British empire

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Timeline: British empire

Years: 1583 - 1997	Subject: History, Regional and National History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737541

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BCE CE

Year	Event
1583	Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland on behalf of England's queen Elizabeth Go to Gilbert, Sir Humphrey (c. 1539–83) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America Canada
1585	Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, is settled by the first English colonists in America – with disastrous results Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1587	A new group of English settlers arrives at Roanoke Island and makes a second attempt at a settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States Virginia Dare becomes the first English child to be born in America, on Roanoke Island Go to Dare, Virginia in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States
1590	An English ship, the first to arrive at Roanoke Island since 1587, finds no remaining trace of the settlers or their settlement Go to Roanoke Island in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States
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 Commerce and industry British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain
1607	Colonists establish the first lasting British settlement in the new world, at Jamestown Go to Jamestown in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1608	John Smith claims (many years later) that when captured by Indians he was saved from execution by Pocahontas, daughter of the chief Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America Empires North America United States
1609	Henry Hudson reaches the inlet of New York Bay and explores the river now known by his name Go to Hudson, Henry (d.1611) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Exploration British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America United States Castaways from an English vessel reach Bermuda, which becomes the first British island in the new world Go to Bermuda in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
1611	Henry Hudson, after wintering in Hudson Bay, is set adrift in an open boat by his mutinous crew Go to Hudson, Henry (d.1611) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires 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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Society Empires The American Indian princess Pocahontas is taken hostage by Jamestown colonists in the first Anglo-Powhatan war Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1614	Pocahontas is baptized a Christian and marries John Rolfe, one of the Jamestown colonists Go to Pocahontas (c. 1595–1617) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1616	John Smith publishes A Description of New England, an account of his exploration of the region in 1614 Go to Smith, John (1580–1631) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization Exploration British Isles American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America United States
1620 September 16	The Pilgrims (or Pilgrim Fathers), a group of 102 English settlers, sail in the Mayflower to the new world Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States
1620 November 1121	Ten days after their first landfall, at Cape Cod, the adult males on the Mayflower agree a form of government for their new colony Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1620 December 26	The Pilgrims on the Mayflower select a place for their settlement, and give it the name of Plymouth, their port of departure in England Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1620	William Bradford begins a journal of the Pilgrims' experience in New England, subsequently published (in 1856) as History of Plymouth Plantation Go to Plimmoth Plantation, History of in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1621 autumn	The Mayflower settlers in Plymouth offer thanksgiving for their first harvest, eating turkeys in a celebration shared by local Indians Go to Pilgrims in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Social and domestic American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America United States
1621	William Bradford, one of the Pilgrims from the Mayflower, is elected governor of the new Plymouth Colony Go to Bradford, William (1590–1657) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Democracy and dissent British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1622	A sudden attack by Powhatan Indians, led by their chieftain Opechancanough against the English colony at Jamestown, results in the death of more than 300 settlers Go to Powhatan Indians in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1627	A British colony is founded in Barbados and within fifteen years has 18,000 settlers Go to Barbados (West Indies) 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 Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean
c. 1630	Rival Dutch, English and French colonies are established in Guiana, the northeast coast of south America Go to Guiana 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 French empire Europe Empires Latin America South America John Winthrop, appointed governor of the new Massachusetts Bay Company, sails from England with 700 settlers Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Conquest and colonization British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Britain North America United States John Winthrop selects the site of Boston for the first Massachusetts settlement Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States John Winthrop, arriving in Massachusetts, begins the journal that is eventually published as The History Of New England Go to Winthrop, John (1588–1649) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1632	Maryland is granted to Lord Baltimore as a haven for English Roman Catholics Go to Baltimore, George Calvert, 1st Lord (c. 1580–1632) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1633	Williamsburg, first known as Middle Plantation, is founded in Virginia Go to Williamsburg in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1636	Rhode Island is founded by Roger Williams as a colony based on the principle of religious tolerance Go to Williams, Roger (c. 1603–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Reformation Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1637	War between English colonists and Pequot Indians brings disaster to the Pequots but safeguards the settlement of Connecticut Go to Pequot War (1636–1637) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) 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 Commerce and industry British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1655	The British, settling in Jamaica, soon turn the island into the major slave market of the West Indies Go to Jamaica (and Cuba, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Latin America Caribbean
