Commerce and industry

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Timeline: Commerce and industry

Years: c. 3000 BCE - 2011	Subject: Society and culture
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737367

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 3000 BCE	The earliest known currency, consisting of gold bars, is in use in Egypt and Mesopotamia Go to Sumer in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Mesopotamia Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Iraq Society
c. 2500 BCE	Trade links, probably by sea in Phoenician ships from Byblos, are established between Egypt and Phoenicia Go to Byblos in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE The Phoenicians Egypt Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 2400 BCE	Clay tablets discovered at Ebla reveal a busy trading economy reinforced by aggressive military policies Go to Ebla in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 1750 BCE	Priests in Babylon make loans from the temple treasure, introducing the concept of banking Go to banks in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Assyria and Babylon Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Society
c. 1000 BCE	Petra acquires importance and wealth from its position on caravan routes from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Go to Petra in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Asia West Asia Society The abacus is used as an everyday method of calculation by Phoenicians and Babylonians Go to abacus in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE Assyria and Babylon The Phoenicians Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Lebanon and Syria Society Tyre and Sidon have by now replaced Byblos as the dominant cities within Phoenicia Go to Tyre in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE 1000-600 BCE The Phoenicians Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 970 BCE	Hiram, the Phoenician king of Tyre, is an enthusiastic trading partner of King David in Jerusalem, and later of Solomon Go to Hiram in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Judaism The Phoenicians Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society
c. 950 BCE	Wood from the famous cedars of Lebanon is only one of the many luxury goods traded by the Phoenicians Go to Phoenicians in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE The Phoenicians Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 650 BCE	The earliest known coins are minted in Ephesus, bean-shaped and struck on one side with a distinguishing mark Go to coin in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Asia West Asia Turkey Society
c. 350 BCE	Private financiers in Athens give loans, take deposits, change money from one currency to another and arrange credit for travellers Go to credit in The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Ancient Athens Europe Greece Society
299 BCE	Seleucus founds Antioch as a Greek city on the trade route between Mesopotamia and Europe Go to Seleucids in Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 200 BCE	The oasis city of Palmyra acquires importance on the caravan route between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Go to Palmyra in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE 2nd century BCE Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
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 Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) East Asia China Society
64 BCE	The Roman annexation of Syria brings the Silk Road all the way to the Mediterranean Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century BCE Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society
c. 10 BCE	The period of stability achieved during the reign of Augustus Caesar has been given the name Pax Romana ('Roman peace') Go to Pax Augusta (‘The Augustan [or Roman] Peace’) in The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Greece Italy Society Empires
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 Asia East 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 Asia East Asia China Society
c. 150	London develops as a prosperous trading centre, at the hub of the network of Roman roads in Britain Go to London in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Roman empire Roman Britain Europe Society Empires Britain
c. 700	The quipu is used in the Wari culture and becomes the standard recording device of the Andean civilizations Go to quipu in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Civilizations of Peru Andean Civilizations Society Latin America Peru South America
c. 825	Viking tribes known as the Rus are established as traders in the region of Novgorod Go to Novgorod, Russia in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Migration Europe Russia Society
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 Asia East Asia China Society
c. 1000	The Jews, barred from any work which Christians want to do, find profitable employment as money-lenders Go to money-lender in The Handbook of International Financial Terms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Religion Judaism Society The salt mines of the Sahara provide a staple commodity in the African caravan trade Go to Salt Trade in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Africa Central Africa East Africa North Africa Society
1082	Venice acquires valuable trading privileges from Constantinople, her merchants being excused all dues and customs in the Byzantine empire Go to Istanbul in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Byzantine empire 11th century Venice Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Italy Society Empires
1087	The Domesday Book provides the Normans with an inventory of England Go to Domesday Book in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Medicine British Isles Europe Society Britain
c. 1150	The Medici move into Florence from their country home in the Mugello valley Go to Medici in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Florence Europe Italy Society German merchants begin trading along the coasts of Latvia and Estonia, a region to which they give the name Livonia Go to Livonia (Estonia-Latvia, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Europe Germany Society
1159	Henry the Lion builds a new town at Lübeck, well placed to develop as the centre of the Hanseatic League Go to Hanseatic League in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Germany Society
c. 1250	Europe grows in prosperity during the thirteenth century, with a widespread increase in trade and production Go to Europe in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Society
c. 1275	Mongol control over the entire breadth of Asia introduces a stability often called the Pax Mongolica, echoing the Pax Romana Go to pax in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Asia Central Asia Society
c. 1300	The bankers of northern Italy develop a method of accountancy - double-entry book-keeping - which will have lasting significance Go to double-entry book-keeping in A Dictionary of Accounting (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 13th century 14th century Italian Renaissance Europe Italy Society
c. 1320	Florence becomes a centre of international finance, with the Bardi and Peruzzi families acting as bankers to Europe's rulers Go to Bardi in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Florence Europe Italy Society
1324	Mansa Musa, sultan of the gold-rich African state of Mali, is so lavish in Cairo (on his way to Mecca) that the value of Egyptian gold slumps Go to Mansa Musa (1307–37) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Africa North Africa Egypt Society
c. 1330	European prosperity falters during the fourteenth century, with a run of bad harvests, a decline in trade and - from 1347 - the Black Death Go to Black Death in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Society
