Rulers and politicians

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Timeline: Rulers and politicians

Years: 1066 - 2011	Subject: Social sciences, Politics
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737688

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BCE CE

Year	Event
1066	On his death bed in Westminster, Edward the Confessor designates Harold - foremost among England's barons - as his successor Go to Frederick II (1194–1250) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Edward the Confessor is buried in his new abbey church at Westminster, consecrated only the previous week Go to Westminster Abbey in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain On the day of Edward's burial, Harold is crowned king - almost certainly in the same abbey church at Westminster Go to Harold II (c. 1022–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Harold defeats at Stamford Bridge the joint army of his brother Tostig and of the Norwegian king, Harald Hardraade Go to Stamford Bridge, battle of (1066) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century War Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Norway Britain The Normans, as seen in the Bayeux tapestry, invade England in Viking longships with fortified platforms for archers Go to Bayeux Tapestry in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Britain Harold, hurrying south to confront the Normans after his victory at Stamford Bridge, is defeated and killed at Hastings Go to Harold II (c. 1022–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain William the Conqueror is crowned on Christmas Day at Westminster - giving the new abbey church two coronations and a royal funeral in its first year Go to William I (1028–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1087	On the death of his father, William the Conqueror, William II becomes king of England Go to William II (c. 1056–1100) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1100	On the death of his brother, William II, Henry I becomes king of England Go to Henry I (b. 1068) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 11th century 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1120	The White Ship strikes a rock off the Cherbourg peninsula drowning William the Aetheling, heir to the English throne Go to White Ship in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1135	On the death of Henry I, his nephew Stephen moves quickly to keep Henry's daughter Matilda off the English throne Go to Stephen , king of England (c.1097–1154) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
c. 1136	Walter FitzAlan takes a post as steward with the Scottish king, thus establishing the Stewart family and later dynasty Go to Stuart, house of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1154	Henry II, coming to the throne of England, is king or feudal overlord of an unbroken swathe of territory from the Tweed to the Pyrenees Go to Henry II (1133–89) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Britain
1162	Thomas Becket, Lord Chancellor to Henry II, is forced by the king to accept the vacant post of archbishop of Canterbury Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1164	Thomas Becket, having offended the king by his firm stand as archbishop of Canterbury, flees to a monastery near Paris Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
c. 1170	The English exchequer grows in importance under Henry II, taking its name from the table on which financial calculations are made Go to Exchequer in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Henry II arranges for the archbishop of York to crown his son, the 'Young King', as a joint ruler Go to Henry, the Young King (1155–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Thomas Becket, in France, suspends the English bishops who have participated in the coronation of the 'Young King' Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain After an apparent reconciliation with Henry II, Thomas Becket leaves France and returns to Canterbury Go to Becket, Thomas (c. 1120–70) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Four knights, acting on an unguarded hint from Henry II, murder Thomas Becket on December 29 in his cathedral at Canterbury Go to Becket, St Thomas (?1120–70) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1171	The English king, Henry II, acknowledges Rhys ap Gruffydd as the lord of south Wales Go to Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132–97) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1174	The Scottish king, William the Lion, is captured raiding into Northumberland and is taken south with his feet tied beneath his horse Go to William I (1143–1214) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1189	The English king Henry II is succeeded by his third son as Richard I Go to Richard I (b. 8 Sept. 1157) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1190	A year after succeeding to the throne of England, Richard I sets off east as one of the leaders of the third crusade Go to Crusades in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1192	Richard I, returning from the Holy Land in disguise, is recognized in an inn near Vienna and is imprisoned until England pays a massive ransom Go to Richard I (b. 8 Sept. 1157) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Austria Britain
1199	On the death of his brother, Richard I, John becomes king of England Go to John (1167–1216) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 12th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1215	John, the king of England, fixes his seal to Magna Carta, which the barons place before him in a meadow called Runnymede Go to Magna Carta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1216	On the death of his father, King John, Henry III becomes king of England Go to Henry III (1207–72) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
c. 1220	Llewellyn ap Iorwerth acquires such authority over other Welsh chieftains that he is informally referred to as the prince of Wales Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1225	Magna Carta is reissued slightly modified when Henry III comes of age; in the version which becomes enshrined in English law Go to Henry III (b. 1 Oct. 1207) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1258	Henry III accepts severe curtailment of his powers in the Provisions of Oxford, but then asks the pope to absolve him from his oath Go to Henry III (1207–72) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1264	Simon de Montfort, leading the barons in rebellion, captures Henry III and his son Edward at Lewes Go to Montfort, Simon de, Earl of Leicester (c. 1208–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Protest and rebellion Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1265	Prince Edward, escaping from captivity, defeats and kills Simon de Montfort at Evesham Go to Montfort, Simon de, Earl of Leicester (c. 1208–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Protest and rebellion Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1267	In a treaty agreed at Shrewsbury, the English king Henry III acknowledges Llewellyn ap Gruffydd as the prince of Wales Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1272	Edward I is in Sicily when he becomes king of England, on the death of his father, Henry III Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles Sicily British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1282	An uprising by Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, the prince of Wales, ends with his own death and the subjugation of Wales by the king of England, Edward I Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dynasties and royalty War Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1283	Edward I begins a series of powerful castles - Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy in this year alone - to subdue the Welsh Go to Harlech castle in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1289	Edward I of England arranges for his 5-year-old heir to marry Margaret the Maid of Norway, the 7-year-old heiress to the kingdom of Scotland Go to Margaret, Maid of Norway (c. 1283–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Norway Britain
1290	The death of Margaret, child heiress to the Scottish throne, results in John de Balliol being chosen as king Go to John Balliol (b. c.1250) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1295	The parliament summoned by Edward I in Westminster Hall is later seen as a 'model' for the breadth of its representation Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Democracy and dissent British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1296	Edward I invades Scotland, massacres the people of Berwick, captures John de Balliol and brings to Westminster the Stone of Scone Go to Scone, stone of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1297	William Wallace's victory over the English at Stirling Bridge enables him to rule Scotland on behalf of John de Balliol Go to Wallace, William (d. 1305) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1301	Edward I, conqueror of Wales, bestows the cherished title 'prince of Wales' on his own heir, the future Edward II Go to prince of Wales in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1306	After the murder of his rival, in a church in Dumfries, Robert de Bruce is crowned king of Scots at Scone Go to Robert I (‘the Bruce’) (b. 11 July 1274) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1307	The English king Edward I dies campaigning near Carlisle, on an expedition north against his Scottish rival Robert the Bruce Go to Edward I (b. 18 June 1239) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain On the death of his father, Edward I, Edward II becomes king of England Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1314	After years of guerrilla warfare, Robert de Bruce defeats the English conclusively at Bannockburn - and becomes at last secure in his kingdom Go to Robert I (‘the Bruce’) (b. 11 July 1274) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1326	Edward II is captured and imprisoned by his queen, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1327	Isabella forces Edward II to renounce the English throne in favour of their 15-year-old son, Edward III Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Edward II, imprisoned by his wife and her lover, dies in Berkeley castle - almost certainly the victim of murder Go to miniature painting in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1328	The English finally accept a treaty, in Edinburgh, declaring that Robert de Bruce is king of a Scotland 'free and divided from the kingdom of England' Go to Bruce, Robert (1210–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1329	On the death of his father, Robert the Bruce, David II becomes king of Scotland Go to David II (1324–71) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1337	Philip VI of France confiscates Guienne, a fief belonging to Edward III of England - whose response begins the Hundred Years' War Go to Hundred Years War in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain
1340	Edward III, in Ghent, publicly assumes the title and the arms of the king of France Go to Bruce, Edward (d. 1318) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain
1371	On the death of his uncle, David II, Robert Stewart becomes king of Scotland as Robert II Go to Robert II (1316–90) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1377	10-year-old Richard II follows his grandfather, Edward III, on the English throne Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1381	A poll tax imposed in England provokes widespread unrest, which flares up in the Peasants' Revolt Go to Peasants' Revolt in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Wat Tyler, leader of the Kentish rebels, meets Richard II at Smithfield - before being struck and wounded by the Lord Mayor of London Go to Tyler, Wat (d. 1381) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1390	On the death of his father, Robert II, Robert III becomes king of Scotland Go to Robert III (c. 1337–1406) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1398	A dangerous feud develops between two of England's most powerful barons, Henry of Bolingbroke (son of John of Gaunt) and Thomas de Mowbray Go to Henry IV (1366–1413) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Richard II banishes Thomas de Mowbray for life and Henry of Bolingbroke for ten years Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1399	John of Gaunt dies and Richard II denies Henry of Bolingbroke his Lancastrian inheritance, declaring Gaunt's vast estates forfeit to the crown Go to John of Gaunt (b. Mar. 1340) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Henry of Bolingbroke returns to England to lead an armed rebellion against his cousin the king Go to Henry IV (1366–1413) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Richard II surrenders at Conwy to the forces led by Henry of Bolingbroke Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Richard II is deposed by parliament and Boliingbroke is proclaimed king of England, as Henry IV, introducing the royal house of Lancaster Go to Henry IV (1366–1413) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Richard II cedes his crown to Bolingbroke, as Henry IV, and a few months later dies in Pontefract castle - probably starved to death Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1400	Richard II dies in Pontefract castle, almost certainly starved to death on the orders of the new king - insecure on his throne as an undeniable usurper Go to Richard II (1367–1400) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The Welsh rise against the English and proclaim Owain Glyn Dwr as their own prince of Wales Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 14th century 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1404	Owain Glyn Dwr captures Aberystwyth and Harlech from the English and sets up an independent Welsh administration Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1406	On the death of his father, Robert III, James I becomes king of Scotland Go to James I (b. 25 July 1394) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1408	Driven from Aberystwyth and Harlech, Owain Glyn Dwr loses support - and the last Welsh rebellion fades away Go to Owain Glyn Dwr (b. c.1359) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1413	Henry V succeeds his father, Henry IV, as king of England Go to Henry V (b. 16 Sept. 1387) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1420	The treaty of Troyes, between the English and the Burgundian faction, grants Henry V the status of heir to the French throne Go to Troyes, treaty of (1420) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain Henry V marries Catherine, daughter of the French king and sister of the rightful heir to the kingdom, the dauphin, who is on the opposing side Go to Henry V (b. 16 Sept. 1387) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain
1422	Henry VI, son of Henry V and Catherine of France, is king of England and theoretically king of France before his first birthday Go to Henry VI (b. 6 Dec. 1421) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain
1437	On the death of his father, James I, James II becomes king of Scotland Go to James II (b. 10 Oct. 1430) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1455	An engagement at St Albans is the first battle in the 30-year struggle between the white and red roses of York and Lancaster Go to Wars of the Roses in The Oxford Dictionary of Local and Family History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1460	On the death of his father, James II, James III becomes king of Scotland Go to James III (b. May 1452) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1461	The first success in the Wars of the Roses goes to the white rose, with the Yorkist prince crowned as Edward IV Go to Edward IV (1442–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Henry VI flees to Scotland, abandoning the kingdom to the usurping Edward IV Go to Henry VI (1421–71) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1469	The Orkneys and Shetlands come into the possession of James III of Scotland with the dowry of Margaret of Denmark Go to Margaret of Denmark (b. c.1457) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Denmark Britain
1475	Edward IV, landing at Calais with a large army, is bought off at Picquigny with a bribe - ending his attempt to revive the Hundred Years' War Go to Edward IV (1442–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Hundred Years' War Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain