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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1664	Peter Stuyvesant accepts the reality of the military situation and yields New Amsterdam to the British without a shot being fired Go to Stuyvesant, Peter (1610–72) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1666	New Amsterdam is renamed New York by the recently established English regime Go to New York (USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Portuguese empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
1675	A sudden uprising by the Wampanoag Indians against the new England settlements begins the conflict known as King Philip's War Go to King Philip's War (1675–76) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization War American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1681	Charles II grants William Penn the charter for the region that becomes Pennsylvania, in settlement of a debt to Penn's father Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1682	William Penn approves the Great Law, allowing complete freedom of religious belief in Pennsylvania Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States William Penn achieves peace for Pennsylvania by negotiating a treaty with the local Lenape (or Delaware) tribes Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1683	Mennonites and other from Germany (later known as the Pennsylvania Dutch) begin to settle in Penn's liberal colony Go to Penn, William (1644–1718) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1690	John Strong, landing on some remote Atlantic islands, names them after Viscount Falkland, treasurer of the British navy Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America
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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Society Empires
c. 1700	Holland and England are now producing the magnificent ocean-going merchant vessels known as East Indiamen Go to East Indiamen in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Travel and transport British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Belgium Netherlands Society Empires Britain
1732	Georgia is granted to a group of British philanthropists, to give a new start in life to debtors Go to Oglethorpe, James Edward in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States
1751	Robert Clive prevails over the French after holding out during the seven-week siege of Arcot in southern India Go to Clive, Robert (1725–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War French empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires Wars and Revolutions
1754	George Washington kills ten French troops at Fort Duquesne, in the first violent clash of the French and Indian war Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The British colonies negotiate with the Iroquois at the Albany Congress, in the face of the French threat in the Ohio valley Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1755	A British force under Edward Braddock lands in America to provide support against the French in the Ohio valley Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War British colonial America French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The army led by Edward Braddock and George Washington is ambushed at Fort Duquesne and Braddock is killed Go to Braddock, Edward (1695–1755) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1756	122 people die after being locked overnight in a small room in Calcutta, in an incident that becomes known as the Black Hole of Calcutta Go to Black Hole of Calcutta in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1757	Robert Clive defeats the nawab of Bengal at the battle of Plassey, and places his own man on the throne Go to Clive, Robert (1725–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires William Pitt the Elder becomes secretary of state and transforms the British war effort against France in America Go to Pitt, William, 1st Earl of Chatham (1708–78) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Empires Britain
1759	British general James Wolfe sails up the St Lawrence river with 15,000 men to besiege Quebec Go to Wolfe, James (1727–59) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War Battles French empire Empires North America Canada Wolfe defeats Montcalm and captures Quebec, but both commanders die in the engagement Go to Quebec, battle of (1759) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada
1763	In the treaty of Paris France cedes to Britain all its territory north of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi river, except the district of New Orleans Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States In the treaty of Paris, Spain cedes Florida to Britain, completing British possession of the entire east coast of north America Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States
1764	A French expedition from St Malo, founding a colony on East Falkland, name the islands Les îsles Malouines Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America 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 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America 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 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America 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 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1768	Captain James Cook sails from Plymouth, in England, heading for Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain
1769	Captain Cook reaches New Zealand and sets off to chart its entire coastline Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania New Zealand Europe Society Empires
1770	Captain Cook reaches the mainland of Australia, at a place which he names Botany Bay, and continues up the eastern coast Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia
1772	Captain Cook sets off, in HMS Resolution, on his second voyage to the southern hemisphere Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain
1774	The Spanish, now in sole occupation of the Falkland Islands, call them Las Islas Malvinas Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America