1345	Edward III of England, defaulting on his massive debts, drives the Florentine banking families of Bardi and Peruzzi into bankruptcy Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 14th century Italian Renaissance Florence Europe Italy Society
c. 1350	Water power is used in England for the heavy work of fulling cloth, in mills which can be seen as a first step towards the Industrial Revolution Go to Industrial Revolution in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century British Isles Europe Society Britain
1446	Portugal claims ownership of the region of Guinea, subsequently the centre of their slave trade on the west African coast Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
c. 1480	An increase in trade through the central Sahara benefits the Songhay, with their capital at Gao, at the expense of Mali Go to Songhay in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Africa West Africa Society
1487	The Fuggers make their first loan to a Habsburg archduke, beginning a profitable link with the dynasty Go to Habsburg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Habsburgs Austria Society Empires
1492	A French privateer off the west coast of Ghana is the first to plunder a Portuguese vessel carrying home African gold Go to privateers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Africa West Africa Society
c. 1500	The Portuguese establish trading posts in east Africa, on the coast of Mozambique Go to Mozambique in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1502	Vasco da Gama wins a trading treaty for Portuguese merchants after bombarding the Indian port of Calicut into submission Go to da Gama, Vasco (c. 1469–1524) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1503	The Portuguese set up a trading post on the east African island of Zanzibar Go to Zanzibar in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Portuguese empire Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1505	The Portuguese establish a presence in Sri Lanka, trading in the island's crop of cinnamon Go to Sri Lanka in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Sri Lanka Europe Society Empires
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 European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East 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 European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1548	La Paz is founded on the trade route between Lima and the newly discovered silver mines at Potosi Go to La Paz (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Uruguay, USA) 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 Europe Society Empires Latin America South America
c. 1550	Spanish galleons assemble each year at Portobelo to deliver European goods and to ship home the metals of Latin America Go to Portobelo (Panama) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Society Empires Latin America Central America Mexico
1555	The Muscovy Company is granted a monopoly by the crown to trade with Russia, as the first of the English chartered companies Go to Russia Company in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Society Britain
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 European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
c. 1570	Privateers frequent the Spanish main to plunder the richly laden caravels on their way home to Europe Go to privateers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Society Latin America Central America
1579	Francis Drake seizes a Spanish vessel laden with gold and silver in the Pacific, formerly a safe area for Spain Go to Drake, Sir Francis in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Latin America South America
1587	Venice opens the first modern bank (the Banco della Piazza di Rialto) for safe deposits and credit transfers Go to Venice in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Venice Europe Italy Society
1595	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 Dutch empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Society Empires
1600	Britain's East India Company is established when Elizabeth I grants a charter to a 'Company of Merchants trading into the East Indies' Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century 17th century Britain 1500-1750 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain
1602	The Dutch East India Company is founded, with a tax-free monopoly of the eastern trade for twenty-one years Go to Dutch East India Company in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Dutch empire Europe Netherlands Society Empires
1608	Quebec is founded by Samuel de Champlain as a centre for the French fur trade Go to Québec in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Society North America Canada
1613	The British East India establishes a 'factory' (a secure warehouse for the storing of Indian goods) at Surat, on the west coast Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Society Empires
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 Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1633	The four years of tulip mania in Holland provide the first example of speculative frenzy in a capitalist market See this event in other timelines: 17th century Europe Netherlands Society
1638	The French build a trading station on the estuary of the Senegal river in west Africa Go to Senegal River in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa 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 Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1644	The British East India Company completes the construction of Fort St George in Madras Go to East Flanders in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1650	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 Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Society Empires
1651	Parliament in England passes the first of several Navigation Acts designed to reserve international trade for English ships Go to Navigation Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British empire Europe Society Empires Britain
1658	The Dutch expel the Portuguese from the last of their trading posts in Sri Lanka Go to Sri Lanka in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia South Asia Sri Lanka Europe Society Empires
c. 1660	The berlin, developed in Berlin, becomes the most successful carriage of the seventeenth century Go to Berlin in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Germany Society
1661	The British establish Fort James on an island in the Gambia river Go to Gambia River in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires A banker in Sweden, Johan Palmstruch, issues Europe's first paper currency, on behalf of the Stockholm Banco Go to Sweden (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Europe Society
1664	Colbert founds East India and West India companies to ensure a supply of raw materials for France's factories Go to Colbert, Jean Baptiste (1619–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Europe France Society
1668	England's East India Company is granted a lease on Bombay by Charles II, who has received it from his Portuguese bride Go to Catherine of Braganza (1638–1705) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires The Bank of Sweden is founded, and survives today as the world's oldest bank Go to Sweden (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Europe Society
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 Asia East Asia Japan Europe Netherlands Society
c. 1690	France by now has six fortified trading settlements around the coast of India, of which Pondicherry is the most important Go to Pondicherry (India) 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 French empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1693	Gold is found in Brazil, launching the first great American gold rush Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Society Latin America Brazil South America