1483	The English king Edward IV dies and his succeeded by his 12-year-old son as Edward V Go to Edward V (b. 2 Nov. 1470) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The two royal princes, Edward V and his younger brother, are confined in the Tower of London by their uncle - soon to be Richard III Go to Richard III (1452–85) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Richard III has himself proclaimed king by a parliament held at Westminster, and begins a short reign of only two years Go to Richard III (1452–85) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1485	Henry Tudor kills Richard III at Bosworth Field and takes the crown as Henry VII Go to Henry VII (1457–1509) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1486	Henry VII, whose mother is Lancastrian, marries the Yorkist heiress Elizabeth and thus unites the roses - in the Tudor rose Go to Tudor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1488	On the death of his father, James III, James IV becomes king of Scotland Go to James IV (1473–1513) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1491	The king of France is among those supporting Perkin Warbeck, supposedly a prince from the Tower, in his attempt on the English throne Go to Perkin Warbeck (b. 1474) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1499	After three feeble attempts to invade England, Perkin Warbeck is captured by Henry VII (in 1497) and is hanged at Tyburn Go to Perkin Warbeck (b. 1474) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1066-1500 15th century Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1503	The marriage of James IV, king of Scotland, to Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII, leads a century later to the Union of the Crowns Go to James IV (b. 17 Mar. 1473) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1509	On the death of his father, and as the result of the death of his elder brother Arthur, Henry VIII becomes king of England Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1513	James IV of Scotland dies at Flodden, in the disastrous defeat of his army by the English Go to James IV (b. 17 Mar. 1473) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War Battles Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain On the death of his father at Flodden, the one-year-old James V becomes king of Scotland Go to James V (b. 10 Apr. 1512) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1514	Thomas Wolsey begins to build himself a palace at Hampton Court, but will later consider it politic to give it to Henry VIII Go to Hampton Court palace in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1516	Catherine of Aragon gives birth to a daughter, Mary, who becomes the only one of her six children to live beyond infancy Go to Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1528	Discussion of Henry VIII's proposed divorce hinges on rival verses from the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy and Leviticus Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Judaism British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain In a desperate attempt to retain royal favour, when suspected by the king of opposing his divorce, Cardinal Wolsey gives his spectacular Hampton Court Palace to Henry VIII Go to Wolsey, Thomas (c. 1474–1530) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1529	After the fall of Wolsey, Henry VIII appoints Thomas More as his Lord Chancellor Go to More, Sir Thomas (1478–1535) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1533	Thomas Cranmer, the archbishop of Canterbury, declares Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon null and void Go to Cranmer, Thomas (1489–1556) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Anne Boleyn has a child (the future Elizabeth I) but not of the sex her husband wanted Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1534	Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy forces prominent figures in English public life to accept him on oath as head of the Church of England Go to Church of England in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1535	Thomas More refuses to take the oath accepting the Act of Supremacy and is beheaded Go to More, Thomas (1477) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1536	Henry VIII begins the process of gathering in the wealth of England's monasteries Go to Henry VIII (1491–1547) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Wales is merged within the English kingdom as a principality Go to Wales, principality of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Wales British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Henry VIII's queen, Anne Boleyn, is beheaded in the Tower of London on unsubstantiated charges of adultery Go to Anne Boleyn (b. c.1501) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1537	Jane Seymour gives birth to Henry VIII's long-awaited male heir (the future Edward VI) Go to Edward VI (b. 12 Oct. 1537) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Jane Seymour dies twelve days after giving birth to Henry VIII's heir, the future Edward VI Go to Jane Seymour (b. c.1509) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1542	A one-week-old Scottish infant, daughter of James V, inherits the throne as Mary Queen of Scots Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1547	On the death of Henry VIII his 10-year-old son becomes king of England as Edward VI Go to Edward VI (b. 12 Oct. 1537) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1553	Mary I succeeds to the English throne, and devotes her energies to the restoration of the Catholic faith Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1554	Mary I causes grave offence in England by her marriage to the Catholic heir to the king of Spain Go to Philip II (1527–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Spain Britain
1555	The Protestant martyrs, though few in number, ensure the reputation of Bloody Mary in English history Go to Mary I (1516–58) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1558	Elizabeth I succeeds peacefully to the throne of England, after the turmoil of Mary's Catholic reign Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain William Cecil, later Lord Burghley, becomes Elizabeth's principal secretary - and remains in the post for forty years Go to Cecil, William (1520–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Mary Queen of Scots marries the heir to the French throne, who a year later succeeds as Francis II Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Britain With its strong French connection, the Scottish royal name of Stewart begins to be spelt Stuart (there being no 'w' in native French words) Go to Stuart in A Dictionary of First Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1560	A year after Mary has become queen of France, her husband Francis II dies Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe France Britain
1561	Mary Queen of Scots returns from France to Edinburgh, and to an inevitable clash with John Knox Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1565	Mary Queen of Scots marries her Catholic cousin, Henry Darnley Go to Darnley, Henry Stuart (1545–67) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1566	Mary Queen of Scots' secretary, David Rizzio, is dragged from her presence and stabbed to death Go to Rizzio, David (c. 1533–66) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Mary Queen of Scots' husband Darnley is treacherously involved in the murder of her secretary, Rizzio Go to Darnley, Henry Stuart (1545–67) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1567	Darnley is murdered, almost certainly at the instigation of Mary Queen of Scots' lover, Bothwell, whom she marries just three months later Go to Bothwell, James Hepburn in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain A casket of letters seems to incriminate Mary Queen of Scots herself in the murder of her husband, Darnley Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The events of this year give the Protestant nobility the occasion and opportunity of deposing Mary Queen of Scots Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain On the removal of Mary from the Scottish throne, her one-year-old son succeeds her as James VI Go to James I (1566–1625) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1568	Mary Queen of Scots flees across the border to seek the help of her English cousin, Elizabeth, but finds herself kept under close guard Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1569	A rebellion in the north of England aims to put Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne Go to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1570	Pope Pius V excommunicates the English queen, Elizabeth I, causing a severe crisis of loyalty for her Catholic subjects Go to Elizabeth I (1533–1603) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Religion Christianity Papacy British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Italy Britain
1571	Roberto di Ridolfi, a Florentine banker, coordinates a scheme to win the English throne for Mary Queen of Scots Go to Ridolfi Plot (1571) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles Florence British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1586	Anthony Babington is involved in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne Go to Babington Plot (1586) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1587	Mary Queen of Scots, implicated in the Babington plot, is beheaded in Fotheringay castle Go to Babington Plot (1586) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1598	James VI of Scotland argues in an anonymous book that kings, appointed by God, are above human law Go to James VI (1566–1625) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1603	James VI of Scotland inherits peacefully the crown of his English cousin Elizabeth, and becomes James I of England Go to James VI (1566–1625) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The accession of James I and VI to the throne of England brings the union of the crowns of England and Scotland Go to James VI (1566–1625) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1625	On the death of his father, James VI and I, Charles I becomes king of England and Scotland Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The English parliament attempts to clip the wings of the new king, Charles I, by placing an annual limit on his power to raise taxes Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1628	The English parliament's Petition of Right emphasizes the right of the citizen to be protected from royal tyranny Go to Petition of Right (1628) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1634	Charles I demands ship money to increase his revenue, albeit in the absence of its conventional justification - a crisis of national defence Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1638	A National Covenant, first signed in an Edinburgh churchyard, commits the Covenanters to oppose Charles I's reforms of the Church of Scotland Go to Covenanters in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Reformation Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
c. 1641	Cavalier is now in use as a term of abuse for supporters of the royal cause Go to cavalier in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Roundhead is now in use as a term of abuse for supporters of parliament Go to Roundhead noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Under pressure from parliament, Charles I signs the death warrant of his most powerful supporter, the earl of Strafford Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1642	Charles I comes in person to the House of Commons, but fails in his attempt to arrest the Five Members whom he accuses of treason Go to five members (1642) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1649	After a trial lasting a week in Westminster Hall, Charles I is convicted of treason for fighting a war against parliament Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Charles I is beheaded on a scaffold erected in the street in London's Whitehall Go to Charles I (1600–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Parliament chooses Oliver Cromwell to chair the new English Commonwealth's council of state Go to Cromwell, Oliver (1599–1658) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1653	Cromwell is appointed Lord Protector of the Commonwealth for life, under legislation entitled the Instrument of Government Go to Cromwell, Oliver (1599–1658) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1658	Cromwell dies after naming his son Richard to succeed him in the office of Lord Protector Go to Cromwell, Richard (1626–1712) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1660	General George Monck marches south from Scotland to London, to intervene in England's unresolved political crisis Go to Monck, George, 1st Duke of Albemarle (1608–70) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics War Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Charles II lands at Dover and is given a warm welcome in London four days later Go to Charles II (1630–85) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: English Civil War 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty War British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
c. 1669	The duke of York, heir to the English and Scottish thrones, is secretly received into the Roman Catholic church Go to James II (1633–1701) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1672	Charles II issues a Declaration of Indulgence, suspending the restrictions on Catholics and Nonconformists Go to Declarations of Indulgence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1673	Parliament in England passes a Test Act excluding Catholics and Nonconformists from public office Go to Test Act in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1678	The Popish Plot, an invented Jesuit conspiracy to kill Charles II, results in the execution of about thirty-five Roman Catholics Go to Popish Plot (1678) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1685	James II succeeds to the throne in Britain and immediately introduces pro-Catholic policies Go to James II (1633–1701) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1688	A son (the future 'Old Pretender') is born to James II, giving Britain a Catholic heir to the throne Go to James II (1633–1701) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain English grandees invite William III of Orange and his wife Mary, daughter of James II, to claim the British throne Go to William III (1650–1702) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Netherlands Britain William III of Orange lands with an army at Torbay and marches to London with almost no opposition from supporters of James II Go to William III (1650–1702) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1689	Parliament in Westminster makes the restrictive Bill of Rights the condition on which William III and Mary II are crowned Go to Bill of Rights (1689) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1694	The joint monarch of England, Mary II, dies - leaving her husband, William III, to reign alone Go to William III (1650–1702) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1701	The Act of Settlement declares that no Catholic may inherit the English crown Go to Settlement, Act of (1701) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1702	On the death of her brother-in-law, William III, Anne becomes queen of England and Scotland Go to Anne (1665–1714) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1707	The Act of Union merges England and Scotland as 'one kingdom by the name of Great Britain', a century after the union of the crowns Go to Union, Act of (Scotland) (1707) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1714	On the death of Queen Anne, the Act of Settlement delivers the British crown to the elector of Hanover, as George I Go to George I (1660–1727) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1715	A Jacobite uprising in Scotland on behalf of the Old Pretender ends in fiasco Go to Old Pretender, the in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1727	On the death of his father, George I, George II becomes king of Great Britain Go to George II (1683–1760) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1745	Charles Edward Stuart lands at Eriskay in the Hebrides, launching the Forty-Five Rebellion Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Charles Edward Stuart gathers support for the Forty-Five Rebellion on his way south from the Hebrides and reaches Edinburgh Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Charles Edward Stuart marches as far south as Derby, but then turns back Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1746	Charles Edward Stuart and his 5000 Scots are routed at Culloden, bringing the Forty-Five Rebellion to an abrupt end Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Battles Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1760	On the death of his grandfather, George II, George III becomes king of Great Britain Go to George III (1738–1820) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1775	Delegates in Philadelphia select George Washington as commander-in-chief of the colonial army Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1776	George Washington raises on Prospect Hill a new American flag, the British red ensign on a ground of thirteen stripes – one for each colony Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Thomas Jefferson's text for the Declaration of Independence is accepted by the Congress in Philadelphia Go to Declaration of Independence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1785	French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon crosses the Atlantic to sculpt a statue of George Washington from the life at Mount Vernon Go to Houdon, Jean-Antoine (25 Mar. 1741) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Sculpture American art French art US presidents Europe France North America United States
