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia Empires
1905	The Japanese defeat a larger force of Russians at Mukden in the final land battle of the Russo-Japanese War Go to Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Battles Asia China Two thirds of the Russian fleet is sunk after being ambushed by Japanese warships in the Tsushima Strait Go to Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Asia The Treaty of Portsmouth gives Japan control of Port Arthur and much of the Liaotung Peninsula Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia China
1908	The last Manchu emperor, Puyi, is placed on the throne at the age of two on the death of his uncle, the Guanxu emperor Go to Puyi (1906–67) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan The Empress Dowager Cixi dies the day after selecting the infant Puyi for the Chinese throne Go to Cixi (c. 1834–1908) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1909	Bernard Leach moves to Japan to study oriental traditions in the graphic arts Go to Leach, Bernard Howell (1887–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Arts Decorative arts War British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia Japan Europe Britain
1910	Sun Yatsen and others merge several smaller Chinese political groups into the Guomindang, or Nationalist Party Go to Guomindang in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia China Japan annexes Korea as a colony, to be controlled by a Japanese governor-general Go to Korea in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia Korea
1911	An uprising in the city of Wuchang is the first major event in the rapidly developing Chinese revolution Go to Wuchang Revolution in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia China Bernard Leach discovers his skill and future craft at a raku party in Japan, where each guest is invited to throw a pot Go to Leach, Bernard Howell (1887–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts Decorative arts Asia Japan
1912	A republic of China is proclaimed, with Sun Yatsen as its provisional president Go to Sun Yatsen (12 Nov. 1866) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Asia China The abdication of the child emperor Puyi brings to an end the Qing dynasty Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia China Tibet declares its independence after the fall of the Qing dynasty and the end of imperial China Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia Japan
1913	Yuan Shikai outlaws the Guomindang party in the republic of China, to give himself unchallenged power as president Go to Yuan Shikai (b. 16 Sept. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Asia Japan
1914	August 23 Japan, with her own local agenda in the far east, declares war on Germany Go to Japan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 November 16 - the German enclave of Qingdao, in China, falls to the Japanese after a two-month siege Go to Qingdao (Shandong/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia China Wars since 1900
1920	The Japanese potter Shoji Hamada accompanies Bernard Leach on his return to England Go to Hamada, Shōji (9 Dec 1894) in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia Japan Europe Britain
1921	Mao Zedong leads a delegation to the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai Go to Mao Zedong (26 Dec. 1893) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent Asia China
1926	25-year-old Hirohito succeeds to the imperial throne of Japan after five years as prince regent Go to Hirohito (b. 29 Apr. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Japan
1927	Communists seize power in Jiangxi province and establish the first soviet republic in China Go to Jiangxi Soviet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Asia China Right-wing Chinese army officer Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) launches an anti-Communist coup in the Canton region Go to Northern Expedition (1926–28) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Asia China Achmed Sukarno becomes the first chairman of the new Indonesian Nationalist Party Go to Sukarno, Achmad (b. 6 June 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia The fossilized tooth of a human, half a million years old and known now as Peking Man, is discovered at a site near Beijing Go to Homo erectus in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Science Asia China
1928	Beijing falls to Kuomintang forces, extending the rule of Jiang Jieshi's National Government into the north of China Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics War Asia China A second anti-Communist coup enables Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) to set up a National Government in Nanjing Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Asia China
c. 1931	Six million Russian peasants die after being transported to agricultural labour camps in Siberia Go to prison camps, Soviet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia Europe Russia The Japanese occupy the Chinese state of Manchuria Go to Mukden incident (18 September 1931) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia China Japan
1932	Japan renames the Chinese province of Manchuria, calling it Manchukuo – supposedly independent but in fact a puppet state Go to Manchukuo in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia China Japan
1933	Japan announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations after a resolution is passed declaring the Japanese occupation of Manchuria illegal Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1934	To escape the Kuomintang forces, the Chinese Communist army begins the Long March from Jiangxi province to Shaanxi Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Communism Asia China