1694	The Bank of England is founded and soon becomes the central banker for England's many private banks Go to Bank of England in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1696	Fort St William is built by the East India Company in the Ganges delta, and subsequently develops into Calcutta Go to Calcutta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
c. 1700	Peter the Great sets up numerous schools and commercial enterprises to enable Russia to compete in Europe Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century 18th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia Society
1710	Machines are thrown out of the window of a Spitalfields factory, in an early protest against industrialization Go to Industrial Revolution in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1717	Scottish entrepreneur John Law establishes the Louisiana Company to develop the Mississippi valley for France Go to Law, John (1671–1729) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Society North America United States
c. 1720	The postchaise, introduced in France, provides the first chance of reasonably comfortable travel by land Go to post-chaise noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Europe France Society Shares in the South Sea Company rise rapidly and collapse within the year, in the so-called South Sea Bubble Go to South Sea Bubble in A Dictionary of Finance and Banking (4 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain Shares in John Law's Louisiana Company rise spectacularly and then collapse, in what becomes known as the Mississippi Bubble Go to Law, John (1671–1729) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Europe France Society
1764	Britain passes the Sugar Act, levying duty on sugar, wine and textiles imported into America Go to Sugar Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1765	Britain passes the Stamp Act, taxing legal documents and newspapers in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1767	The British Chancellor, Charles Townshend, passes a series of acts taxing all glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported into the American colonies Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1771	Richard Arkwright pioneers the factory environment with his cotton mill at Cromford in Derbyshire Go to Arkwright, Sir Richard (1732–92) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1773	The London brokers who meet to do business in Jonathan's coffee house decide to call themselves the Stock Exchange Go to stock exchange in A Dictionary of Finance and Banking (4 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1776	Two Boulton and Watt engines are installed, the first of many in the mines and mills of England's developing industrial revolution Go to Watt, James (1736–1819) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain Scottish economist Adam Smith analyzes the nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations Go to Smith, Adam (1723–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain
1781	The Bank of North America is established by the Continental Congress to lend money to the fledgling Revolutionary government Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Society Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1784	The first mail coach leaves Bristol for London, introducing a new era of faster transport Go to Bristol in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1791	Under the guidance of Alexander Hamilton the First Bank of the United States is established in Philadelphia Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Society North America United States
1799	The tsar, Paul I, establishes the Russian-American Company with the express purpose of developing Alaska Go to Russian American Company in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Europe Russia Society North America United States
1800	Welsh industrialist Robert Owen takes charge of a mill at New Lanark and develops it as an experiment in paternalistic socialism Go to Owen, Robert in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Communism Great Britain - from 1707 Wales British Isles Europe Society Britain
1802	The British parliament passes the first Factory Act, limiting a child's working day in a factory to twelve hours Go to Factory Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1803	The Frankfurt banker Mayer Amschel Rothschild lends 20 million francs to the Danish government Go to Rothschild Family in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Europe Denmark Germany Society
1805	The first barge is pulled by a horse along Thomas Telford's cast-iron aqueduct, high in the air at Pont Cysyllte Go to aqueduct in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Canals Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1806	Napoleon imposes his Continental System, designed to strangle Britain's trade Go to Continental System in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Society Wars and Revolutions Britain
1807	To counteract Napoleon's Continental System, Britain passes orders in council penalizing any vessel trading into French-held ports Go to Continental System in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Society Wars and Revolutions Britain US engineer Robert Fulton launches a steamboat, the Clermont, on New York's Hudson river Go to Fulton, Robert (1765–1815) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Steam Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States Thomas Jefferson puts an embargo on US exports, hoping to damage the economy of France and Britain Go to Embargo Act (1807) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States
1808	The German-born US entrepreneur John Jacob Astor establishes the American Fur Company Go to American Fur Company in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1810	16-year-old future millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt begins his career by establishing a ferry service to Manhattan Go to Vanderbilt, Cornelius (1794–1877) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1811	John Jacob Astor establishes Astoria, a settlement on the Pacific coast to develop his fur trade with China Go to Astoria (Oregon/USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1812	Damage to US trade by British orders in council prompts war (the War of 1812) between the two nations Go to War of 1812 in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain North America United States
1814	English engineer George Stephenson builds his first locomotive, the Blucher, and runs it at the Killingworth colliery Go to Stephenson, George (1781–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1815	Scottish engineer John McAdam builds the first macadamized road, in the Bristol region of southwest England Go to McAdam, John Loudon (1756–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain
1817	An informal financial market on Wall Street is transformed into the New York Stock and Exchange Board Go to Wall Street in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1818	The king of Prussia, Frederick William III, makes a bid for German leadership by turning his extensive lands into a custom-free zone (Zollverein) Go to Zollverein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Germany Society