1787	Delegates meeting in Philadelphia agree a final draft for a US constitution, to be submitted to the states for ratification Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1788	The constitution of the United States is ratified by the states, but it is immediately agreed that amendments will be desirable Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1789	George Washington, unanimously elected first president of the United States, is inaugurated on Wall Street in New York Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century American Revolution Politics US presidents Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1790	The Potomac is chosen as the navigable river on which the new US capital city will be sited Go to Potomac in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1791	The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified by the states Go to Bill of Rights in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1792	George Washington is unanimously elected for a second term as president of the USA Go to Washington, George in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents North America United States The first political parties, Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Republicans, emerge in the USA Go to Democratic Republican Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1793	George Washington lays the cornerstone for the Congress building on Capitol Hill See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1794	George Washington uses military force to assert government authority on rebels in Pennsylvania refusing to pay a federal tax on whisky Go to Whiskey Rebellion in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents North America United States
1796	George Washington selects the Cherokee Indians for an experiment in adaptation to 'civilization' Go to Cherokee in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians US presidents North America United States George Washington, resisting pressure for him to accept a third presidential term, delivers a farewell address to guide the nation's future Go to Washington's Farewell Address in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents North America United States The election in the USA brings in a Federalist president (John Adams) and a Republican vice-president (Thomas Jefferson) Go to Adams, John (1735–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1800	US president John Adams moves into the newly completed White House, named for its light grey limestone Go to White House in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Architecture American architecture US presidents North America United States Republican Thomas Jefferson and Federalist Aaron Burr have an identical number of Electoral College votes in the US presidential election Go to Burr, Aaron (1756–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1801	The Act of Union comes into effect, linking Ireland with Britain to form the United Kingdom Go to Union, Acts of in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Ireland Britain The US House of Representatives votes for Jefferson as president, after a dead heat between him and Burr in the Electoral College Go to Jefferson, Thomas in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States British prime minister William Pitt resigns when George III vetoes Catholic emancipation, but is recalled three years later Go to Catholic Emancipation, Act of (1829) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1803	In the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson buys from Napoleon nearly a million square miles at a knock-down price, doubling the size of the USA Go to Louisiana Purchase (1803) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Politics US presidents North America United States
1807	Thomas Jefferson puts an embargo on US exports, hoping to damage the economy of France and Britain Go to Embargo Act (1807) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States
1808	Republican candidate James Madison wins the US presidential election, defeating Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Go to Madison, James (1751–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1811	The British king George III, suffering from porphyria, is deemed unfit to govern and his eldest son becomes Prince Regent Go to George III (1738–1820) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1812	Damage to US trade by British orders in council prompts war (the War of 1812) between the two nations Go to War of 1812 in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Commerce and industry War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Society Britain North America United States
1813	American forces push north into Canada and enter York (the modern Toronto), burning the parliament buildings and archives Go to War of 1812 in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents North America Canada
1814	British forces enter Washington, burning the Capitol and the president's new house Go to War of 1812 in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents North America United States Britain and the United States sign the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812 Go to Ghent, treaty of (1815) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Britain North America United States
1815	American volunteers under Andrew Jackson defeat British regulars near New Orleans, two weeks after peace has been agreed at Ghent Go to Jackson, Andrew (1767–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Battles US presidents North America United States
1816	Republican candidate James Monroe wins the US presidential election by a wide margin Go to Monroe, James (1758–1831) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1817	On the death of Princess Charlotte, not one of seven princes has an heir to succeed to the British throne in the next generation Go to Charlotte Augusta, Princess (1796–1817) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Andrew Jackson, attacking settlements in Spanish Florida, launches the first of three wars against the Seminole Indians See this event in other timelines: 19th century War American Indians US presidents North America United States
1818	The 49th parallel is agreed as the frontier between the USA and Canada Go to Oregon Boundary dispute (1843–46) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America Canada United States
1819	Spain sells Florida to the USA for $5 million, in return for the waiving of any American claim to Texas Go to Florida in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires North America United States McCulloch v. Maryland defines the tax relationship between the US government and the states Go to Bank of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1820	The British king George III dies after 59 years on the throne – a longer reign than any of his predecessors Go to George III (1738–1820) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain On the death of his father, George III, the Prince Regent succeeds to the British throne as George IV Go to George IV (1762–1830) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The Missouri Compromise, admitting Maine and Missouri to the union, keeps the balance between 'free' and 'slave' states in the US senate Go to Missouri Compromise (1820–21) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery US presidents Society North America United States
1821	During his coronation George IV has the doors of Westminster Abbey closed against his queen, Caroline Go to Caroline of Brunswick (1768–1821) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1823	US president James Monroe warns European nations against interfering in America, in the policy which becomes known as the Monroe Doctrine Go to Monroe Doctrine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1824	The Republican party in the USA splits into National Republicans and Democratic Republicans Go to Republican Party (USA) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Leading only one half of the ruling Republican party, John Quincy Adams wins the US presidential election Go to Adams, John Quincy (1767–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1828	Adult white males now have the vote in almost all the states of the USA Go to suffrage in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Andrew Jackson, elected president of the USA, introduces the era known as Jacksonian democracy Go to Jackson, Andrew (1767–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1830	William IV succeeds his brother George IV as the British king Go to William IV (1765–1837) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The death of the last infant cousin senior to her in the royal succession makes Victoria heir to the British throne Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Earl Grey becomes British prime minister at the head of a Whig government committed to reform Go to Grey, Charles, 2nd Earl (1764–1845) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1831	Old Sarum, the most notorious of Britain's rotten boroughs, has just seven voters but returns two members to parliament Go to Old Sarum in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The first Whig Reform Bill is carried in the British House of Commons by a single vote Go to Reform Acts in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1832	After several rejections by Britain's House of Lords, the Reform Bill finally passes and receives royal assent Go to Reform Acts in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1834	The opponents of US president Andrew Jackson, mockingly called King Andrew, become known as the Whig party Go to Whig Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Lord Melbourne becomes Britain's prime minister, at the head of the same Whig administration after the resignation of Earl Grey Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Prime minister Lord Melbourne has difficulties in holding his government together and is dismissed by William IV Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain William IV invites the Tory leader Robert Peel to form a government in place of the Whigs Go to Peel, Sir Robert (1788–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain In London a great fire destroys most of the Palace of Westminster, including the two houses of parliament Go to Westminster, Palace of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1835	Election results in Britain mean that Robert Peel is unable to form a Tory government, and Lord Melbourne returns as Britain's prime minister Go to Melbourne, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount (1779–1848) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1836	The inhabitants of the Mexican province of Texas declare their independence as a new republic Go to Texas in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents North America United States Martin van Buren, previously vice-president to Andrew Jackson, wins the US presidential election on the Democratic ticket Go to Van Buren, Martin (1782–1862) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1837	The 18-year-old Victoria comes to the throne in Britain, beginning the long Victorian era Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1838	The People's Charter, with its six political demands, launches the Chartist movement in England Go to Chartism noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Seven Manchester merchants and mill-owners found the Anti-Corn Law League Go to Anti-Corn Law League in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1839	In the Bedchamber Crisis, Queen Victoria shows steely determination in refusing to dismiss politically committed ladies of her bedchamber Go to Bedchamber crisis (1839) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1840	Victoria marries Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and soon, with nine children, they provide the very image of the ideal Victorian family Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain William Henry Harrison wins the US presidential election as the Whig candidate, but dies 30 days after taking office Go to Harrison, William Henry (1773–1841) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1841	Robert Peel replaces Lord Melbourne as prime minister after a Conservative victory in the British general election Go to Peel, Sir Robert (1788–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain On the sudden death of US president William Henry Harrison, from pneumonia, he is succeeded in the office by his vice-president John Tyler Go to Tyler, John (1790–1862) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1842	Robert Peel's Conservative administration reintroduces income tax in Britain, at a fixed level of approximately 3% Go to income tax in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1844	In his novel Coningsby Benjamin Disraeli develops the theme of Conservatism uniting 'two nations', the rich and the poor Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain James Polk pledges in his presidential campaign to include the self-proclaimed republic of Texas in the USA Go to Polk, James Knox in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents North America United States Democratic candidate James Polk is elected president of the USA, defeating the Whig Henry Clay Go to Polk, James Knox in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1846	British prime minister Robert Peel carries a bill to repeal the Corn Laws, splitting his own party in the process Go to Anti-Corn Law League in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The minority of Conservatives supporting Peel become a separate faction, henceforth known as the Peelites Go to Peelite noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Oregon Treaty establishes the border between Canada and the USA along the 49th parallel to the Pacific Go to Oregon treaty (1846) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America Canada United States With his Conservative party split, Peel's government falls and Lord John Russell becomes British prime minister at the head of a Whig administration Go to Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1848	In a three-cornered US presidential election Whig candidate Zachary Taylor defeats Democrat Lewis Cass and the Free-Soil party's Martin van Buren Go to Taylor, Zachary (1784–1850) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1850	British foreign secretary Lord Palmerston sends a naval squadron to seize Greek ships in the Don Pacifico case Go to Don Pacifico affair in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe US president Zachary Taylor dies after a short illness and is succeeded by his vice-president, Millard Fillmore Go to Fillmore, Millard (1800–74) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1852	Lord John Russell's Whig administration collapses, and Lord Derby follows him as a Conservative prime minister at the head of a coalition government Go to Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of (1799–1869) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Democratic candidate Franklin Pierce wins the US presidential election, defeating his Whig opponent Winfield Scott Go to Pierce, Franklin (1804–69) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States Lord Aberdeen, leader of the 'Peelite' minority of the Conservative party, forms a new coalition government with the Liberals Go to Aberdeen, George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of (1784–1860) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1853	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 British empire Muslim empires Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions
1854	An anti-slavery movement, formed in the USA to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act, adopts a resonant name, calling itself the Republican party Go to Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery US presidents Society North America United States US minister to Mexico James Gadsden secures a treaty by which the USA purchases from Mexico much of southern Arizona Go to Gadsden Purchase (1853–54) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents Mexico North America United States 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 British empire Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain
1855	Lord Palmerston heads the coalition government in Britain after Lord Aberdeen loses a vote of confidence on his conduct of the Crimean War Go to Aberdeen, George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of (1784–1860) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe 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 British empire Muslim empires Ottoman empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain Democrat candidate James Buchanan wins the US presidential election, defeating Republican John C Frémont Go to Buchanan, James (1791–1868) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1858	Palmerston's government collapses and Lord Derby heads another Conservative minority administration Go to Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of (1799–1869) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1859	Liberal leader Lord Palmerston returns to office as the British prime minister after the collapse of Derby's coalition government Go to Palmerston, 3rd Viscount in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1860	Lincoln becomes the Republican presidential candidate, benefiting from a Democratic party split on the issue of slavery Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Slavery War US presidents American civil war Society Wars and Revolutions North America United States Republican contender Abraham Lincoln is elected US president with only 39% of the popular vote and no electoral votes in eleven southern states Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States South Carolina becomes the first southern state to secede from the Union in response to Lincoln's election Go to South Carolina in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1861	Seven southern states, meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, agree to form the Confederate States of America Go to Confederate States of America in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States Shots are fired against the Federal military garrison in Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbour, launching the American Civil War Go to Fort Sumter in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States Prince Albert dies of typhoid, plunging Victoria into forty years of widowhood and deep mourning Go to Albert, prince consort (1819–61) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1862	Lincoln declares in his Emancipation Proclamation that all slaves in any state opposing the Union government 'are and henceforward shall be free' Go to Emancipation Proclamation in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Slavery US presidents Society North America United States
1863	After a six-week siege the city of Vicksburg surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant, bringing the entire Mississippi under Union control Go to Vicksburg Campaign (November 1862–July 1863) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States Four days of riots in New York greet Lincoln's new conscription or draft laws, with exemptions for the rich Go to Draft Riots, Civil War. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States President Lincoln, in honouring the Union dead at Gettysburg, captures in three minutes the essence of American democracy Go to Gettysburg Address in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1864	Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman become Lincoln's two leading generals in the final thrust of the Civil War Go to Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States President Lincoln is re-elected for a second term, thanks largely to recent Union successes on the Civil War battlefields Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1865	Lincoln visits the Confederate capital at Richmond and is greeted by a jubilant crowd of freed black slaves Go to Lincoln, Abraham (1809–65) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Slavery War US presidents American civil war Society Wars and Revolutions North America United States Lee surrenders to Grant at the Appomattox Court House, and is offered conciliatory terms Go to Appomattox Court House in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States On a visit to a Washington theatre, Lincoln is assassinated in his box by John Wilkes Booth Go to Booth, John Wilkes in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States Vice-president Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, becomes president on the death of Republican Abraham Lincoln Go to Johnson, Andrew (1808–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War US presidents American civil war Wars and Revolutions North America United States A committee to campaign for women's suffrage is formed in Manchester, the first of many in Britain Go to women's suffrage in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Palmerston dies in office, and is succeeded as leader of the Liberal government in Britain by his foreign secretary, Earl Russell Go to Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1866	Walt Whitman laments the assassinated President Lincoln in his poem 'O Captain! My Captain!', published in Sequel to Drum-Taps Go to O Captain! My Captain! in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry US presidents North America United States Russell's government falls, and Lord Derby returns for the third time, but again briefly, as Britain's prime minister Go to Derby, Edward Stanley, 14th earl of (1799–1869) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1867	Britain's new Reform Act extends the franchise to working men in British towns Go to Reform Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Secretary of state William Seward negotiates a price of $7.2 million for the purchase of Alaska from Russia, in a deal that some consider 'Seward's Folly' Go to Seward's Folly in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States The US Congress passes Reconstruction Acts, dividing the defeated South into military districts and insisting on elections by universal male suffrage Go to Reconstruction Acts (1867–68) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1868	Benjamin Disraeli becomes British prime minister for the first time, at the head of a Conservative government, but only for a few months Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain US president Andrew Johnson escapes impeachment (for dismissing his secretary of war) by a single vote Go to Johnson, Andrew, impeachment trial of in The Oxford Companion to American Law (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States Liberal leader William Ewart Gladstone becomes British prime minister, for the first of four times, and remains in office for six years Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant wins the US presidential election, as the Republican candidate against Democrat Horatio Seymour Go to Grant, Ulysses S. (1822–85) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1869	The Fifteenth Amendment to the US Constitution (ratified in 1870) makes it illegal to deny the right to vote on racial grounds Go to Fifteenth Amendment (1870) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1870	Isaac Butt, an Irish MP at Westminster, founds the Home Rule association Go to Home Rule in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1871	US president Ulysses S. Grant uses the new Civil Rights Act to suppress the violent Ku Klux Klan in southern states Go to Enforcement Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents North America United States
1872	The Ballot Act adds to the British electoral system the essential element of secrecy in voting Go to secret ballot in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1874	Conservative leader Benjamin Disraeli, at the age of 70, begins a 6-year term of office as Britain's prime minister Go to Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1875	Benjamin Disraeli buys for Britain a controlling share in the Suez Canal, with money borrowed from Lionel Nathan de Rothschild Go to Rothschild, Lionel (1808–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Canals Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain
1876	William Gladstone's pamphlet Bulgarian Horrors, protesting at massacre by the Turks, sells 200,000 copies within a month Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Persecution and repression Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain 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 British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Britain Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes defeats Democrat Samuel J. Tilden in a US presidential election of which the result is strongly disputed Go to Hayes, Rutherford Birchard in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1877	The Compromise of 1877 settles the disputed US presidential election but ends active Republican commitment to the cause of Reconstruction in the southern states Go to Compromise of 1877. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States
1878	On a wave of jingoism Benjamin Disraeli sends six British ironclads, in support of Turkey, to confront the Russians near Istanbul Go to jingoism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1880	For the second time Gladstone replaces Disraeli as Britain's prime minister, following a Liberal election victory over the Conservatives Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Republican candidate James Abram Garfield defeats Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock in the US presidential election Go to Garfield, James Abram (1831–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1881	US president James Garfield is shot by Charles J. Guiteau at a Washington railway station, and dies two months later Go to Garfield, James Abram (1831–81) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States On the death of James Garfield, he is succeeded as US president by vice-president Chester A. Arthur Go to Arthur, Chester Alan (1830–86) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
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 British empire European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia Britain English socialists, including Bernard Shaw and Sidney Webb, found the Fabian Society as part of a long-term political strategy Go to Fabian Society in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain A new Reform Act in Britain further reduces the financial threshold for voters in Britain, in effect extending the franchise to male workers in rural areas Go to Reform Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland wins the US presidential election, defeating Republican James G. Blaine Go to Cleveland, Grover (1837–1908) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1885	Gladstone resigns as British prime minister, after a defeat on the budget, and is followed by a minority government headed by Conservative leader Lord Salisbury Go to Salisbury, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoigne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of (1830–1903) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1886	Gladstone becomes Britain's prime minister again, after joining forces with the Irish Nationalists to defeat Lord Salisbury's government Go to Irish Parliamentary Party in The Concise Oxford Companion to Irish Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Gladstone's bill promising Home Rule for Ireland splits the Liberal party in Britain's House of Commons Go to Home Rule, Irish in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain The split in the Liberal party over Home Rule results in a defeat for Gladstone and the return of Lord Salisbury as Britain's prime minister Go to Liberal Unionists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Home Rule campaign for Ireland prompts a Scottish Home Rule Association to fight in a related cause Go to Scottish National Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain Those in Britain's Liberal party opposing Home Rule for Ireland become a separate group under the name of Unionists Go to Liberal Unionists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1887	Queen Victoria's golden jubilee brings her back into the public's affection Go to Golden Jubilee (1887) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1888	Republican candidate Benjamin Harrison wins the US presidential election, defeating the incumbent president Grover Cleveland Go to Harrison, Benjamin (1833–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1892	Gladstone, becoming prime minister for the fourth time, is described by the queen as 'an old, wild and incomprehensible man of eighty two and a half' Go to Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Former president Grover Cleveland defeats incumbent president Benjamin Harrison, becoming the only US president to serve non-consecutive terms Go to Cleveland, Grover (1837–1908) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1893	The Independent Labour Party, later changing its name to the Labour Party, is founded in Britain by the trade unionist Keir Hardie Go to Independent Labour Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Gladstone finally gets a Home Rule bill through the Commons, only to have it rejected in the Lords Go to Home Rule in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1894	Gladstone retires as Britain's prime minister and his place is taken by his foreign secretary, Lord Rosebery Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of (1847–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1895	Lord Rosebery's Liberal government suffers a defeat in the House of Commons, and Lord Salisbury returns as Britain's prime minister Go to Rosebery, Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of (1847–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1896	Republican candidate William McKinley wins the US presidential election, defeating Democrat William Jennings Bryan Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics US presidents North America United States
c. 1897	Diamond Jubilee bonfires and fireworks all round Britain celebrate Victoria's sixty years on the throne Go to Diamond Jubilee (1897) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1898	The US battleship Maine is blown up in Havana harbour, sparking off the Spanish-American War Go to Spanish–American War (1898) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba Theodore Roosevelt fights against the Spanish in Cuba with a volunteer regiment of cavalry, the Rough Riders Go to Rough Riders in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era War European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba Winston Churchill gallops into battle with the Twenty-First Lancers at Omdurman 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 War Battles British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa East Africa In the Treaty of Paris, ending the Spanish-American War, Spain cedes Puerto Rico and Cuba to the USA Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Europe Spain Empires Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States The agreement ending the Spanish-American War includes Spain selling the Philippines to the USA for a payment of $20 million Go to Paris, Treaty of (1898) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires North America United States