1935	Mao Zedong wins control over the Chinese Communists during the Long March Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Communism Asia China The survivors of the Long March reach safety in Shaanxi province in northwest China Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Asia China Kim Il Sung leads a Communist guerrilla campaign against the Japanese occupation of Korea Go to Kim Il Sung (1912–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization Asia Korea
1936	Germany and Japan establish an Anti-Comintern Pact against their common enemy, the USSR Go to Anti-Comintern Pact (25 Nov. 1936) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia Japan Germany Wars since 1900
1937	The Japanese use an incident at the Marco Polo Bridge, near Beijing, as the pretext for an attack on China Go to Marco Polo Bridge Incident (7 July 1937) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Asia China Japan Japanese troops occupy Beijing – at the start of eight years of continuous war between China and Japan Go to Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 The Japanese capture the Chinese capital, Nanjing, and massacre at least 300,000 inhabitants within a few weeks Go to Nanjing, Rape of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Asia China Japan Wars since 1900
1938	Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) builds the Burma Road as a supply route Go to Burma Road in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Technology Engineering Asia Southeast Asia
1939	May 11 - an incident on the border between Japanese Manchukuo and Soviet territory sparks a four-month war with the USSR that brings heavy Japanese losses Go to Khalkin Gol, Frontier Battle of (1939) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1940	September 27 - Germany, Italy and Japan form a Tripartite Pact as a military alliance Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia Japan Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900
1941	The US Congress declares war on Japan and President Roosevelt endorses the order Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Asia Japan Rulers and politicians North America United States May 19 - the Vietminh is founded as a guerrilla force to liberate Vietnam from the Japanese, and Ho Chi Minh soon emerges as the leader Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 July 26 - Roosevelt appoints Douglas MacArthur commander of US forces in the Far East Go to MacArthur, Douglas (b. 26 Jan. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 North America United States October 16 - Japanese emperor Hirohito appoints Tojo Hideki as the country's prime minister Go to Tojo Hideki (1884–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 December 8 - within hours of Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft attack the Philippines and destroy half the available US planes Go to Clark Field, attack on in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 10 - Japanese planes sink the British battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse off the coast of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 25 - Hong Kong surrenders to an invading Japanese force Go to Hong Kong, fall of (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 December 28 - Burmese politician Aung San raises a Burma Independence Army in Thailand to support the imminent Japanese invasion of his country Go to Thakin in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1942	January - Aung San's Burma Independence Army enters Burma as part of the Japanese invasion Go to Burma Campaigns (January 1942–August 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 January - before the end of the month the Japanese control the whole of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February - Joseph Stilwell is appointed to head the US military mission to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) Go to Stilwell, Gen Joseph Warren (1883–1946) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia China Wars since 1900 North America United States February - an Indian National Army is formed among Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese, with the purpose of evicting the British from India Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February 15 - Singapore falls to the continuing Japanese onslaught in southeast Asia Go to Singapore, fall of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 April 18 - US planes, flying from an aircraft carrier, undertake a difficult bombing raid on Tokyo Go to Doolittle Raid in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 May - after losing the Philippines to the Japanese, Douglas MacArthur declares 'I shall return' Go to MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May - Burma becomes the last in the series of important southeast Asian territories to fall into Japanese hands Go to Pacific Campaigns (1941–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May - William Slim gets the remaining British forces back to India from Burma, in a fighting withdrawal that lasts two months Go to Slim, William Joseph, 1st Viscount (b. 6 Aug. 1891) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1943	February 9 - Orde Wingate and his Chindits launch a guerrilla campaign behind the Japanese lines in Burma Go to Wingate, Orde (1903–44) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 20 - Mao Zedong becomes official leader of the Chinese Communist Party, as the elected Chairman of the Central Committee and the Politburo Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Asia China Wars since 1900 October - British admiral Louis Mountbatten is appointed to head the new Southeast Asia Command, with his headquarters in Delhi Go to Mountbatten, Louis, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900–79) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia Southeast Asia Europe Wars since 1900 Britain October - British general William Slim is appointed to command the