China: c. 500,000 years ago - 2008

Timeline: China

Years: c. 500,000 years ago - 2008	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735912

Jump to a year:

BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 500,000 years ago	Peking man shelters in caves south of modern Beijing, leaving many scraps of evidence of his way of life Go to Zhoukoudian in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Asia East Asia Fire is used in China by Peking man, and may have been in use much earlier in Africa Go to Zhoukoudian, China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Science Asia East Asia
c. 2850 BCE	The Chinese discover that the cocoon of a certain worm can be unwound, spun as thread and then woven - thus creating silk Go to silk in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
c. 1600 BCE	The characters written in Chinese documents of the Shang dynasty are directly related to those still in use today Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Asia East Asia
c. 1500 BCE	The Chinese develop a form of scroll, made of strips of bamboo threaded together and rolled up like a wooden blind Go to scroll binding, East Asia in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Communication Asia East Asia
c. 1400 BCE	The Great City Shang, on a site later known as An-yang, develops as the capital of China's first dynasty Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia Chopsticks are in use in China, with bronze versions featuring in Shang tombs Go to Shang in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society Ancestor worship, a central theme of Chinese history, is practised by the royal family and high nobility in Shang times Go to ancestor worship in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Religion Asia East Asia China produces superb bronzes, in the ritual vessels for sacrifices to the ancestors Go to Chinese art in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Arts Decorative arts Religion Asia East Asia
c. 1300 BCE	Chinese priests record on oracle bones the result of their divination, thus providing the earliest examples of Chinese characters Go to Chinese writing system in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Linguistics (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Religion Asia East Asia
c. 1050 BCE	The Zhou defeat the Shang, and establish a new dynasty with a capital at Ch'ang-an (now Xi'an) Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3100-1000 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
771 BCE	The Zhou rulers, driven east from Xi'an, create a new capital at Loyang and establish the Eastern Zhou dynasty Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 600 BCE	The poems of the Shi Jing, China's earliest work of literature, are gathered together Go to Chinese Mythology in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1000-600 BCE 6th century BCE Literature Poetry Asia East Asia
c. 550 BCE	K'ung-fu-tzu, or Confucius, teaches a practical philosophy which will profoundly influence Chinese history Go to Confucianism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Literature Philosophy Politics Asia East Asia
513 BCE	The Chinese become the first people to cast iron, after developing a furnace which can reach a very high temperature Go to iron in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
c. 500 BCE	The secret of lacquer, the sap of a tree which can be hardened by moisture, is discovered in China Go to lacquer in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia The Chinese I Jing, or 'Classic of Changes', is compiled as a book of divination Go to I Ching in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Religion Asia East Asia The Chinese philosophy of alternating opposites is expressed as yin and yang Go to Taoism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century BCE 5th century BCE Literature Philosophy Asia East Asia
c. 400 BCE	Daodejing ('The Way and the Power') is the book of Daoism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 5th century BCE 4th century BCE Literature Philosophy Religion Asia East Asia
c. 350 BCE	Daoism, attributed to the mythical sage Lao Tzu, becomes a popular alternative to the solemnity of Confucianism Go to Daoism in A Dictionary of Asian Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Religion Asia East Asia Tea, now well established as a drink, features in a Chinese dictionary Go to tea in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society The brutal philosophy of Legalism contributes to the decline of the Zhou dynasty Go to legalism in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century BCE Asia East Asia
c. 250 BCE	The Chinese develop the crossbow, many centuries before its use in Europe Go to crossbow in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Weapons Asia East Asia
221 BCE	After 800 years the Zhou dynasty is brought to an end by the ruler of the Qin kingdom Go to Zhou in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia The ruthless Qin dynasty establishes control over the whole of central China Go to Qin in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 215 BCE	The Qin emperor joins up earlier fortifications to create the Great Wall of China Go to Great Wall of China, China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Architecture Asia East Asia
213 BCE	In the Qin dictatorship, all Confucian books are burnt (except those of any practical use) and 460 Confucian scholars are executed Go to Shi Huangdi (259–210 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Persecution and repression Asia East Asia