1900	In the US presidential election William McKinley wins a second term on a simple platform, promising 'the full dinner pail' Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1901	Queen Victoria dies at Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, after 63 years on the throne Go to Victoria (1819–1901) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Edward VII is already 59 when he succeeds his mother, Victoria, as Britain's monarch Go to Edward VII (1841–1910) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain President McKinley is assassinated by an anarchist when visiting the Pan-American exhibition in Buffalo Go to McKinley, William (b. 29 Jan. 1843) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States Vice President Theodore Roosevelt becomes US president on McKinley's death Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (b. 27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1902	Land of Hope and Glory' features in its lasting form as the finale of Elgar's Coronation Ode for Edward VII Go to Coronation Ode in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Lord Salisbury resigns as British prime minister and is succeeded by his nephew, A.J. Balfour Go to Balfour, Arthur James, 1st Earl of (1848–1930) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1903	Cuba is forced to accept a permanent US military presence in Guantanamo Bay Go to Guantanamo Bay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States Emmeline Pankhurst founds the Women's Social and Political Union to fight for women's political rights in the UK Go to Pankhurst, Emmeline (b. 4 July 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain 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 British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British monarchs - from 1066 Africa Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires The USA is granted exclusive control in perpetuity of a ten-mile corridor across Panama, suitable for a canal Go to Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s Canals 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Commerce and industry US presidents Society Latin America Central America North America United States
1904	Theodore Roosevelt wins the US presidential election in his own right Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (b. 27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States US president Theodore Roosevelt announces the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in response to crises in Latin America Go to Roosevelt Corollary (1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1905	The Ulster Unionist Party is founded in Belfast to oppose Home Rule Go to Ulster Unionist Party in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain President Theodore Roosevelt mediates a peace treaty in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, between Russia and Japan Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War US presidents North America United States Conservative prime minister Balfour resigns and Henry Campbell-Bannerman forms an interim Liberal government in Britain Go to Campbell-Bannerman, Sir Henry (1836–1908) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1906	Henry Campbell-Bannerman leads the Liberals to a massive election victory in the UK on a promised programme of reform Go to Campbell-Bannerman, Sir Henry (1836–1908) 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 Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Britain's Labour Party achieves its first electoral success, winning twenty-nine seats at Westminster Go to Labour Party in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Roosevelt wins a Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation between Russia and Japan Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War US presidents North America United States
1907	President Roosevelt sends marines to protect US property during political unrest in Honduras Go to Roosevelt Corollary (1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The Transvaal government presents to Edward VII the Cullinan diamond, now part of the British crown jewels Go to Cullinan diamond in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War British monarchs - from 1066 Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) President Roosevelt sends a fleet of warships on a goodwill tour of the world that also demonstrates US power Go to Great White Fleet in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Weapons US presidents North America United States
1908	UK prime minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman resigns because of ill health and is followed as Liberal leader and prime minister by Herbert Asquith Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry, 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith (1852–1928) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain David Lloyd George becomes chancellor of the exchequer in Asquith's new cabinet Go to Lloyd George, David (1863–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain William Howard Taft, the Republican candidate, is elected to follow Roosevelt as president Go to Taft, William Howard (b. 15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1909	President Taft builds the first Oval Office, in the new west wing of the White House Go to Oval Office in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States President Taft sends marines to Nicaragua after the government there executes two US citizens Go to Taft, William Howard (15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States The Conservative majority in the House of Lords rejects Lloyd George's reforming budget, giving the Liberals the chance to call an election on an emotive issue Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1910	British prime minister Herbert Asquith leads the Liberal party to a narrow victory, in an election fought on the issue of the House of Lords Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain UK prime minister Herbert Asquith plans to reduce the power of the House of Lords, but the upper house as yet is certain to block any such bill Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Edward VII dies in London, after just nine years on the throne Go to Edward VII (1841–1910) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain George V succeeds his father, Edward VII, on the British throne Go to George V (1865–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Winston Churchill becomes home secretary in Asquith's Liberal government Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (b. 30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Liberals win another general election called on the House of Lords issue, becoming the first British political party since 1832 to win three successive victories Go to Liberal Party, UK in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1911	The British chancellor, David Lloyd George, introduces the National Insurance Bill, providing workers with insurance in a few selected industries Go to National Insurance in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain President Taft sends US marines to Honduras to protect American banana interests during a spell of political turmoil Go to Honduras in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Central America Asquith's Parliament Bill proposes to end the constitutional crisis in the UK by restricting the power of the House of Lords Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Confronted with the threat of 300 newly created peerages, the House of Lords narrowly passes Asquith's Parliament Bill (by 17 votes) Go to Parliament Act (1911) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Edward Carson tells a vast crowd in Northern Ireland that they must be ready to defend their Protestant province by force Go to Carson, Edward Henry (9 Feb. 1854) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain 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 British empire European empires from 1415 British monarchs - from 1066 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires
1912	Former president Theodore Roosevelt campaigns against President Taft for the Republican nomination Go to Roosevelt, Theodore (27 Oct. 1858) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States UK suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst is arrested, released and rearrested twelve times within the year Go to Pankhurst, Emmeline (1858–1928) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Taft sends US marines to Cuba because of political unrest in the island Go to Cuba in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States President Taft sends US marines into Nicaragua during a period of disorder Go to Nicaragua in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Central America William Howard Taft defeats Theodore Roosevelt at the Republican convention to win the nomination Go to Taft, William Howard (15 Sept. 1857) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Theodore Roosevelt's followers form a rival party to the Republicans, soon to be known as the Bull Moose party Go to Progressive Party of 1912–1924. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Half a million Unionist men and women in Belfast commit themselves to civil disobedience if Home Rule government is established in Ireland Go to Ulster Covenant in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain Democrat Woodrow Wilson defeats Republicans Taft and Roosevelt to become the 28th president of the USA Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1914	A Home Rule Act is finally passed for Ireland, with its implementation postponed until after the war Go to Irish Home Rule in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain August 4 - German troops invade Belgium, violating her guaranteed neutrality 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 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 British empire German empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Empires Wars since 1900 Britain With five major European nations committed within a few days to hostilities, World War I begins 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 Wars since 1900 August 4 - President Woodrow Wilson proclaims US neutrality in the European war Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States
1915	Woodrow Wilson sends US marines to take control in Haiti after a spate of political assassinations Go to Wilson, Woodrow (1856–1924) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Caribbean January - Winston Churchill is heavily involved in a bold plan to secure Allied access through the Dardanelles to the Black Sea Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Wars since 1900 Winston Churchill is a firm supporter of a new invention, the tank, encouraging its initial development while still at the Admiralty Go to tanks in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain March 18 - British and French battleships are sunk by mines in the Dardanelles, with the loss of 620 French sailors on one of them Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Wars since 1900 December - Allied troops begin a withdrawal from the Dardanelles after the abject failure of the Gallipoli campaign Go to Gallipoli campaign (25 Apr. 1915–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Wars since 1900
1916	Woodrow Wilson sends the marines to maintain order when the Dominican Republic slips towards civil war Go to Dominican Republic in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Latin America Caribbean Lloyd George splits his own Liberal party when he forms a coalition government with the Conservatives Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain November 7 - Woodrow Wilson wins re-election as US president after campaigning on the slogan 'He kept us out of war' Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States December 6 - Herbert Asquith resigns in the face of a political coup against him, and is replaced as UK prime minister by Lloyd George Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1917	Foreign Secretary A.J. Balfour declares Britain's conditional support for a homeland in Palestine for the Jews Go to Balfour declaration in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Religion Judaism Migration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Europe Society Britain Chequers, in the Chilterns, is privately donated to the nation to become the British prime minister's country residence Go to Chequers in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The US Congress passes the Eighteenth Amendment, legislating for the introduction of Prohibition Go to Prohibition in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States April 6 - Woodrow Wilson, president of the USA, declares war on Germany Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States
1918	British women are at last given the right to vote, but only if aged 30 or over Go to suffrage in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Lloyd George, fighting the British general election as head of a coalition, devastates the Liberal opposition Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain January 8 - President Woodrow Wilson formulates fourteen detailed proposals as a basis for world peace once the conflict has ended Go to Fourteen Points in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States October 5 - the new German chancellor, Prince Max of Baden, sends a message to President Wilson requesting an immediate armistice Go to Max von Baden, Prinz (1867–1929) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Germany Wars since 1900 November 11 - the Allies and the Germans finally agree the terms of an armistice at 5 a.m. 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe France Germany Wars since 1900 November 11 - the war ends with the official cessation of hostilities at 11 a.m., the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month Go to Armistice, 1918 in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Wars since 1900
1919	President Woodrow Wilson suffers a severe stroke that renders him largely incapable during the final seventeen months of his presidency Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States To President Wilson's profound disappointment the US Congress, by failing to ratify the treaty of Versailles, opts out of the League of Nations Go to Treaty of Versailles in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States