Fourteenth Army, formed specifically for the campaign to recover Burma Go to Burma Campaigns (Jan. 1942–May 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 October 24 - Subhash Chandra Bose, as leader of the Indian National Army, declares war on Britain Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1944	March - a volunteer force, known as Merrill's Marauders, is commanded by Frank Merrill in US operations against the Japanese in Burma Go to Merrill's Marauders in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March-June - William Slim secures the first Allied victories in the Burma campaign, at Imphal and Kohima in northeast India Go to Imphal, battle of (1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 September 20 - Douglas MacArthur lands US troops on Leyte as the first step in recovering the Philippines Go to Philippines Campaign (1944–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 October 25 - Japanese pilots fly the first of World War II's suicide or kamikaze missions Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia Japan Wars since 1900 October 25 - victory over Japan in a massive 2-day battle at Leyte Gulf assures US recovery of Philippines Go to Leyte Gulf, Battle of (Oct. 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 24 - American B-29 bombers take off from the newly captured Saipan on the long trip to bomb Tokyo Go to Superfortress in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 November 28 - Allied bombs destroy the strategic bridge in Thailand over the River Kwai, built by the Japanese using prisoners of war as slave labour Go to Burma–Thailand railway in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1945	Achmed Sukarno makes a unilateral declaration of Indonesian independence, and leads the subsequent struggle against the Dutch Go to Indonesian Revolution (1945–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires March 3 - after a four-month siege of the city Douglas MacArthur returns to Manila, from which he was ejected in 1942 by the Japanese Go to Philippines campaign (Oct. 1944–July 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 9 - napalm, used to bomb a crowded part of Tokyo, creates a firestorm in which 80,000 die Go to napalm in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia Japan Wars since 1900 March 20 - William Slim drives the Japanese from Mandalay and moves on south to take Rangoon Go to Mandalay, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 27 - Aung San's army, now named the Burma National Army, changes sides in a surprise move and attacks the Japanese Go to Aung San (1914–47) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 April 5 - US troops land on the island of Okinawa, only 300 miles from the main islands of Japan Go to Okinawa, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 6 - thousands of Japanese kamikaze pilots die in massed suicide attacks in defence of the island of Okinawa Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 12 - a US destroyer is sunk by a baka, a rocket-propelled version of a kamikaze attack Go to Baka bomb in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia Japan Wars since 1900 June 22 - after a ferocious three-month battle, Okinawa is in US hands Go to Okinawa, capture of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia Japan Wars since 1900 July 26 - the Japanese emperor Hirohito argues the case for surrender but fails to persuade the military Go to Hirohito (b. 29 Apr. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 6 - an atom bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, destroying four square miles of the city and killing 80,000 people Go to Hiroshima in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 8 - the USSR declares war on Japan, two days after an atom bomb has been dropped on Hiroshima Go to Japanese–Soviet campaigns and relations, 1939–45 in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Europe Russia Wars since 1900 August 9 - a second atom bomb is dropped from a US plane, this time over Nagasaki Go to Nagasaki in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 12 - the Japanese in Korea surrender to the Russians in the north and to the Americans in the south Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Cold war Asia Korea Wars since 1900 August 14 - the emperor Hirohito, on the first occasion that his people have heard his voce, declares on radio that defeat must be accepted Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Performing arts Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 19 - with the surrender of the Japanese, Vietminh guerrillas seize the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 August 29 - Douglas MacArthur – in his role as Supreme Commander, Allied Powers – is appointed to administer postwar Japan Go to Japan, Occupation of (1945–52) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 September 2 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims the democratic republic of Vietnam, independent of the colonial power, France Go to Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 September 2 - World War II ends officially with the surrender of Japan, formally accepted by Douglas MacArthur Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1946	Aung San's party, the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, wins a landslide victory in the Burmese election Go to Aung San (1915–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia The Indochina War breaks out in Vietnam between the French colonial forces and the Vietminh Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 January 1: the Japanese emperor Hirohito renounces his traditional divine status and declares that he is mortal Go to Hirohito in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Japan Wars since 1900 March 27: twenty-five Japanese defendants are put on trial in Tokyo, charged with war crimes Go to Tokyo War Crimes Trial in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1947	33-year old Aung San, prime minister of Burma, and six of his ministers are assassinated during a cabinet meeting Go to Aung San (1915–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia Southeast Asia