1779	British explorer Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives in Hawaii over a stolen boat Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons Go to Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Migration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Britain
1787	The First Fleet (eleven ships carrying about 750 convicts) leaves Portsmouth for Australia Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia Britain
1788	After a journey of eight months from England the First Fleet reaches Australia, anchoring in Botany Bay Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Migration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Arthur Phillip, selecting a suitable coastal site for the first penal colony in Australia, names the place Sydney Cove Go to Sydney (Australia, Canada) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1790	A second fleet arrives in Sydney, bringing more convicts and a regiment, the New South Wales Corps, to keep order Go to New South Wales Corps in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Migration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia
1791	Naval officer George Vancouver sails from Britain on the voyage which will bring him to the northwest coast of America Go to Vancouver, George (1757–98) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America Canada
1795	Mungo Park sets off on his first expedition to explore the Niger on behalf of the African Association Go to Park, Mungo (1771–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires With the Dutch entering the war on the side of the French, Britain seizes their valuable Cape colony in South Africa Go to Cape Colony in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century French Revolutionary Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1798	British explorer George Bass sails round Tasmania in an open whaleboat, discovering the strait which now bears his name Go to Bass Strait in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia The British acquire a foothold in the Persian Gulf by making Oman a protectorate Go to Oman in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia West Asia Europe Empires
1799	Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, is killed fighting the British at Seringapatam Go to Tipu Sultan (c. 1753–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1802	The Treaty of Amiens restores the Cape of Good Hope to the Netherlands Go to Amiens, treaty of (1802) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1804	The city of Hobart is founded on the southern coast of Tasmania Go to Hobart in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1806	The British recapture the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1809	The British impose the so-called Hottentot Code, protecting Africans at the Cape but also tying them to employers' farms Go to Hottentot in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Ranjit Singh, maharaja of the Punjab, agrees an eastern boundary between himself and the British in the Treaty of Amritsar Go to Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1815	The congress of Vienna leaves the Cape of Good Hope in British hands Go to Vienna, Congress of (1814–15) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions
1820	The newly independent republic of Argentina takes possession of Las Islas Malvinas (the Falklands) Go to Falkland Islands in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America The first big influx of British settlers, numbering some 5000, arrives at Cape Town in South Africa Go to Cape of Good Hope in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
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 Commerce and industry 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 Commerce and industry Society Empires North America Canada
1829	James Stirling explores up the Swan River in western Australia to find a site for the settlement which he names Perth Go to Stirling, James (1791–1865) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1830	Richard Lander and his brother John explore the lower reaches of the Niger, proving that the great river is navigable Go to Lander, Richard Lemon (1804–34) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1831	The last surviving Aborigines of Tasmania are moved by the British to a small island where they soon die out Go to Aborigine in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia HMS Beagle sails from Plymouth to survey the coasts of the southern hemisphere, with Charles Darwin as the expedition's naturalist Go to Beagle, HMS in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Science Life sciences Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1833	Britain ejects the Argentinians from the Falklands and begins the process of settlement with British farmers Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America
1835	Melbourne, founded by settlers from Tasmania, develops as the centre of a sheep-rearing community Go to Melbourne in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1836	A site is selected for Adelaide and emigration begins from Britain to south Australia Go to Adelaide in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia
1839	The British seize the strategic port of Aden and administer it as a province annexed to India Go to Aden in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia West Asia Europe Empires A British army invades Afghanistan and installs a puppet ruler, Shuja Shah, as the Afghan amir Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires British troops invade China after the Chinese authorities seize and destroy the opium stocks of British merchants in Canton Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia China Europe Empires
c. 1841	Britain sends four naval ships up the river Niger to make anti-slavery treaties with local kings Go to Buxton, Thomas Fowell (1786–1845) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1842	The British abandon Kabul, losing most of the garrison force in the withdrawal to India and bringing to an end the first Anglo-Afghan war Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires
1843	The British take control of the existing Boer republic and proclaim Natal a British protectorate Go to Natal 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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1845	The first Anglo-Sikh war breaks out between Sikh forces in the Punjab and encroaching forces of Britain's East India Company Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1846	The first Anglo-Sikh war ends with the Treaty of Lahore, by which Jammu and Kashmir are ceded to the British Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1848	Harry Smith annexes for Britain the land between the Orange and Vaal rivers, calling it the Orange River Sovereignty Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The second Anglo-Sikh war begins when a British army invades the Punjab to suppress a local uprising Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1849	A British victory at the Battle of Gujarat effectively ends the second Anglo-Sikh war, and is followed by annexation of the Punjab Go to Sikh Wars (1845–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Vancouver Island is given the status of a British crown colony, to be followed by British Columbia in 1858 Go to Vancouver Island in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America Canada
1850	The British government buys the Danish fortresses on the Gold Coast, including Christiansborg castle in Accra Go to Ghana 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 West Africa Europe Denmark Empires
1851	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 Commerce and industry Australia and Oceania Society Empires Australia
1853	David Livingstone makes a heroic six-month journey from the Zambezi river to the west coast of 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 Exploration Africa South Africa Society Empires In the expectation of British and French support, the Ottoman sultan declares war on Russia - launching the Crimean War Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions
1854	The Boers establish the Orange Free State as an independent republic, with its own custom-built constitution Go to Free State in World Encyclopedia (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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Britain and France enter the war between Turkey and Russia, on the Turkish side Go to Crimean War (1853–56) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 War Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
1855	David Livingstone, moving down the Zambezi, comes upon the Victoria Falls Go to Victoria Falls in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1856	The treaty of Paris ends the Crimean War, limiting Russia's special powers in relation to Turkey Go to Paris, treaty of (1856) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Crimean War Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Muslim empires Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions Britain
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 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke set off from Bagamoyo in their search for the source of the Nile Go to Burton, Sir Richard in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain The Boers of the southern Transvaal declare independence as the South African Republic Go to South Africa, Republic of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1858	Burton and Speke reach Lake Tanganyika at Ujiji, a place later famous for the meeting between Livingstone and Stanley Go to Burton, Sir Richard in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain The India Act places India under the direct control of the British government, ending the rule of the East India Company Go to India Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 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 Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Britain Speke reaches Lake Victoria and guesses that it is probably the source of the Nile Go to Speke, John Hanning in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1861	Lagos, on the coast of Nigeria, is annexed as a British colony when the royal family prove unable or unwilling to end the slave trade Go to Lagos in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires
1862	Speke and Grant find the Ripon Falls, over which the headwater of the Nile flows from Lake Tanganyika Go to Speke, John Hanning (1827–1864) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration Africa East Africa Society Empires John McDouall Stuart reaches the north coast of Australia at Van Diemen's Gulf seven months after setting off from Adelaide Go to Stuart, John McDouall (1815–66) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia The bones of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills are brought back to Melbourne after the heroic failure of their attempt to cross Australia Go to Wills, Robert O'Hara, and William, explorers in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration Australia and Oceania Society Empires Australia
1867	The British North America Act, acknowledging the fears of French Catholics in Canada, guarantees the rights of "dissentient schools" Go to British North America Act (1867) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Empires North America Canada Four former colonies (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) unite to form the new nation of Canada with Ottawa as the capital Go to dominion in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Empires North America Canada The Canadian nation is called the Dominion of Canada – the first example of 'dominion status' Go to dominion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America Canada
1868	Britain annexes Basutoland (now Lesotho), the kingdom of the Sotho leader Moshoeshoe Go to Lesotho in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1869	The territory of the Hudson's Bay Company is transferred to the new state of Canada Go to Hudson's Bay Company in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Empires North America Canada Britain, France and Italy take joint control of the finances of a bankrupt Tunisia Go to imperialism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa French empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires The proprietor of the New York Herald gives Henry Morton Stanley a very concise commission – 'Find Livingstone' Go to Livingstone, David (1813–73) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration Africa South Africa Society Empires British explorer Samuel Baker annexes the southern Sudan, or Equatoria, on behalf of the khedive of Egypt Go to Baker, Sir Samuel White (1821–93) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1871	18-year-old English entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes, on a temporary visit to South Africa, arrives in the new diamond town of Kimberley Go to Rhodes, Cecil (1853–1902) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Stanley, finding Livingstone at Ujiji, greets him with four words which become famous – 'Dr Livingstone, I presume' 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 Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Empires Britain