1920	Prohibition comes into effect in the USA, three months after the Volstead Act has provided guidelines for enforcement Go to Volstead Act (1919) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States The Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees women the right to vote Go to Nineteenth Amendment. (1920) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States The Government of Ireland Act provides for separate devolved parliaments in southern Ireland and the six counties of Ulster Go to Government of Ireland Act (1920) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain Warren Harding wins the US presidential election for the Republicans Go to Harding, Warren Gamaliel (2 Nov. 1865) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1921	Franklin Delano Roosevelt is paralyzed from the waist down by polio Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (30 Jan. 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The Anglo-Irish Treaty, agreed in London, ends the war between the British army and the IRA Go to Anglo‐Irish treaty (1921) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1922	The reputation of UK prime minister Lloyd George suffers severely when he is accused of selling peerages so as to build up a personal political fund Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Winston Churchill buys Chartwell, a house in Kent that remains his home until his death Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Teapot Dome scandal reveals corruption in the administration of US president Warren Harding Go to Teapot Dome Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Lloyd George loses his majority in the House of Commons when the Conservatives vote in a Carlton Club meeting to withdraw from his coalition Go to Lloyd George, David (17 Jan. 1863) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Conservatives under Andrew Bonar Law win 347 seats in the British general election, giving them a large majority Go to Law, Andrew Bonar (16 Sept. 1858) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1923	Stanley Baldwin becomes UK premier and leader of the Conservative party after ill health compels Bonar Law to resign Go to Baldwin, Stanley (3 Aug. 1867) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Warren Harding dies little more than half way through his term of office as US president Go to Harding, Warren Gamaliel (2 Nov. 1865) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Warren Harding is succeeded as US president by his vice-president, Calvin Coolidge Go to Coolidge, John Calvin (4 July 1872) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1924	Winston Churchill, accepting the position of chancellor of the exchequer in Baldwin's cabinet, returns to the Conservative party Go to Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain A general election brings in Britain's first Labour prime minister, Ramsay MacDonald, at the head of a minority government Go to MacDonald, James Ramsay (12 Oct. 1866) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain A massive Conservative victory in the UK general election follows publication of the forged Zinoviev letter, and Baldwin returns as prime minister Go to Zinoviev, Grigori Yevseyevich (1883–1936) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Calvin Coolidge is elected US president in his own right, winning by a wide margin over Democrat John W. Davis Go to Coolidge, John Calvin (4 July 1872) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1926	Miners go on strike in Britain in protest against employers' attempts to reduce wages Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain A general strike begins in Britain in support of the striking miners Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain The prime minister Stanley Baldwin uses BBC radio to broadcast a conciliatory message to the workers in Britain's general strike Go to Baldwin, Stanley, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (b. 3 Aug. 1867) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain The Trades Union Congress calls off Britain's general strike after nine days Go to General Strike, British in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain 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 British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa Europe Empires Britain
1927	President Coolidge issues a famously terse statement: 'I do not choose to run for President in 1928' Go to Coolidge, (John) Calvin (1872–1933) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1928	The age limit for British women to vote is lowered to 21, finally giving them parity with men Go to women's suffrage in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Republican candidate Herbert Hoover wins the US presidential election with the slogan 'a chicken in every pot' Go to Hoover, Herbert Clark (b. 10 Aug. 1874) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1929	Labour is the largest party in the UK parliament but still has no overall majority, so Ramsay MacDonald forms his second minority government Go to MacDonald, J. Ramsay (1866–1937) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1930	The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act introduces a US protectionist policy Go to Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States
1931	President Hoover switches on the lights to inaugurate the world's new tallest skyscraper, the Empire State Building in New York Go to Empire State Building. (1931) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Architecture American architecture US presidents North America United States Amid political crisis Labour-leader Ramsay MacDonald forms an all-party National Government in Britain Go to National governments in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1932	Presidential candidate F.D. Roosevelt pledges himself at the Democratic convention to deliver 'a new deal for the American people' Go to New Deal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States Troops using bayonets and tear gas drive out of Washington the Bonus Army, a group of protesting unemployed war veterans Go to Bonus Army (1932) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States The incumbent president, Republican Herbert Hoover, suffers a heavy defeat by Democrat F.D. Roosevelt in the US election Go to Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States George V reads on radio a Christmas address (written by Rudyard Kipling), beginning an annual royal tradition Go to George V (b. 3 June 1865) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1933	Prohibition is lifted in the USA when the Twenty-First Amendment repeals the Eighteenth, which has been in force for 13 years Go to Prohibition era (1920–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States President Roosevelt gives the first of his many 'fireside chats' to the US nation on radio Go to fireside chat in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the largest project launched in the first hundred days of Roosevelt's New Deal Go to Tennessee Valley Authority in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States
1934	The Scottish National Party, or SNP, is founded to campaign for an independent Scotland Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1935	Within the National government Ramsay MacDonald cedes the role of prime minister to the Conservative leader, Stanley Baldwin Go to National Government in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1936	George V dies and is succeeded on the British throne by his eldest son Edward VIII Go to Edward VIII (b. 23 June 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Wallis Simpson wins a decree nisi against her second husband and is therefore free to marry Edward VIII Go to Wallis Simpson, duchess of Windsor (b. 19 June 1896) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Edward VIII informs Baldwin, the UK prime minister, that he intends to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson Go to Edward VIII (1894–1972) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain F.D. Roosevelt is elected for a second US presidential term with an increased share of the vote Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Edward VIII, forced to choose between the British throne and Wallis Simpson, opts for the path of love and abdicates Go to Abdication Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Edward VIII is succeeded on the British throne by his brother, as George VI Go to George VI (b. 14 Dec. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1937	Congress passes a Neutrality Act, to prevent US aid being given to belligerent nations Go to Neutrality Acts in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War US presidents North America United States Congress rejects President Roosevelt's proposed reform of the US Supreme Court, amid furious accusations that he is trying to pack the Court with his nominees Go to court-packing plan in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Neville Chamberlain follows Baldwin as prime minister at the head of the UK's National government Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1938	September 15 - Neville Chamberlain makes the first of three flights to Germany, this time to negotiate with Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain September 29 - Neville Chamberlain and édouard Daladier fly to Munich to discuss Hitler's designs on the Czech Sudetenland Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Wars since 1900 September 29 - Chamberlain and Daladier agree at Munich that Hitler may annexe the Czech Sudetenland, with its largely German population Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia British prime ministers - from 1830 Czech Republic Germany Wars since 1900 September 30 - Neville Chamberlain returns to Britain from Munich claiming to have achieved 'peace for our time... peace with honour' Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1939	March 31 - the recent fate of Czechoslovakia prompts France and Britain to guarantee the security of Poland Go to Poland, Guarantee of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain September 1 - Adolf Hitler launches a massive attack on Poland, with tanks crossing the border and air raids on Warsaw Go to Polish campaign (1939) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 September 3 - Britain and France, receiving no answer from Hitler to their ultimatum over his attack on Poland, declare war on Germany Go to World War 2 (1939–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Germany Wars since 1900 Britain
1940	April 5 - inactivity during the Phoney War prompts Neville Chamberlain to assure the House of Commons that Hitler has 'missed the bus' Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Wars since 1900 May 10 - after the German invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium, Winston Churchill replaces Chamberlain as the British prime minister Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 13 - Winston Churchill, in his first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister, offers the nation nothing but 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain June 26 - the British government gives recognition to Charles de Gaulle as official leader of the Free French Go to Free French in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - Churchill says of the Battle of Britain pilots that never has so much been owed by so many to so few Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain October - President Roosevelt, campaigning for a third term, assures Americans that he will not send their sons to fight in Europe's war Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States October - the US government provides 50 destroyers to boost the British escort of convoys in the Atlantic Go to convoy system in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States November 5 - F.D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented third US presidential term, albeit it with a considerably reduced share of the vote Go to Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States
1941	The US Congress declares war on Japan and President Roosevelt endorses the order Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Japan North America United States January 6 - President Roosevelt defines to Congress his concept of Four Freedoms – of speech, of worship, from want, from fear Go to Four Freedoms in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States March 11 - Congress passes the Lend-lease Act, enabling President Roosevelt to provide much needed help to US allies Go to Lend-Lease Act (Mar. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States August 14 - Roosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from 'Nazi tyranny' Go to Atlantic Charter in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States December 7 - without warning, 400 Japanese planes attack and destroy US warships at anchor in Pearl Harbor Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900
1942	June 7 - US planes sink four Japanese aircraft carriers in the battle of Midway, halting for the first time Japan's aggressive expansion Go to Midway Island, Battle of (4 June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 August - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command Allied landings in north Africa Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 North America United States August 7 - US and Japanese forces begin a violent six-month struggle for Guadalcanal, one of the Solomon Islands Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 November 8 - American and British forces, under Dwight Eisenhower, land in Morocco and Algeria Go to Torch, Operation in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Wars since 1900
1943	January 12 - Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca for a strategic conference Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 February 9 - after a six-month battle, US troops win the Pacific base of Guadalcanal from the Japanese Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900
1944	January - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command the Allied invasion of Normandy Go to Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890–1969) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 US presidents Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States October 25 - victory over Japan in a massive 2-day battle at Leyte Gulf assures US recovery of Philippines Go to Leyte Gulf, Battle of (Oct. 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 November 7 - President Roosevelt, although seriously ill, is elected for a fourth term with Harry S. Truman as his vice-president Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States
1945	February 4 - Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans Go to Yalta Conference (February 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Communism War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 March 24 - at a cost of 20,000 dead, US marines win full control of the small strategic island of Iwo Jima Go to Iwo Jima, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 April - Adolf Hitler orders a scorched earth policy within Germany, in the path of the advancing Allies Go to Germany, Battle for in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Wars since 1900 April 12 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies and is succeeded by his vice-president, Harry S. Truman Go to Truman, Harry S. (1884–1972) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Wars since 1900 North America United States April 25 - Soviet armies form a complete circle around Berlin to isolate the city Go to Berlin, battle of (May 1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Wars since 1900 May 7 - the unconditional surrender of all German forces is accepted at Eisenhower's headquarters Go to unconditional surrender in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Germany Wars since 1900 May 8 - World War II ends in Europe on V-E day (Victory in Europe day) Go to V-E Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War British prime ministers - from 1830 Society Wars since 1900 July 16 - US scientists succeed in exploding an atom bomb at Alamogordo, a test site in the New Mexican desert Go to Nuclear Weapons. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Cold war Wars since 1900 North America United States July 17 - Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet for a summit conference in Potsdam Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 July 26 - the British electorate dismisses Winston Churchill, giving the Labour party and Clement Attlee a landslide victory Go to Attlee, Clement, 1st Earl Attlee (1883–1967) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July 26 - Winston Churchill, losing the postwar general election in Britain, has to yield his seat at Potsdam in mid-conference to Clement Attlee Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain August 6 - an atom bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, destroying four square miles of the city and killing 80,000 people Go to Hiroshima in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 September 2 - World War II ends officially with the surrender of Japan, formally accepted by Douglas MacArthur Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1946	The takeover of the Bank of England launches an extensive programme of nationalization by the Attlee government Go to nationalization in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain The National Insurance Act secures state benefits in Britain for the sick, old and unemployed Go to National Insurance in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain March 5: Winston Churchill, in a speech in Fulton, Missouri, expresses the harsh truth that an iron curtain has descended across Europe Go to ”Iron Curtain” speech in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1947	The US Congress passes a National Security Act, setting up the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Go to CIA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States President Truman defines postwar US policy by pledging support for any nation defending itself against Communism Go to Truman Doctrine in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Wars since 1900 North America United States