1819	The United Kingdom formally adopts the gold standard for its currency, after using it on a de facto basis since 1717 Go to gold standard in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1821	The British government imposes a merger on two great squabbling enterprises in Canada, the North West Company and Hudson's Bay Company Go to Hudson's Bay Company in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century British empire Society Empires North America Canada The merged Hudson's Bay Company now administers a territory stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Go to Hudson's Bay Company in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century British empire Society Empires North America Canada The Sante Fe Trail, from Missouri to New Mexico, is opened up by the US trader William Becknell Go to Santa Fe Trail in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Society North America United States
1825	The Joint-Stock Companies Act introduces regulations to protect investors in Britain Go to joint-stock company in A Dictionary of Finance and Banking (4 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Active (later called Locomotion) is the engine on the first passenger railway, between Stockton and Darlington Go to Stephenson, George in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1833	The first long-distance US railway, in South Carolina, carries its first passengers Go to railway in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States
1837	The first trains run between London and Birmingham on the railway designed by Robert Stephenson Go to Stephenson, Robert (1803–59) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1842	Lord Shaftesbury's Mines Act makes it illegal for boys under 13, and women and girls of any age, to be employed underground in Britain Go to Mines Act (1842) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain The young Friedrich Engels is sent from Germany to manage the family cotton-spinning factory in Manchester Go to Engels, Friedrich (1820–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Communism Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1844	The first great entrepreneur of the railway age, George Hudson, becomes known as the Railway King Go to Hudson, George (1800–71) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1845	Friedrich Engels, after running a textile factory in Manchester, publishes The Condition of the Working Class in England Go to Engels, Friedrich (1820–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Communism Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1848	Gold is found on the property of John Sutter, at Coloma on the Sacramento river in California, and news of it launches the first gold rush Go to gold rush noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1849	The gold rush to California gathers pace during 1849, causing the prospectors to become known as 'forty-niners' Go to Forty-niners in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1851	English textile magnate Titus Salt begins to build Saltaire as a model industrial village for his workers Go to Salt, Sir Titus (1803–76) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain The Australian gold rush begins with the discovery of gold fields at Ballarat and a few months later at Bendigo Go to gold rushes in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era British empire Australia and Oceania Society Empires Australia
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 Asia East Asia Japan Society
1857	David Livingstone urges upon a Cambridge audience the high ideal of taking 'commerce and Christianity' into Africa Go to Livingstone, David (1813–73) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Religion Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire Europe Society Empires Britain
1859	Edwin L. Drake strikes oil in Pennsylvania, leading to several local oil rushes Go to Oil City (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1863	The Metropolitan Railway, the world's first to go underground, opens in London using steam trains between Paddington and Farringdon Street Go to London Underground in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Steam Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1867	A revival of the Prussian Zollverein, or customs union, includes all the German states except Austria Go to Zollverein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Austria Germany Society Empires
1869	The most famous of the three-masted tea-clippers, the Cutty Sark is launched at Dumbarton for service to and from China Go to Cutty Sark in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Travel and transport Technology Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1870	John D. Rockefeller and his partners establish the Standard Oil Company of Ohio Go to Rockefeller, John D. (1839–1937) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1875	Andrew Carnegie's new steel mill near Pittsburgh prospers through automation, new technology and non-union labour Go to Iron and Steel Industry. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1877	A strike against wage cuts by Baltimore railway workers spreads until it becomes almost a national strike Go to Railroad Strikes of 1877. (July 1877) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Society North America United States
1878	Stanley agrees to work for Leopold II in opening up the Congo river to commerce Go to Leopold II (1835–1909) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Europe Society Empires Britain
1879	George Goldie and British traders on the Niger form the United African Company (later the Royal Niger Company) to consolidate their interests Go to Concessionary Companies in Africa in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1880	French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza forestalls Stanley in opening up the Congo, reaching Stanley Pool ahead of him Go to Brazza, Pierre Savorgnan de (1852–1905) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1881	Stanley finds Brazza's French tricolor already flying on the north bank of the Congo, on the site of what later becomes Brazzaville Go to Brazza, Pierre Savorgnan de (1852–1905) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1882	Stanley establishes a foothold for Leopold II on the southern bank of the Congo, at a site which he names Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1884	US entrepreneur James 'Buck' Duke wins exclusive rights in a machine that can manufacture 100,000 cigarettes a day Go to Duke, James (1856–1925) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America United States Costa Rica grants a 99-year lease on 800,000 acres to Minor C. Keith, the American founder of the United Fruit Company Go to United Fruit Company in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society Latin America Central America
1885	German engineer Karl Friedrich Benz builds the Tri-Star, a three-wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion that is considered the first commercial automobile Go to Benz, Karl (1844–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Germany Society The name Coca-Cola is registered by John S. Pemberton in America for a drink of cocaine, cola nuts and citrus juices Go to Coca‐Cola (1886) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1886	The American Federation of Labor, with Samuel Gompers as its first president, is formed as an umbrella organization to represent all unions Go to American Federation of Labor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States German engineer Gottlied Wilhelm Daimler builds the first successful 4-wheel vehicle with an internal combustion engine Go to Daimler, Gottlieb (1834–1900) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Germany Society