1948	Ballerina Mikiko Matsuyama and her husband establish a family-run ballet company in Tokyo Go to Matsuyama Ballet in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Dance Asia Japan Kim Il Sung becomes prime minister of North Korea on the withdrawal of the Soviet occupying force Go to Kim Il Sung (1912–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Asia Korea Wars since 1900 December 23 - Japanese premier Tojo Hideki is convicted in the Tokyo war crimes trial and is hanged Go to Tojo, Hideki (1885–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1949	Defeated by the Communists, Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) resigns before the final collapse of his regime Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Asia China Mao Zedong, standing on the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, proclaims the new People's Republic of China Go to China, People's Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Asia China Wars since 1900 Mao Zedong's long-standing ally Zhou Enlai heads both the home and foreign departments of the new republic Go to Zhou Enlai (b. 1898) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Asia China Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) sets up a new Republic of China in Taiwan, vowing to recapture the rest of the nation in due course Go to Taiwan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Cold war Asia Wars since 1900 The Dutch concede independence for Indonesia with Achmed Sukarno as president Go to Indonesia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Dutch empire Asia Southeast Asia Empires Batavia reverts to its original name of Jakarta and becomes the capital of Indonesia Go to Jakarta in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Asia Empires
1950	Chinese troops move into Tibet, meeting little resistance Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia China North Korean troops cross the 38th parallel to invade the southern half of the region Go to Korean War (1950–3) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea North Korean forces press far enough south to capture the South Korean capital of Seoul Go to Seoul in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea UN troops are sent to defend South Korea, as the invasion from the north rolls on Go to Korean War (1950–3) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea UN troops push north across the 38th parallel in a major Korean counter-offensive Go to Korean War in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea Incursions by UN troops far into North Korea give China the pretext to enter the war Go to Korean War in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea
1951	An agreement is signed by which a joint Tibetan-Chinese authority will nominally govern Tibet Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia China UN and Chinese forces reach a stalemate in Korea, facing each other from fixed positions on either side of the 38th Parallel Go to Korean War in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea Japanese film director Kurosawa Akira makes an international reputation with Rashomon Go to Kurosawa Akira (1910–1998) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Film Asia Japan The cult of Chairman Mao is officially encouraged in China, partly through steady publication of his works Go to Mao Tse-tung (1893–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Asia China Society
1953	An armistice ends the Korean War, leaving several million dead and a country divided either side of a military zone along the 38th parallel Go to Korean War in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Korea Cambodia wins independence from the colonial power, France Go to Cambodia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1954	Japanese film director Kurasawa Akira directs The Seven Samurai Go to Kurosawa Akira (1910–1998) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Film Asia Japan Hungarian photographer Robert Capa is killed by a land mine in Vietnam Go to Capa, Robert (1913–1954) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam The Battle of Dien Bien Phu ends with the surrender to the Vietminh of 12,000 French troops Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War Battles Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam The French abandon Vietnam, leaving the country divided at the seventeenth parallel Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War French empire Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Empires In an armistice ending the Indochina War, France acknowledges the independence of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Korean evangelist Sun Myung Moon launches the Unification Church, a mission to unify world Christianity Go to Moon, Sun Myung (1920–2012) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Religion Christianity Asia Korea
1955	Norodom Sihanouk abdicates as king of Cambodia and becomes the country's prime minister Go to Sihanouk, Norodom (b. 31 Oct. 1922) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Southeast Asia With US backing, South Vietnam declares itself an independent republic Go to Vietnam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam
1956	Japanese novelist Yukio Mishima publishes The Temple of the Golden Pavilion Go to Mishima, Yukio (1925–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature Fiction Asia Japan Europe