1874	The southern region of present-day Ghana becomes a British colony, to be known as the Gold Coast Go to Ghana 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 West Africa Europe Empires Stanley sets off from Bagamoyo, intending to resume the exploration of central Africa where Livingstone left off Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration Africa Central Africa East Africa Society Empires
1876	The chaotic government finances of Egypt are placed under joint French and British control Go to Mixed Courts of Egypt in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (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 Europe Empires Britain Stanley passes Nyangwe on the Lualaba, the furthest point down the Congo river system reached by Livingstone Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration Africa Central Africa East Africa Society Empires India becomes the 'jewel in the crown' of Queen Victoria when Benjamin Disraeli secures for her the title Empress of India Go to Victoria (1819–1901) 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 Mughal empire British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain Leopold II hosts a conference in Brussels on the subject of opening up the African continent Go to Brussels Geographical Conference in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (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 Europe Belgium Empires
1877	Britain annexes the Boer republic in the Transvaal Go to Transvaal 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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Stanley completes his exploration of the Congo, reaching the Atlantic coast at Boma after a three-year journey Go to Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Exploration European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Society Empires
1878	Three British armies invade Afghanistan, beginning the second Anglo-Afghan War Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires
1879	The British find a pretext to march into the territory ruled by Cetshwayo, thus launching the Zulu War Go to Zulu War (1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Zulu tribesmen surprise and annihilate a British army encamped near Isandhlwana Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Immediately after Isandhlwana a tiny British garrison at Rorke's Drift fights off an overwhelming Zulu attack Go to Isandhlwana, Battle of (22 January 1879) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires 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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires The British destruction of Cetshwayo's kraal at Ulundi ends the Zulu War Go to Ulundi, battle of (1879) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1881	The Boers inflict a convincing defeat on a British army at Majuba, in the Transvaal Go to Majuba Hill, battle of (1881) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War Battles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The British withdraw from Afghanistan, having achieved nothing in the Second Anglo-Afghan War Go to Anglo‐Afghan Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Europe Empires
1882	Anti-western riots in Alexandria result in many deaths and provoke a British invasion Go to Arabi Pasha (1839–1911) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Alexandria European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires
1883	Mohammed Ahmed, proclaiming himself the Mahdi, defeats three Egyptian armies in the Sudan Go to Mahdi in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War Africa East Africa Empires
1884	The British empire is first described as a 'Commonwealth of Nations', by Lord Rosebery speaking in Australia Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th earl of (1847–1929) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Australia Britain General Gordon marches south to protect Khartoum from the advancing forces of the Mahdi Go to Gordon, Charles George (1833–85) 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 East Africa Europe Empires The Boer republic in the Transvaal regains its independence from Britain Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) 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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires British general Garnet Wolseley sails from London on a mission to rescue Gordon, trapped by the Mahdi in Khartoum Go to Gordon relief expedition (1884–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (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 East Africa Europe Empires Bismarck invites the European powers to a West Africa Conference in Berlin Go to Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 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 German empire Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires
1885	Britain annexes Bechuanaland as a protectorate, to secure the route north from the Cape into central Africa Go to Botswana in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1886	Germany and Britain define neighbouring spheres of interest in east Africa Go to Africa, partition of 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 German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires The German and British agreement in east Africa creates the present-day boundary between Tanzania and Kenya Go to Scramble for Africa 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 German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1887	A gathering of leaders from the British empire holds a colonial conference in London to coincide with Queen Victoria's jubilee Go to imperial conferences in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev 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 Empires Britain
1888	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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires The Imperial British East Africa Company is given a charter to administer Kenya and Uganda 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 Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe 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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires France and Britain agree colonial boundaries for Senegal and Gambia in west Africa Go to Gambia, The in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa French empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1890	Cecil Rhodes sends colonists to settle the newly won colony of Rhodesia Go to Rhodesia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Zanzibar, under its Arab sultan, is declared a British protectorate Go to Zanzibar 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 East Africa Europe Empires