1887	The US Congress passes the Interstate Commerce Act, an early attempt to avoid the excesses of unrestrained capitalism Go to Interstate Commerce Act in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Society North America United States January blizzard and summer drought bring to an end ten years of agricultural boom in the US Midwest, prompting a new slogan – 'In Kansas we busted' Go to Kansas in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1888	William Lever builds Port Sunlight as a model village for workers in his Sunlight Soap factory Go to Lever, William Hesketh, 1st Viscount Leverhulme of the Western Isles (1851–1925) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain The Ndebele chieftain, Lobengula, grants Rhodes mining rights in what is now Zimbabwe Go to British South Africa Company in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1889	Cecil Rhodes forms the British South Africa Company to push British commerce and imperial control further north Go to British South Africa Company in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires The French Panama Canal company goes into liquidation with work still in progress Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Canals Society Latin America Central America The first conference of American nations, in Washington, D.C., launches the Commercial Bureau of the American Republics (later called the Pan-American Union) Go to Pan American Union. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Society Latin America Central America South America North America United States The US industrialist Andrew Carnegie argues in The Gospel of Wealth that 'the man who dies rich dies disgraced' Go to Carnegie, Andrew (1835–1919) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1890	The Sherman Antitrust Act begins a strong US tradition of protecting the free market Go to Anti‐Trust laws in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Society North America United States The world's first electric underground railway passes under the Thames, linking the City of London and Stockwell Go to London Underground in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1892	The Ohio Supreme Court rules that monopolistic practices by Rockefeller's oil company are illegal Go to Khalji in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States The closing of the Homestead Steel Works near Pittsburgh in a dispute with unions leads to massive confrontation and violence Go to Homestead strike (1892) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Society North America United States
1893	Decline in the federal gold reserve and panic by investors prompts a spectacular crash in the US economy Go to Free Silver Movement. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America United States
1896	US engineer Henry Ford test drives his first four-wheel internal-combustion vehicle, the Quadricycle, built in a coal shed behind his home Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States Reports of gold in what becomes known as Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike, prompt a massive gold rush into the Yukon Go to Bonanza Creek in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Society North America Canada
1898	The National Consumers' League, headed by Florence Kelley, fights for improved conditions in the US factories making consumer goods Go to National Consumers' League. (1898) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Society North America United States Marconi launches a factory in Chelmsford, England, for the purpose of manufacturing radios ('wirelesses' in the language of the time) Go to Marconi, Guglielmo (1874–1937) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1899	US social scientist Thorstein Veblen publishes The Theory of the Leisure Class, an attack on capitalist exploitation and 'consumerism' Go to Veblen, Thorstein (1857–1929) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Society North America United States US Secretary of State John Hay circulates a proposal that western powers should adopt an open-to-all trading policy in China Go to open door policy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Society North America United States
c. 1900	Rubber brings prosperity to Manaus, thousands of miles up the Amazon Go to rubber tree in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Society Latin America South America
1901	The Texas oil industry is launched with the discovery of the 75,000-barrel-a-day Lucas Gusher near Beaumont Go to Petroleum Industry. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Society North America United States
1902	Venezuela defaults on European interest payments and is soon threatened by British, German and Italian warships Go to Drago doctrine in A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Society Latin America South America
1903	The Colombian government rejects the Hay-Herrán treaty with the US on the Panama canal, thus prompting the break-away of Panama Go to Hay Treaties (1901) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Society Latin America Central America North America United States William Harley and three Davidson brothers begin the commercial production in Milwaukee of motorcycles, but complete only three by the end of the year Go to Harley‐Davidson (1902) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States Britain's first national motor show is organized at the Crystal Palace, moving two years later to Olympia Go to Crystal Palace in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain The USA is granted exclusive control in perpetuity of a ten-mile corridor across Panama, suitable for a canal Go to Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s Canals 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Society Rulers and politicians Latin America Central America North America United States
1905	The largest diamond yet known is found in a South African mine belonging to Thomas Cullinan Go to Cullinan diamond in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Society The first soviet ("council") of workers is set up in St Petersburg, introducing a word of great significance in Russian Communist history Go to Soviet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Europe Russia Society
1906	The Grain Growers' Grain Company is established, soon becoming an important element in Canada's grain market Go to Grain Growers' Grain Company in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Society North America Canada
1907	Dutch and British companies (Royal Dutch Oil, Shell Transport and Trading) merge to form Royal Dutch Shell Oil Go to petroleum industry in The Oxford Companion to the Earth (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Netherlands Society Britain Collapse of trust companies causes panic and financial crisis in USA Go to Federal Reserve Act (1913) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Society North America United States
1908	The Burmah Oil Company, developing a concession granted in 1901 to William Knox D'Arcy, discovers oil in Iran Go to petroleum industry in The Oxford Companion to the Earth (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Society Coffee replaces sugar as Brazil's main crop, accounting for more than 50% of exports in 1908 Go to cash crop in A Dictionary of Business and Management (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Society Latin America Brazil South America The first Model T Ford rolls off the production line at the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States
1909	US entrepreneur Gordon Selfridge opens the first British custom-built department store on London's Oxford Street Go to Selfridges in Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Mineral discoveries on the border of Northern Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo give the first hint of the riches of the Copper Belt Go to Zambia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa Central Africa East Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires
1910	The Gimbel family open their flagship department store in Manhattan Go to department store in A Dictionary of Marketing (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society North America United States Elizabeth Arden opens her first beauty salon on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan Go to Arden, Elizabeth (1878–1966) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States Ferdinand Zeppelin's dirigible Deutschland provides the first commercial air service for passengers Go to Zeppelin, Ferdinand, Count von (1838–1917) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Germany Society
1911	John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company of New Jersey is broken up by US antitrust legislation Go to Rockefeller, John D. (1839–1937) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society North America United States Copper mining begins in Katanga, soon to be followed by the extraction of even more profitable diamonds Go to Katanga (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1912	Coco Chanel opens a shop selling millinery in Deauville, in France Go to Chanel, Coco (1883–1971) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Europe France Society Tommy Sopwith founds the aviation company that will produce the Pup and the Camel Go to Sopwith, Sir Thomas Octave Murdoch (1888–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1913	The Morris company launches the Morris Oxford, later known as the Bullnose Morris from the shape of its radiator Go to Nuffield, William Richard Morris, Viscount (1877–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Henry Ford pioneers the moving assembly line in the manufacture of cars at his company's Michigan plant Go to Ford, Henry (1863–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society North America United States The Brillo Manufacturing Company markets the first Brillo pads in the USA Go to Brillo pad noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society North America United States An underground railway opens in Buenos Aires, the first subway in Latin America Go to Buenos Aires in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Latin America Argentina Brazil South America
1914	Royal-Dutch Shell begins to pump oil in Venezuela, launching the country as a major oil producer Go to Venezuela in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society Latin America South America Calouste Gulbenkian earns his nickname – Mr Five Percent – from the share he receives for negotiating oil deals in the Ottoman empire Go to Gulbenkian, Calouste Sarkis (1869–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Turks Europe Portugal Society The Clayton Act strengthens many aspects of US antitrust legislation Go to Clayton Act in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Society North America United States The Panama Canal opens to shipping on a neutral basis just two weeks after the start of World War I Go to Panama Canal in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Latin America Central America
c. 1915	The inflationary pressures of world war force nations to abandon the established gold standard Go to Gold Standard in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Australia and Oceania Society North America
1916	Wartime income tax soars in Britain to an unprecedented 30% Go to war and economic growth in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Max Aitken, later Lord Beaverbook, buys a controlling share in the British newspaper the Daily Express Go to Beaverbrook, (William) Max(well) Aitken, 1st Baron (1879–1964) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain William Boeing flies an aircraft built by himself, and a month later sets up in Seattle his own Aero Product company Go to Boeing, William Edward (1881–1956) in The Encyclopedia of the History of American Management (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States
1917	November 8 (October 26 O.S) - Lenin's Decree on Land abolishes private ownership of large estates and promises the land to the peasants Go to Lenin, Vladimir Ilich (22 Apr. 1870) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Communism Europe Russia Society
1918	Civil war enables the Bolsheviks to impose a rigid system of state control on the Russian economy, through War Communism and Food Brigades Go to communism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Communism Europe Russia Society
1919	Employers' refusal to allow collective bargaining prompts a general strike in Winnipeg, the largest dispute of its kind in Canada's history Go to Winnipeg General Strike in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Canada Steelworkers go on strike in the US, attempting a major confrontation with industrial management Go to Steel Strike of 1919. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States In The Economic Consequences of the Peace Maynard Keynes publishes a strong attack on the reparations demanded from Germany Go to Keynes, John Maynard, 1st Baron (1883–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1920	The US steel strike collapses after four months, with nothing achieved Go to Steel Strike of 1919. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States The Meccano company launches the first of its Hornby model trains Go to Meccano (1901) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1921	In a major economic U-turn, Lenin's New Economic Policy allows peasants to hold markets and sell the surplus of their product Go to New Economic Policy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Europe Russia Society
1922	De Witt Wallace and his wife, working from home, publish the first issue of Reader's Digest Go to Reader's Digest, the (1922) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Society North America United States British manufacturer Herbert Austin launches Britain's first car for the popular market, the Austin Seven or 'Baby Austin' Go to Austin, Herbert, 1st Baron (1866–1941) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1923	Henry Luce has an immediate success with a new magazine, calling it simply Time Go to Time (1923) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Society North America United States German inflation reaches fantasy levels, at 242 million marks to the dollar Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Germany Society
1924	A new German currency, the Reichsmark, is launched with the value of a trillion old marks Go to Germany in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Germany Society
1925	Britain and other nations return to a revived version of the gold standard, under the new name of Gold Exchange Standard Go to gold standard in Dictionary of the Social Sciences (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain A.J. Cook, leader of Britain's miners, insists 'Not a penny off the pay, not a minute on the day' Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1926	Miners go on strike in Britain in protest against employers' attempts to reduce wages Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain A general strike begins in Britain in support of the striking miners Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The prime minister Stanley Baldwin uses BBC radio to broadcast a conciliatory message to the workers in Britain's general strike Go to Baldwin, Stanley, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (b. 3 Aug. 1867) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The Trades Union Congress calls off Britain's general strike after nine days Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1927	William Randolph Hearst by now owns a nation-wide string of some 28 daily newspapers Go to Hearst, William Randolph (1863–1951) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Society North America United States
1929	Russia adopts a Five Year Plan aiming to boost industrial output by 200% within that period Go to Five-Year Plans, Soviet in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe Russia Society Panic selling on Thursday October 24 triggers a Wall Street stock market crash and a spate of suicides Go to Stock Market Crash (1929) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Society North America United States