1948	The National Health Service comes into effect in Britain, providing free medical, dental and hospital services for the entire population Go to National Health Service in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain US president Harry S. Truman wins election to the office in his own right Go to Truman, Harry S (8 May 1884) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1949	The British government declares that northern Ireland will remain British unless the parliament in Stormont decides otherwise Go to Ireland Act (1949) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1951	The Twenty-Second Amendment to the US Constitution prevents anyone being elected for more than two presidential terms Go to Twenty‐second Amendment in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Labour loses the general election and Winston Churchill returns to Downing Street as prime minister Go to Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (30 Nov. 1874) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1952	George VI dies and is succeeded by his elder daughter as Elizabeth II Go to Elizabeth II (b. 21 Apr. 1926) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower wins the US presidential election with Richard Nixon as his vice-president Go to Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1953	English composer William Walton writes Orb and Sceptre for the coronation of Elizabeth II Go to Orb and Sceptre in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The new queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II, is crowned like all her predecessors since 1066 in Westminster Abbey Go to Westminster abbey in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1954	The term Domino Theory is coined to reflect President Eisenhower's view of how states might fall to Communism Go to domino theory in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Wars since 1900 North America United States Politician and author Winston Churchill completes his six-volume history The Second World War Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1955	81-year-old Winston Churchill resigns as Britain's prime minister and is succeeded by Anthony Eden Go to Eden, Robert Anthony (12 June 1897) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1956	Egypt's president Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez canal and wins Soviet finance for his Aswan dam Go to Suez Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Cold war Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 Nasser disregards a French and British ultimatum to withdraw from the Suez canal Go to Suez Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa North Africa Egypt The British and French bomb Egyptian airfields, and land troops near Port Said and the Suez canal Go to Suez crisis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa North Africa Egypt Under international pressure Britain and France agree to a humiliating withdrawal from Suez Go to Suez crisis in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa North Africa Egypt Dwight D. Eisenhower is elected for a second US presidential term, again with Richard Nixon as his vice-president Go to Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The British queen, Elizabeth II, moves the traditional royal Christmas address from radio to TV Go to Elizabeth II (b. 21 Apr. 1926) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain
1957	Anthony Eden resigns as UK prime minister after the fiasco of the Suez Crisis, and is succeeded by Harold Macmillan Go to Eden, Robert Anthony (12 June 1897) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain US paratroops enforce desegregation in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas Go to Little Rock in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States
1959	Vice-president Richard Nixon engages in a 'kitchen debate' with Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev at a US exhibition in Moscow Go to Nixon, Richard M. (1913–1994) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 North America United States
1960	UK prime minister Harold Macmillan, in Cape Town, warns the white settlers of Africa that 'the wind of change' is blowing through their continent See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa British prime ministers - from 1830 Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Democrat candidate John F. Kennedy defeats Republican Richard Nixon in the US presidential election Go to Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (b. 29 May 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The Vietcong, or NLF, is formed as a guerrilla force to liberate South Vietnam from the US-backed government Go to Vietcong in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Communism War US presidents Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900
1961	President Kennedy appoints his younger brother Robert to the position of US attorney-general Go to Kennedy, Robert Francis (b. 20 Nov) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States President Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps, enabling US volunteers to work abroad Go to Peace Corps in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States President Kennedy commits the US to placing a man on the moon and bringing him back safely by 1970 Go to Kennedy, John F. (1917–63) in A Dictionary of Space Exploration (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Science Astronomy and space US presidents North America United States
1962	US intelligence reveals nuclear missile bases under construction in Cuba, causing an international crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States President Kennedy sends the US navy to prevent delivery of Soviet missiles to Cuba Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States A deal between President Kennedy and Soviet premier Khrushchev defuses the Cuban missile crisis Go to Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism War Weapons US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States
1963	President Kennedy, in divided Berlin, makes the dramatic declaration: Ich bin ein Berliner ('I am a Berliner') See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War US presidents Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 North America United States The Partial Test Ban Treaty, signed by the USA, USSR and UK, is the first of many international attempts to limit the threat of nuclear war Go to Limited Test Ban Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States A massive civil rights march in Washington 'for Jobs and Freedom' wins the support of President Kennedy Go to March on Washington in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents North America United States Macmillan resigns on grounds of ill health and is succeeded by Alec Douglas-Home as UK premier Go to Home, Sir Alec Douglas‐Home, 14th earl of (1903–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Kennedy is shot in a motorcade driving through downtown Dallas, in Texas Go to Kennedy, John F. (1917–63) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States On the death of John F. Kennedy, Vice-president Lyndon Johnson succeeds him as president of the USA Go to Johnson, Lyndon B(aines) (1908–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Chief suspect Lee Harvey Oswald is shot by night-club owner Jack Ruby just two days after the assassination of President Kennedy Go to Oswald, Lee Harvey (1939–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States
1964	President Johnson pushes through a Civil Rights Act against strong Senate opposition Go to Civil Rights Acts in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States A reported incident in the Gulf of Tonkin triggers US intervention against North Vietnam, in a significant step towards the Vietnam War Go to Gulf of Tonkin incident (1964) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 North America United States Harold Wilson becomes prime minister after Labour narrowly wins the UK general election Go to Wilson, Harold, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (b. 11 Mar. 1916) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Lyndon B. Johnson is elected US president in his own right, winning decisively against Republican Barry Goldwater Go to Johnson, Lyndon B. (1908–1973) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1965	US President Lyndon Johnson launches a regular bombing campaign against North Vietnam Go to Vietnam War in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam North America United States Winston Churchill dies, and lies in state in London's ancient Westminster Hall Go to Westminster hall in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The General Assembly of the UN asks Argentina and Britain to enter negotiations on their long-running dispute over the Falklands Go to Falklands War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Britain Latin America Argentina South America The Vietnam War enters a new dimension with the deployment of US ground troops in the country Go to Vietnam War in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam North America United States President Johnson introduces affirmative action as a legislative policy to redress social inequalities Go to affirmative action in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society North America United States
1968	Lyndon Johnson announces that he will not stand for re-election as US president Go to Johnson, Lyndon B(aines) (1908–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Robert Kennedy enters the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Go to Kennedy, Robert F. (1925–68) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Robert Kennedy is assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian, in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles Go to Kennedy, Robert (1925–1968) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States The first civil rights march in northern Ireland, in Derry, is halted by the police with batons and water cannon Go to Northern Ireland, Civil Rights Association of in The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Peace (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Society Britain Republican candidate Richard Nixon defeats Hubert Humphrey in the US presidential election Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1969	The Provisional IRA reintroduces terrorism to northern Ireland after Protestants attack a civil rights march Go to Irish Republican Army in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1970	President Nixon sends US troops into Cambodia to destroy Vietminh bases Go to Cambodia, invasion of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia North America United States Edward Heath is prime minister after leading the Conservatives to UK election victory Go to Heath, Sir Edward Richard George (1916–2005) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1971	Ian Paisley and others in northern Ireland form the Democratic Unionist Party, as the intransigent wing of Ulster Unionism Go to Democratic Unionist Party in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain Gerry Adams is imprisoned for suspected IRA links but is released for lack of evidence Go to Adams, Gerard (b. 6 Oct. 1948) 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1972	British paratroops open fire on a civil rights march in Derry, killing thirteen, in what becomes known as Bloody Sunday Go to ‘Bloody Sunday’ (1887) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Society Britain The British government suspends the parliament at Stormont and imposes direct rule from Westminster Go to Stormont in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Five burglars are arrested breaking into the Democratic National Committee HQ at the Watergate office building in Washington Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States The Washington Post publishes the first report that the Watergate break-in was linked to Richard Nixon's re-election campaign Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Richard Nixon is re-elected US president with a landslide victory over Democrat George McGovern Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1973	Prime minister Edward Heath takes Britain into the European Community, on the third attempt Go to Heath, Edward (9 July 1916) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Paris Peace Accords end the US combat role in Vietnam, with nothing achieved and millions dead Go to Paris Peace Accords (27 Jan. 1973) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam North America United States The last US troops leave Vietnam, ending American involvement in a continuing war between the north and south of the country Go to Vietnam War (1964–75) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam The Watergate scandal claims its first senior victims with the resignation of two of Nixon's closest advisers, Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman Go to Watergate affair (1972–74) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States US vice-president Spiro Agnew resigns when convicted on charges of bribery Go to Agnew, Spiro (9 Nov. 1918) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States Richard Nixon appoints Gerald Ford as his vice-president in place of the disgraced Spiro Agnew Go to Ford, Gerald R(udolph) (1913–2006) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1974	Former prime minister Harold Wilson returns to Downing Street as leader of a minority government, but wins a second general election later in the year Go to Wilson, Harold, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (b. 11 Mar. 1916) 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 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The US Supreme Court orders President Nixon to hand over White House tapes of conversations relevant to Watergate Go to Watergate Scandal in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States The House Judiciary Committee takes the first steps in the process of impeaching President Nixon, citing obstruction of justice Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Faced by the prospect of impeachment over Watergate, President Nixon resigns Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Richard Nixon is succeeded as US president by his vice-president, Gerald Ford Go to Ford, Gerald Rudolph (14 July 1913) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States President Ford pardons ex-president Nixon for his part in the Watergate affair, thus removing the possibility of criminal charges Go to Nixon, Richard Milhous (1913–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States The SNP achieves a surge in Scottish nationalism, winning eleven seats at Westminster on 30% of the Scottish vote Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1975	The South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, is taken by North Vietnamese forces Go to Saigon, fall of (30 Apr. 1975) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam
1976	Harold Wilson unexpectedly resigns as the British prime minister and is succeeded by James Callaghan Go to Callaghan, (Leonard) James, Baron (1912–2005) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The incumbent president Gerald Ford is defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter in the US election Go to Carter, Jimmy (1924– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1977	A treaty provides for the gradual transfer of the Canal Zone from US to Panamanian control Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States
1978	Anwar el-Sadat and Menachem Begin sign an Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty at Camp David in the USA Go to Camp David Accords (Sept. 1978) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics US presidents Africa North Africa Egypt Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel North America United States
1979	The Conservative party wins the general election and Margaret Thatcher becomes Britain's first female prime minister Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini seize the US embassy in Tehran, taking hostage 66 US citizens Go to Iran hostage crisis (4 Nov. 1979–20 Jan. 1980) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Terrorism and assassination Religion Islam US presidents Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