1891	Rhodes wins the right to administer the region from the Zambezi up to Lake Tanganyika, forming present-day Zambia Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Britain cedes the tiny island of Heligoland to Germany in return for vast areas of Africa Go to Heligoland (Schleswig-Holstein/Germany) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 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 German empire Africa Europe Germany Empires Britain
1892	Frederick Lugard's Maxim machine gun settles a Protestant-Catholic clash in Kampala, the capital of Buganda Go to Maxim, Sir Hiram S. in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Weapons European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The Falkland Islands, by now occupied by some 2000 settlers, become a British colony Go to Falkland Islands 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 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Britain
1893	Leander Jameson, finding a pretext for war, drives Lobengula out of his kingdom in Rhodesia Go to Lobengula (c. 1836–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Mahatma Gandhi, travelling with a first-class ticket, is forcibly ejected from the carriage at Pietermaritzburg because of his colour Go to Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Persecution and repression Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Empires The British Central African Protectorate is set up in the region of present-day Malawi Go to Malawi 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 South Africa Europe Empires
1895	The territory south of the Zambezi is given the name Rhodesia, in honour of the man who has colonized it Go to Rhodesia in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Khama III, the king of Bechuanaland, travels to London to demand the continuing protection of the British crown Go to Khama III (1837?–1923) 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 South Africa Europe Empires The British government takes responsibility for Kenya, as the East Africa Protectorate Go to Kenya in The Oxford Companion to 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 East Africa Europe Empires Leander Jameson leads a disastrous raid into the Transvaal, in an attempt to topple Paul Kruger's government Go to Jameson Raid (1895) 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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1896	Cecil Rhodes' involvement with the Jameson raid forces his resignation as the Cape Colony prime minister Go to Jameson Raid (1895) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Britain unites Buganda and three other kingdoms into the single Uganda Protectorate Go to Uganda in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1897	Zululand, annexed by Britain in 1887, is now merged with the colony of Natal Go to Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Paul Kruger, prime minister of the Transvaal, forms an alliance with the other Boer republic, the Orange Free State Go to Kruger, Paul (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The UK colonial secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, appoints enthusiastic imperialist Alfred Milner as high commissioner in South Africa Go to Milner, Alfred (1854–1925) 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 South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The British burn Benin City in a punitive expedition after members of a British delegation are murdered Go to Benin, Kingdom of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1898	French and British forces meet at Fashoda, in a potentially explosive incident in the scramble for Africa Go to Fashoda crisis (1898) 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 French empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kitchener's victory at Omdurman brings to an end thirteen years of rule in Sudan by followers of the Mahdi Go to Omdurman, battle of (2 September 1898) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (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 East Africa Europe Empires
1899	The Sudan begins half a century of supposedly joint rule by Britain and Egypt Go to Sudan in The Oxford Companion to 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 East Africa Europe Empires Mohammed ibn Abdullah (the Mad Mullah in British eyes) leads an uprising in British Somaliland Go to Hasan, Muhammad Abdille Sayyid (1864–1920) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The Boer War breaks out, ostensibly over the rights of British settlers in the Transvaal Go to Boer Wars (1880–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Empires Britain
1900	Paul Kruger flees after the British take Pretoria and annexe both the Boer republics Go to Kruger, Stephanus Johannes Paulus (1825–1904) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The British government assumes direct responsibility for the entire region of Nigeria, previously entrusted to a commercial company Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires
1901	Six separate Australian colonies combine to form the independent Commonwealth of Australia Go to Australia (New Holland, Terra Australis) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Empires Australia Thousands of women and children die in the concentration camps used by the British army for displaced Boer families Go to Boer Wars (1880–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires
1902	A treaty at Vereeniging ends the Boer War and brings the Boer republics under British control Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires After the defeat of neighbouring Transvaal in the Boer War, the British take sole control of Swaziland Go to Swaziland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1903	Edward VII, the first British monarch to travel to India, holds a great coronation durbar in Delhi Go to Edward VII (1841–1910) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British monarchs - from 1066 Africa Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians
1904	British troops under Francis Younghusband enter Tibet's holy city of Lhasa Go to Tibet, British expedition to (1904) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia Empires
1905	Kaiser Wilhelm II visits Tangier in support of Moroccan independence, causing a diplomatic crisis with the colonial powers France and Britain Go to Moroccan Crisis, First (1905) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa French empire German empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires
1906	Mahatma Gandhi, confronted by racial discrimination in South Africa, launches a programme of passive resistance (satyagraha) Go to satyagraha in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Empires Transvaal is given the self-governing status promised in the treaty ending the Boer War Go to Vereeniging, treaty of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires The All-India Muslim League is set up at a meeting of the Muhammadan Educational Conference in Dhaka Go to Muslim League in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1907	New Zealand becomes independent as a self-governing dominion Go to dominion in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Australia and Oceania New Zealand Empires
1909	Mahatma Gandhi, on a visit to India, publishes a pamphlet entitled Hind Swaraj ("Indian Home Rule") Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1911	The British monarch George V holds a great durbar in Delhi to celebrate his coronation as emperor of India Go to George V (1865–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty European empires from 1415 British monarchs - from 1066 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Rulers and politicians
1913	Construction begins on the government buildings in New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker Go to Lutyens, Sir Edwin Landseer (1869–1944) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture British architecture Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Britain
1914	British rule is consolidated in Nigeria by the merging of north and south as a single colony Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Empires The British government changes the status of Egypt from a Turkish province to a British protectorate Go to Egypt in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Turks European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires August 4 - bound by treaty to defend Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles German empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Empires Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain
1915	Mahatma Gandhi returns to India after more than twenty years in South Africa Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires
1919	More than 300 die when British troops fire on a peaceful demonstration in Amritsar Go to Amritsar Massacres (1919) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
1920	May - League of Nations mandates give Britain responsibility for Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine Go to Mandate in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Palestine and Israel Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1921	The Young Kikuyu Association is formed in Kenya, to fight for African rights and the restoration of Kikuyu land Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1922	Mahatma Gandhi is arrested by the British in India as an agitator and is sentenced to six years in prison Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1923	Rhodesia becomes a self-governing colony with political power exclusively in the hands of European settlers Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1924	The British government takes on the administration of Northern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1926	The Balfour Report, by former UK prime minister A.J. Balfour, suggests the way forward for the British Commonwealth of Nations Go to Balfour Report in Oxford Companion to Australian Politics (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Britain
1928	Jomo Kenyatta becomes the editor of Muigwithania, the newspaper of the Kikuyu Central Association Go to Kenyatta, Jomo (b. 10 Oct) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1930	Mahatma Gandhi leads a 240-mile march from Ahmedabad to the sea to defy the British salt tax, thus launching a campaign of civil disobedience Go to Salt March in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
c. 1931	Sectarian hostilities increase in Kashmir, with the Muslim majority resenting the favours shown by the British to the Sikh and Hindu elite Go to Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad (1905–82) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Religion Islam Social and domestic Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan Society Empires
1934	Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes president of the Muslim League in India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires
1942	Mahatma Gandhi launches the Quit India Movement, calling on a large crowd in Bombay to 'do or die' in the struggle to expel the British Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Mahatma Gandhi and nearly all the leaders of India's Congress party are arrested and will remain in prison until the end of the war Go to Gandhi, ‘Mahatma’ (1869–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
c. 1945	Gamal Abdel Nasser and army colleagues form a secret party, the Free Officers, to fight for an independent Egyptian republic Go to Nasser, Gamal Abdel (1918–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires
1947	In granting independence to India, Britain partitions the subcontinent along sectarian lines into Pakistan and the republic of India Go to Partition in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Religion Islam European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, becomes also the first governor-general Go to Mountbatten, Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires Jawaharlal Nehru becomes prime minister of the newly independent republic of India Go to Nehru, Jawaharlal (1889–1964) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Muslim leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes the first governor-general of the new state of Pakistan Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires
1948	Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated at a Delhi prayer meeting by a Hindu extremist, Nathuram Godse Go to Gāndhī, Mohandas Karamchand (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires
1952	An outbreak of terrorism in Kenya is orchestrated by a secret Kikuyu organization, the Mau Mau Go to Mau Mau (1952–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1953	Jomo Kenyatta, charged with having organized the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, is sentenced to seven years in prison Go to Kenyatta, Jomo (1894?–1978) in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The two Rhodesias and Nyasaland are merged in the self-governing Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Go to Central African Federation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1954	George Grivas leads a guerrilla movement, EOKA, fighting for Cyprus's independence from Britain and union with Greece Go to EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Europe Greece Empires
1956	The Sudan, declining the opportunity of union with Egypt, opts for independence as a separate state Go to Sudan in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1957	Kwame Nkrumah leads the Gold Coast into independence under a name of historic resonance, Ghana Go to Ghana in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Abdul Rahman Putra becomes the first prime minister of independent Malaya Go to Abdul Rahman Putra, Tunku (b. 8 Feb. 1903) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Empires
1959	Lee Kuan Yew becomes the first prime minister of the newly independent state of Singapore Go to Lee Kuan Yew (16 Sept. 1923) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1960	Kenneth Kaunda is elected president of UNIP, a new party fighting for an independent Northern Rhodesia Go to Kaunda, Kenneth David (1924– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Cyprus becomes an independent nation, free of British colonial rule, with Archbishop Makarios as president Go to Cyprus in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Patrice Lumumba becomes prime minister of the newly independent Democratic Republic of the Congo, previously the Belgian Congo Go to Lumumba, Patrice Emergy (b. 2 July 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires British and Italian colonies merge as the independent Somali republic, also known as Somalia, with Aden Abdullah Osman as president Go to Somalia in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kenyatta, still in prison, is elected leader of KANU, a new political party in Kenya Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Nigeria wins independence, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister, but its stability is threatened by tribal and regional factions Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1961	Former British colony Sierra Leone becomes an independent state within the Commonwealth Go to Sierra Leone in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Joshua Nkomo founds ZAPU, the Zimbabwe African People's Union, in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia Go to Nkomo, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo (b. 17 June 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Tanganyika becomes an independent nation with Julius Nyerere as prime minister Go to Tanzania in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1962	Ian Smith's white supremacist party, the Rhodesian Front, wins power in Rhodesia's election Go to Smith, Ian Douglas (1919–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires The former British colony of Uganda becomes an independent republic, with Milton Obote as prime minister Go to Uganda in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires
1963	Zanzibar becomes an independent nation and a member of the Commonwealth Go to Zanzibar in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires Kenya becomes independent, with Jomo Kenyatta as prime minister Go to Kenya in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Europe Empires The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is dissolved, as the three colonies go their separate ways Go to Central African Federation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1964	Ian Smith, now prime minister of Rhodesia, arrests leading black politicians Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe Go to Smith, Ian Douglas (1919–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Hastings Banda is prime minister of the newly independent nation of Malawi, formerly Nyasaland Go to Malawi in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires Kenneth Kaunda becomes president of the independent republic of Zambia, previously Northern Rhodesia Go to Zambia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1965	The Gambia becomes an independent member of the Commonwealth, with Dawda Jawara as prime minister Go to Gambia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires Ian Smith makes a unilateral declaration of Rhodesia's independence Go to Rhodesia in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1966	Former chief Seretse Khama becomes the first president of an independent Botswana Go to Khama, Sir Seretse (1921–80) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Empires
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 Commerce and industry European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires
1979	The first multiracial elections held in Rhodesia are won by bishop Abel Muzorewa Go to Muzorewa, Abel Tendekayi (b. 14 Apr. 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Empires A conference in London, at Lancaster House, finally achieves agreement on Southern Rhodesia Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires Britain
1980	Rhodesia becomes independent, taking the name Zimbabwe, with Robert Mugabe as prime minister Go to Zimbabwe in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Zimbabwe Africa South Africa Europe Empires
1982	5000 Argentinian troops land in the Falkland Islands, provoking war with Britain Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America British troops recapture Port Stanley, after which the Argentinian forces in the Falklands surrender Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century War European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Latin America Argentina South America
1997	Fifteen years after the Falklands War there are 1700 British troops in the islands, guarding 2200 residents Go to Falklands (Malvinas) War (1982) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century War European empires from 1415 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America

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date: 03 December 2024

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