1930	In The Fur Trade in Canada Harold Innis traces the economic development linking the trade and the nation Go to Innis, Harold (1894–1952) in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Society North America Canada The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act introduces a US protectionist policy Go to Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States
1931	The gold standard is abandoned throughout the world after massive capital outflows cause the United Kingdom to pull out of the system Go to Gold Standard in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1932	Presidential candidate F.D. Roosevelt pledges himself at the Democratic convention to deliver 'a new deal for the American people' Go to New Deal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States Unemployment in Britain reaches three million, or more than 25% of the work force Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain De Valera withholds farmers' annuities from Britain, provoking British tariffs and a trade war Go to land annuities in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain Unemployment in Germany rises during the world-wide depression to the unprecedented level of 6 million Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Germany Society
1933	Gustav Krupp and his son Alfried, Germany’s main manufacturers of armaments, join the Nazi party Go to Krupp in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Society Wars since 1900 The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the largest project launched in the first hundred days of Roosevelt's New Deal Go to Tennessee Valley Authority in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States 25% of workers in Canada are unemployed as the Depression continues to deepen Go to Great Depression in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Society North America Canada
1935	Strikers in Vancouver begin the On-to-Ottawa Trek, to take their grievances to government Go to On-to-Ottawa Trek in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Society North America Canada
1935-1938	Adolf Hitler's rearmament programme begins to reduce German unemployment, and by 1938 eliminates it entirely Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Society Wars since 1900
1936	John Maynard Keynes defines his economics in The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money Go to Keynes, John Maynard (1883–1946) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Unemployed English workers march for 26 days from Jarrow, in Tyne and Wear, to demonstrate at Westminster Go to Jarrow March in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1938	Mexico, newly rich from oil, nationalizes the holdings of the foreign oil companies Go to Cárdenas, Lázaro (1895–1970) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Society Latin America Central America Mexico The first shipload of oil is exported from Saudi Arabia to the USA after the discovery of commercially viable resources in Dhahran Go to Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud (b. 24 Nov. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Asia West Asia Society North America United States Wind erosion makes this the worst year of the Dust Bowl crisis in the Midwest USA Go to Dust Bowl in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Society North America United States
1944	Ibn Saud and his US partners set up ARAMCO, the Arabia-American Oil Company Go to Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud (b. 24 Nov. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Asia West Asia Society North America United States The World Bank and IMF are conceived at an international conference in the USA, at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Go to Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Society North America United States
1946	The takeover of the Bank of England launches an extensive programme of nationalization by the Attlee government Go to nationalization in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain
1948	Australia, aiming for a 2% population increase each year, takes steps to encourage European immigration Go to Immigration in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Australia and Oceania Society Australia The Morris Minor is launched, designed by Alec Issigonis, and becomes one of Britain's best-selling cars Go to Issigonis, Sir Alec Arnold Constantine (1906–1988) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Prime minister Ben Chifley sees Australia's first mass-produced car, the Holden, roll off the production line Go to Holden in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Australia and Oceania Society Australia
1951	Jacopo Arbenz, newly elected president of Guatemala, enrages the USA by expropriating the land of the United Fruit Company Go to Arbenz Guzmán, Lt. Col. Jacobo (1913) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Society Latin America Central America Six European nations agree to joint coal and steel production through the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Go to ECSC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Europe France Society The new Iranian prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, passes the Oil Nationalization Act, seizing Britain's assets in the region Go to Iran in The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Society
1952	French economist Jean Monnet becomes the first president of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Go to Monnet, Jean (1888–1979) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Europe France Society The UK car manufacturers Morris and Austin merge to become the British Motor Corporation Go to motor industry in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1956	The first true synthesizer is put on the market by RCA Victor Go to synthesizer in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Society North America United States
1957	Six founding nations (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West Germany) establish the European Economic Community (EEC) Go to Rome, Treaty of (25 May 1957) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Europe France Germany Italy Society
1958	In The Affluent Society US economist John Kenneth Galbraith criticizes wasteful modern consumerism Go to Galbraith, John Kenneth (1908–2006) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Society North America United States 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 Asia East Asia China Society
1959	The Mini is launched, designed by Alec Issigonis, and becomes the best-selling British car of all time Go to Issigonis, Alec (1906–88) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1960	EFTA (European Free Trade Association) brings together the European nations outside the EEC Go to EFTA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Society
1962	Sam Walton opens the first Wal-Mart Discount store, in Rogers, Arkansas Go to Walton, Sam (1918–1992) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Society North America United States
1968	The United Nations, with the approval of Britain as the colonial power, imposes economic sanctions on Rhodesia Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1973	British economist Ernst Friedrich Schumacher publishes an influential economic tract, Small is Beautiful Go to Schumacher, Ernst Friedrich (1911–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Arab oil-exporting countries cause an economic crisis by denying oil to western countries supporting Israel Go to oil crisis in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society North America