1957	With his Hundred Flowers Campaign ('Let a hundred flowers bloom'), Mao Zedong invites criticism and then locks up the critics Go to Hundred Flowers campaign (1956–7) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia China Abdul Rahman Putra becomes the first prime minister of independent Malaya Go to Abdul Rahman Putra, Tunku (b. 8 Feb. 1903) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics British empire Asia Southeast Asia Empires
1958	Mao Zedong imposes on China a Great Leap Forward, an attempt at industrialization that results in economic chaos and widespread famine Go to Great Leap Forward (1958–60) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Asia China Society
1959	The Dalai Lama escapes from Tibet to India after the Chinese suppression of an armed uprising costing thousands of lives Go to Dalai Lama (1935– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Asia China South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Liu Shaoqi replaces Mao Zedong as China's president after the Great Leap Forward fiasco, but Mao remains Chairman Go to Liu Shaoqi (b. 24 Nov. 1898) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia China Lee Kuan Yew becomes the first prime minister of the newly independent state of Singapore Go to Lee Kuan Yew (16 Sept. 1923) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Achmed Sukarno assumes dictatorial powers, operating an Indonesian policy officially known as Guided Democracy Go to Sukarno, Achmad (b. 6 June 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1960	The Vietcong, or NLF, is formed as a guerrilla force to liberate South Vietnam from the US-backed government Go to Vietcong in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Communism War US presidents Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1962	General Ne Win seizes power in Burma, beginning decades of brutal military rule Go to Ne Win (b. 14 May 1911) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia China prevails in a five-week war with India over disputed boundaries Go to Indo‐Chinese War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Asia China South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
1963	Saloth Sar, changing his name to Pol Pot, begins to build up the Cambodian Communist party and Khmer Rouge Go to Pol Pot (b. 19 May 1928) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 Malaysia, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah form the Federation of Malaysia Go to Malaysia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1964	The Beijing ballet company goes political with The Red Detachment of Women, supervised by Mao Zedong's wife, Jiang Qing Go to Red Detachment of Women, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Dance Asia China A reported incident in the Gulf of Tonkin triggers US intervention against North Vietnam, in a significant step towards the Vietnam War Go to Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States
1965	US President Lyndon Johnson launches a regular bombing campaign against North Vietnam Go to Vietnam War in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians North America United States The Vietnam War enters a new dimension with the deployment of US ground troops in the country Go to Vietnam War in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians North America United States Australia sends a first contingent of 1500 troops to fight in Vietnam Go to Vietnam War in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Australia and Oceania Australia Singapore leaves the Federation of Malaysia to become again an independent state Go to Singapore in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia Ferdinand Marcos wins a landslide victory in the Philippines presidential election Go to Marcos, Ferdinand Edralin (b. 11 Sept. 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia Karaoke (abbreviated from the Japanese for 'empty orchestra') evolves in Japan Go to karaoke noun in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of Foreign Terms in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Asia Japan
1966	Suharto forces the Indonesian president, Achmed Sukarno, to hand over to him all executive powers Go to Suharto, Mohamed (1921–2008) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia Communist leaders Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping are attacked in China's Cultural Revolution as the biggest and worst 'capitalist roaders' Go to Cultural Revolution in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Terrorism and assassination Asia China Mao Zedong unleashes China's teenagers as violent Red Guards to spearhead his Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution Go to Red Guards in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia China Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong, better known as the 'Little Red Book', is the constant companion of every Red Guard Go to Mao Zhuxi Yulu in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia China
1968	The Vietcong launch widespread attacks on South Vietnamese cities during the Tet (lunar new year) holiday Go to Tet Offensive (1968) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam US soldiers massacre hundreds of unarmed civilians in the Vietnamese village of My Lai Go to My Lai. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Raden Suharto is elected president, formalizing his already de facto succession to Sukarno as the Indonesian dictator Go to Suharto, Raden (1921–2008) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1969	The Gang of Four achieve malign power during China's Cultural Revolution Go to Gang of Four in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia China
1970	Norodom Sihanouk is removed from power in Cambodia in a US-supported coup led by General Lon Nol Go to Lon Nol (b. 13 Nov. 1913) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 President Nixon sends US troops into Cambodia to destroy Vietminh bases Go to Cambodia, invasion of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Rulers and politicians North America United States Japanese novelist Yukio Mishima commits suicide in the traditional Samurai manner Go to Mishima, Yukio (1925–70) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Asia Japan