1980	A US helicopter mission fails disastrously in its attempt to rescue the embassy hostages in Tehran Go to Iran hostage crisis (4 Nov. 1979–20 Jan. 1980) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) North America United States Republican Ronald Reagan wins the US presidential election against the incumbent Jimmy Carter Go to Reagan, Ronald (6 Feb. 1911) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1981	Iran releases the US embassy hostages immediately after the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency Go to Iran hostage crisis (4 Nov. 1979–20 Jan. 1980) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) North America United States Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan share a common economic viewpoint, following the policy known as monetarism Go to Reagan, Ronald W(ilson) (1911–2004) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Society Britain North America United States President Reagan is shot outside a hotel in Washington by John W. Hinckley Jr, but survives Go to Reagan, Ronald Wilson (b. 6 Feb. 1911) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States
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 British empire European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America Congress in Washington passes the Boland Amendment, banning US military aid to the Contras Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States 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 British empire European empires from 1415 British prime ministers - from 1830 Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America
1983	British economist Nicholas Kaldor attacks monetarism in The Economic Consequences of Mrs Thatcher Go to Kaldor, Nicholas, Baron (1908–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Britain President Reagan proposes a Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) against nuclear attack Go to Strategic Defense Initiative in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Weapons US presidents North America United States President Reagan sends US marines to Grenada after the execution of the island's prime minister, Maurice Bishop Go to Grenada in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Caribbean North America United States
1984	British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and union leader Arthur Scargill begin a bitter personal struggle in the miners' strike Go to Scargill, Arthur (1938) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Ronald Reagan is elected for a second presidential term, defeating the Democrat Walter Mondale Go to Reagan, Ronald (6 Feb. 1911) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1985	The miners' strike, ending after eleven bitter months, proves a turning point in the struggle between Margaret Thatcher and the unions Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven in the County of Lincolnshire (b. 13 Oct. 1925) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Reagan's administration breaks a US embargo with secret arms sales to Iran in return for assistance in the release of US hostages in Lebanon Go to Reagan, Ronald (6 Feb. 1911) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Mesopotamia Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) West Asia Iraq North America United States Oliver North arranges for clandestine money from Iran to provide illegal support for the Nicaraguan Contras Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States Britain's Margaret Thatcher and Ireland's Garret FitzGerald sign an Anglo-Irish Agreement to tackle shared problems Go to Anglo‐Irish agreement (1985) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1986	President Reagan launches an air strike against Libya, accusing Gaddafi of involvement in international terrorism Go to Libya in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics War US presidents Africa North Africa North America United States Details of the Iran-Contra affair spark a Washington scandal and the criminal prosecution of Oliver North Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1987	The US Congress begins an investigation of the Iran-Contra affair, eventually clearing President Reagan of direct involvement Go to Iran–Contra Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1988	Republican George Bush ('read my lips, no new taxes') wins the US presidential election Go to Bush, George Herbert Walker (12 June 1924) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1989	British prime minister Margaret Thatcher introduces an extremely unpopular poll tax, last used in the Middle Ages Go to Poll Tax in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Bush sends 24,000 US troops to occupy Panama City and seize Manuel Noriega Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States
1990	Panama's dictator, Manuel Noriega, is captured by US troops and taken to Miami on drug trafficking charges Go to Noriega Morena, Manuel Antonio (b. 1934) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States The Conservative government's poll tax is greeted with violent riots in London and a campaign of non-payment Go to Poll Tax in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher, by now at odds with many in her cabinet, is challenged in a leadership contest and loses Go to Thatcher, Margaret Hilda, Baroness (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain John Major is elected leader of the Conservative party and succeeds Thatcher as UK prime minister Go to Major, John (29 Mar. 1943) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1991	With all Iraqi troops expelled from Kuwait by Allied tanks, President Bush declares a ceasefire in the Gulf War Go to Gulf War (1991) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century War US presidents Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq
1992	Democrat Bill Clinton beats incumbent George Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot in a three-cornered US presidential election Go to Clinton, William (Bill) Jefferson (19 Aug. 1946) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States
1993	Meeting in Washington, Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat accept the Oslo Accords, promising autonomy for Palestine within five years Go to Oslo Accords in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel North America United States UK and Irish premiers John Major and Albert Reynolds sign the Downing Street Declaration, a strategy for peace in Northern Ireland Go to Downing Street Declaration (15 Dec. 1993) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain
1994	President Clinton's bill to provide health insurance for all US citizens is defeated in Congress Go to Clinton, Bill (1946– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents North America United States Tony Blair wins the leadership of the Labour party, and sets about establishing what he calls New Labour Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The IRA declares a cease-fire in Northern Ireland, a gesture followed a month later by Protestant paramilitaries Go to IRA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Society Britain
1997	Tony Blair leads the Labour party to its greatest ever electoral victory, winning 418 seats at Westminster Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain In referenda held by the new Labour government, Scotland votes conclusively for devolution but Wales is lukewarm Go to Scotland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland Wales British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
1998	President Clinton is emphatic: 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms Lewinsky.' Go to Lewinsky Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States A proposed referendum on northern Irish issues is accepted by all the relevant political parties in what becomes known as the Good Friday Agreement Go to Good Friday Agreement (10 April 1998) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain In the referendum to endorse the Good Friday Agreement, the terms are accepted by majorities in both the republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Go to Good Friday Agreement (10 April 1998) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain President Clinton admits to having had an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky Go to Lewinsky Affair in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States US cruise missiles attack al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan and a suspected chemical factory in Khartoum Go to al-Qaeda in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War US presidents Africa Central Africa East Africa Asia Central Asia Afghanistan North America United States
1999	The US Senate begins an impeachment trial of President Clinton for perjury and obstruction Go to Clinton, Bill (1946) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States President Clinton escapes impeachment when the Senate divides 55-45 and 50-50 on the two charges, well short of the required two thirds majority Go to Clinton, Bill (1946) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics US presidents North America United States The Scottish parliament and the Welsh assembly hold their first elections, both narrowly won by Labour Go to Scottish Parliament in A Dictionary of Law (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Scotland Wales British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Britain's hereditary peers lose their rights in the House of Lords, apart from a few elected to serve for an interim period Go to House of Lords in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The US relinquishes sovereignty over the canal zone to Panama on the last day of the century, as agreed in the 1977 treaty Go to Panama Canal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization US presidents Latin America Central America North America United States
2000	The US Supreme Court gives victory to Republican George W. Bush rather than Democrat Al Gore after electoral irregularities in Florida Go to Bush v. Gore in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents North America United States
2001	Tony Blair leads Britain's Labour party in a second successive election victory, with a majority only marginally reduced from 179 to 167 Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Four hijacked planes are used in a massive September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington Go to September 11 (2001) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States Anthrax attacks, in the form of letters carrying the bacteria posted to journalists and politicians, begin in the USA Go to anthrax in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States Describing September 11 as an act of war, President Bush retaliates with a 'War on Terrorism' Go to Bush, George W. (1946– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination US presidents North America United States
2002	Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, widow of the British king George VI, dies at the age of 102 Go to Elizabeth (1900–2002) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain Fifty years after her accession to the throne, the British queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Golden Jubilee Go to Elizabeth II (b. 21 Apr. 1926) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Britain The US holds suspected al-Qaeda terrorists indefinitely, and without legal rights, in Guantanamo Bay, an American enclave in Cuba Go to Guantanamo Bay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States
2003	President Bush prematurely celebrates his Iraq achievement with a speech on a US aircraft carrier in front of a banner declaring 'Mission Accomplished' Go to Iraq War in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century War US presidents Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq
2004	George W. Bush wins a second term, defeating Democrat John Kerry in the US presidential election Go to Bush, George W. (1946) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents North America United States
2005	Tony Blair wins the Labour party an unprecedented third successive term, but with a majority reduced from 167 to 66 Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The Provisional IRA announces a formal end to armed conflict and orders units to dump all their weapons Go to IRA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Terrorism and assassination Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Britain David Cameron wins the Tory leadership election, succeeding Michael Howard as the Leader of the Opposition in Britain Go to Cameron, David (b. 1966) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
2006	The Scottish National Party lays a charge that peerages are being 'sold' in Britain, provoking a police enquiry and a 'cash for honours' crisis Go to peerage in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain The US Supreme Court rules that the military courts set up to try detainees in Guantanamo Bay are illegal Go to House of Representatives in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Latin America Caribbean North America United States The Republicans lose control of both houses of the US Congress in an electoral backlash against the Iraq War Go to Republican Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents North America United States The prime minister, Tony Blair, is questioned by police in Britain's 'cash for honours' enquiry Go to Blair, Tony (1953– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
2007	Democratic US Senator Barrack Obama announces to a cheering crowd in Illinois that he is joining the 2008 presidential race Go to Obama, Barack (b. 4 Aug. 1961) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century US presidents United States Gordon Brown succeeds Tony Blair as leader of the Labour Party and prime minister of the United Kingdom Go to Brown, James Gordon (b. 1951) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain
2008	After a long drawn out contest, Barack Obama defeats Hillary Clinton to win the nomination as presidential candidate for the Democratic party Go to Obama, Barack (b. 4 Aug. 1961) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century US presidents North America United States Democratic candidate Barack Obama defeats John McCain to become the first African-American to be elected President of the USA Go to Obama, Barack (b. 4 Aug. 1961) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century US presidents North America United States
2009	Amid unprecedented international enthusiasm Barack Obama is inaugurated as the fourteenth President of the USA Go to Obama, Barack (b. 4 Aug. 1961) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century US presidents North America United States One of President Obama's first acts in office is to sign an order that the Guantanamo Bay detention camp is to be closed within a year (a promise that fails to be fulfilled) Go to House of Representatives in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents Latin America Caribbean Cuba North America United States President Obama, applying Keynesian economics, announces a massive stimulus package for the US economy (its eventual cost turns out to be $862 bn) Go to Keynesian economics in A Dictionary of Sociology (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents North America United States
2010	President Obama's radical bill of health care reform is passed by a margin of seven votes in the House of Representatives and is signed into law two days later Go to House of Representatives in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents The UK general election results in no overall majority, with the Conservatives winning 306 seats, the Labour party 258 and the Liberal Democrats 57 Go to General Election 2010 in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain Conservative leader David Cameron becomes UK prime minister, forming a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats and appointing Nick Clegg as his deputy prime minister Go to Cameron, David (b. 1966) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Britain President Obama signs into law a sweeping and radical package of reforms in the control of the US financial sector Go to financial sector in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics US presidents North America United States
2011	With no sign of a deal between Obama and Republicans on raising the debt limit, fears grow that the USA might default on its debts on August 2 Go to default in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States President Obama announces a last-minute deal with congressional leaders on the debt limit, temporarily calming the fears of the financial markets Go to financial markets in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society North America United States

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date: 03 December 2023

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