1975	School friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen found a software firm, calling it Microsoft Go to Microsoft in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Society North America United States
1976	Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs design and market a personal computer, calling it the Apple Go to Apple Inc. in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Technology Communication Society North America United States
1978	There are so many strikes in Britain this winter that it becomes known as the 'winter of discontent' Go to winter of discontent in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1980	The small firm of Microsoft wins the contract to provide the operating system of the IBM personal computer Go to Microsoft in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Society North America United States
1981	Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan share a common economic viewpoint, following the policy known as monetarism Go to Reagan, Ronald W(ilson) (1911–2004) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain North America United States
1983	British economist Nicholas Kaldor attacks monetarism in The Economic Consequences of Mrs Thatcher Go to Kaldor, Nicholas, Baron (1908–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain 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 Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia Japan Society
1987	The Dow-Jones index loses 30% in a dramatic US stock-market collapse Go to Black Monday (19 Oct. 1987) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Society North America United States
1991	A treaty signed in the Netherlands town of Maastricht establishes the European Union and prepares for the introduction of the euro Go to Maastricht Treaty in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Europe Netherlands Society
1993	The UN imposes sanctions because of Libya's refusal to cooperate in the Lockerbie air disaster enquiry Go to Libya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Society
1994	A devaluation of the Mexican peso leads to a sudden collapse in the local stock market Go to Mexico in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Society Latin America Central America Mexico
1996	Microsoft founder Bill Gates, with a fortune of $20 billion, is calculated to be the richest man in the world Go to Gates, Bill (1955– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Society North America United States
1998	A sudden collapse of the Brazilian stock market follows the earlier slump in the Asian markets Go to Brazil in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Society Latin America Brazil South America
1999	Eleven of the nations in the European Union adopt the euro as a shared single currency Go to euro in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Society
2000	The republic of Ireland is the fastest growing economy in the EU, with a GDP growth of more than 10% Go to Ireland, Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain
2001	The giant Texas energy company Enron files for bankruptcy after disclosure of major accountancy fraud Go to Enron in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society North America United States Five presidents succeed each other within a month in Argentina's economic crisis Go to Argentina in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Society Latin America Argentina South America
2004	Ten new member states (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czech republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus) join the European Union Go to European Union in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Society
2006	Google pays $1.65 billion for the website YouTube, launched less than two years previously Go to YouTube in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Communication Society North America United States
2007	Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union, bringing the number of member states to twenty-seven Go to European Union in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Society
2008	US President Bush signs into law a $700 billion emergency fund to purchase failing bank assets Go to Bush, George W. (1946– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society North America United States Stock markets plunge around the world as fears grow over the US subprime mortgage crisis Go to sub-prime adjective in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society The Dow Jones index suffers its largest one-day fall (777 points) when the US House of Representatives rejects President Bush's emergency package Go to Dow Jones in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society North America United States In the face of a major financial crisis the Icelandic government takes control of the country's three largest banks Go to Iceland in A Guide to Countries of the World (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society
2009	The prime minister of Iceland, Geir Haarde, resigns after the collapse of his country's banking system Go to Iceland in A Guide to Countries of the World (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Europe Society Global stock markets fall when Dubai seems in danger of being unable to service its massive $80 billion of debt Go to Dubai in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Asia West Asia Society Abu Dhabi provides Dubai with $10 billion of debt relief, reducing the threat of a new major financial crisis Go to Abu Dhabi in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Asia West Asia Society
2010	Greece is promised an EU and IMF bail-out package of 45 billion euros to cope with its high level of national debt Go to International Monetary Fund in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Europe Greece Society Greece's credit rating is downgraded by Standard & Poor to BB+ ('junk'), causing a run on global stock markets Go to Standard and Poor's in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Europe Society Severe austerity measures in Greece persuade Germany to back an increased EU and IMF bail-out package of 110 billion euros Go to International Monetary Fund in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Europe Greece Society The European Union agrees a rescue package of €85 billion to deal with the financial crisis in the republic of Ireland Go to European Union in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Europe Society
2011	Eurozone leaders agree a second bail-out package for Greece of €109 billion Go to Eurozone in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Europe Greece Society The funding crisis in the Eurozone extends to fears of potential government default in the large economies of Spain and Italy Go to Eurozone in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Europe Society With no sign of a deal between Obama and Republicans on raising the debt limit, fears grow that the USA might default on its debts on August 2 Go to default in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States President Obama announces a last-minute deal with congressional leaders on the debt limit, temporarily calming the fears of the financial markets Go to financial markets in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States A dramatic fall begins in international financial markets, in some amounting to more than 10% over the following few days Go to financial markets in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Society Standard & Poor's downgrades the USA's credit rating from AAA to AA+, further increasing the sense of gloom in stock exchanges Go to Standard and Poor's in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Society North America United States

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date: 14 May 2025

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