1971	US and South Vietnamese troops cross the border to invade Laos Go to Laos, raid into in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam
1972	Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law in the Philippines, citing the danger of a Communist takeover Go to Marcos, Ferdinand Edralin (11 Sept. 1917) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1973	The Paris Peace Accords end the US combat role in Vietnam, with nothing achieved and millions dead Go to Paris Peace Accords (27 Jan. 1973) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians North America United States The last US troops leave Vietnam, ending American involvement in a continuing war between the north and south of the country Go to Vietnam War (1964–75) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians
1974	More than 7000 life-size terracotta solders are unearthed at Xi'an, placed to guard the tomb of the third century BC Chinese emperor Shi Huangdi Go to Sian in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Science Asia China
1975	Chiang Kai-shek dies and is succeeded by his son, Chiang Ching-Kuo, as leader of the republic of China in Taiwan Go to Chiang Ching-kuo (18 Mar. 1910) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia The South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, is taken by North Vietnamese forces Go to Saigon, fall of (30 Apr. 1975) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Rulers and politicians South Vietnam surrenders, as President Duong Van Minh broadcasts an order to all South Viernames forces to lay down their arms Go to Vietnam War (1964–75) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Khmer Rouge guerrillas, led by Pol Pot, take Phnom Penh and launch a genocidal reign of terror in Cambodia Go to Khmer Rouge in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia Southeast Asia The invasion of East Timor by Indonesia begins decades of guerrilla resistance and brutal repression Go to Timor Leste in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia Southeast Asia
1976	Mao Zedong dies in Beijing, at the age of 82, and lies in state in the Great Hall of the People Go to Mao Zedong (b. 26 Dec. 1893) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia China The much-hated Gang of Four are arrested in China within weeks of Mao Zedong's death Go to Gang of Four in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia China
1978	Vietnamese forces invade Cambodia, driving out Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge Go to Cambodia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam
1981	Veteran Communist leader Deng Xiaoping secures his position as the real power in China's government Go to Deng Xiaoping (22 Aug. 1904) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Asia China
1983	The first all-digital synthesizer, the DX7, is put on the market by Yamaha Go to synthesizer in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Commerce and industry Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia Japan Society Philips and Sony jointly introduce a new device, the compact disc Go to compact disc in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Performing arts Music Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia Japan Europe Netherlands Philippine opposition leader Benigno Aquino is assassinated at Manila International Airport Go to Aquino, Benigno ‘Ninoy’ (b. 1932) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia Southeast Asia
1986	Corazón Aquino, widow of the assassinated Benigno Aquino, stands against Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines presidential election Go to Aquino, Corazón Maria (25 Jan. 1933) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia After attempting to rig the presidential election to defeat Corazón Aquino, Ferdinand Marcos flees from the Philippines to exile in Hawaii Go to Marcos, Ferdinand Edralin (b. 11 Sept. 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1988	Aung San Suu Kyi returns to Burma from England, to look after her dying mother Go to Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia
1989	Students, teachers and workers gather in large numbers in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to demand democratic reform Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion Asia China The crowd demonstrating on Beijing's Tiananmen Square swells to more than a million Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia China Confronted with mass popular protest, Deng Xiaoping imposes martial law in China Go to Deng Xiaoping (b. Aug. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia China More than 2000 peaceful demonstrators die after troops open fire in Beijing's Tiananmen Square Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia China Before the coming election the military junta in Burma places democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest Go to Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1990	Aung San Suu Kyi's party wins an overwhelming victory in Burma's general election but the military refuse to hand over power Go to Myanmar in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew steps down after 31 years in office Go to Lee Kuan Yew (16 Sept. 1923) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia
1991	Aung San Suu Kyi wins the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous fight for democracy in Burma Go to Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia
1992	After a single term as president of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino returns to private life Go to Aquino, Corazón Maria (25 Jan. 1933) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia
1993	Work begins on China's ambitious and controversial Three Gorges Dam project Go to Three Gorges project in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Technology Engineering Asia China
1994	Italian architect Renzo Piano completes Kansai airport, on an artificial island in Osaka bay Go to Piano, Renzo (1937– ) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Architecture Asia Japan Europe North Korean dictator Kim Il Sung dies and is succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Il Go to Kim Jong Il (16 Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia Korea
1997	Deng Xiaoping dies and is succeeded by Jiang Zemin as China's leader Go to Jiang Zemin (b. 17 Aug. 1926) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia China Hong Kong reverts to China with the end of Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories Go to Hong Kong in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia China
1998	The British architectural firm of Foster & Partners completes the Hong Kong International Airport Go to Foster of Thames Bank, Norman Robert, The Lord (1935– ) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia China Europe Britain President Suharto is finally forced to resign, after more than 30 corrupt and embezzling years as Indonesia's dictator Go to Suharto, Hadji Mohamad (b. 8 June 1921) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia Southeast Asia The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, linking Shikoku and Honshu in Japan, creates a new record as the longest suspension bridge Go to Shikoku in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Technology Engineering Asia Japan The first module is launched of the International Space Station, a cooperative venture by five space agencies (USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, Europe) Go to International Space Station in A Dictionary of Space Exploration (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Science Astronomy and space Asia Japan North America Canada United States
1999	A plebiscite in East Timor delivers a vote for independence from Indonesia Go to Timor Leste in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia The island of Macau reverts from Portuguese ownership to the People's Republic of China Go to Macao in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Portuguese empire Asia China Empires
2002	Terrorists detonate bombs in two crowded nightclubs in the Bali resort of Kuta, killing 202 people See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia Southeast Asia
2003	A deadly new form of pneumonia, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is first reported in Hanoi and soon spreads globally Go to severe acute respiratory syndrome in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Science Medicine Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Hu Jintao succeeds Jiang Zemin as president of the People's Republic of China Go to Hu Jintao (b. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Asia China
2004	A massive earthquake under the Indian Ocean triggers a tsunami that kills nearly 200,000 people Go to tsunami in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Asia South Asia Southeast Asia Society
2005	Just three years after the first attack, suicide bombers kill more than 25 people in the same Balinese town of Kuta Go to Bali in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia Southeast Asia Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest nearly 20 years after winning Burma' only free election Go to Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia Southeast Asia
2006	Structural work is completed on China's Three Gorges Dam, by far the largest hydroelectric dam in the world Go to Three Gorges project in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Engineering Asia China North Korea test-fires seven missiles, of varying ranges and with varying success Go to Korea, North in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Weapons Asia Korea A military coup in Thailand removes the prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, from office Go to Thailand in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Asia Southeast Asia North Korea announces that it has tested a nuclear weapon Go to Korea, North in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Weapons Asia Korea
2009	Riots break out in Urumchi, in northwest China, in hostilities between ethnic Uighurs and Han Chinese Go to Uighur in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Asia
2010	Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest in Rangoon under certain conditions Go to Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Asia Southeast Asia North Korea shells the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, causing four deaths and a dangerous deterioration in relations with South Korea Go to Korea, North in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century War Asia Korea
2011	A massive earthquake off the northeast coast of Japan causes a huge tsunami resulting in massive devastation for miles inland Go to tsunami in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Asia Japan Society The Japanese tsunami results in a nuclear crisis and massive evacuation because of meltdowns in three reactors at the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant Go to meltdown in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Technology Asia Japan Society Nearly 20,000 people are killed and more than 125,000 destroyed or severely damaged by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami Go to tsunami in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Social and domestic Asia Japan Society

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date: 13 May 2025

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