206 BCE	The Qin emperor, Shi Huangdi, is buried at Xi'an with a vast army of terracotta soldiers Go to Shi Huangdi (259–210 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia The Han, the first of the great Chinese dynasties, is established Go to Han in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century BCE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
138 BCE	Zhang Qian, a Chinese diplomat, begins a spell of twelve years as a captive of the nomadic horde, the Xiongnu Go to Qian, Zhang (d. 114 b.c.e.) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Exploration Asia East Asia Society
c. 126 BCE	Zhang Qian reaches Bactria and is the first to bring news of western Asia back to China Go to Qian, Zhang (d. 114 b.c.e.) in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Exploration Asia Central Asia East Asia Society
c. 125 BCE	Under the Han dynasty the Confucians become the official civil servants in China, with entry to the service regulated by examination Go to Confucianism in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Politics Asia East Asia
c. 120 BCE	Sima Qian undertakes (and carries through against unusual odds) a major survey of Chinese history Go to Sima Qian (c. 145–85 bc) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Literature Asia East Asia
106 BCE	A caravan leaves China with goods destined for Persia - proof that the eastern half of the Silk Road is now open Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE Commerce and industry Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) East Asia Society
c. 100 BCE	The practice of acupuncture is described in Nei Qing, a Chinese medical text Go to Acupuncture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century BCE 1st century BCE Science Medicine Asia East Asia
23	The Han dynasty recovers control, after a 15-year interlude, and moves the capital to Loyang - starting the Eastern Han period Go to Han in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 100	Buddhism, arriving with trade along the Silk Road from India, puts down firm roots in China Go to Buddhism in China in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE 2nd century Religion Commerce and industry Asia East Asia Society
105	The eunuch Ts'ai Lun either invents paper or presents a report on the new substance to the Chinese emperor Go to paper in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
c. 175	The Han emperor in China has the six main Confucian classics engraved in stone, so that scholars may take rubbings - a first step towards printing Go to Confucian Classics in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 2nd century Printing Asia East Asia
221	The Han dynasty is brought to an end, after more than four centuries, by decades of peasant unrest Go to Han in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 300	The Chinese transform the toe loop of nomadic horsemen into the metal stirrup Go to stirrups in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society Ten dynasties and nineteen kingdoms jockey for power in the three centuries after the fall of the Han dynasty Go to Three Kingdoms (220–280) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 3rd century 4th century Politics Asia East Asia
c. 400	The Chinese solve the difficult problem of harnessing a horse without strangling it Go to harness in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 4th century 5th century Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society
589	After three centuries of chaos and disunion in China, a stable dynasty - the Sui - is established by Wen Ti (the Cultured Emperor) Go to Sui in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 6th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 610	The Grand Canal is constructed in China, joining a network of existing waterways to link the Yangtze and Yellow rivers Go to Grand Canal in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Canals Technology Engineering Asia East Asia Society
618	A high official of the Sui empire seizes power and establishes one of China's greatest dynasties, the T'ang Go to T'ang in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 650	At Dunhuang, an oasis on the Silk Road, as many as 500 caves are decorated with Buddhist murals Go to Silk Road in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Arts Painting Religion Asia East Asia
c. 700	The discovery of the technique of porcelain, the most delicate of all forms of pottery, is made in China Go to porcelain in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century 8th century Arts Decorative arts Technology Asia East Asia
c. 730	Three of China's most famous poets - Wang Wei, Li Po and Tu Fu - are contemporaries during the T'ang dynasty Go to Li Po (701–62) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Literature Poetry Asia East Asia
c. 750	T'ang potters make vigorous and brightly coloured figures, of horses, camels or human attendants, to accompany the dead in the grave Go to Tang in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Arts Decorative arts Religion Asia East Asia
801	Chia Tan produces an ambitious map for the emperor, some 30 by 33 feet in size, showing the entire T'ang empire Go to Abbas I (1571–1629) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Science Asia East Asia
845	On the orders of the T'ang emperor, 4000 monasteries are destroyed in China and 250,000 monks and nuns forced into secular life Go to T'ang dynasty in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Monasticism Asia East Asia
868	The world's first known printed book, a Diamond Sutra, is commissioned by a Buddhist monk in honour of his parents Go to sutra in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Printing Technology Communication Asia East Asia The Diamand Sutra has as a frontispiece a printed woodcut depicting an enthroned Buddha Go to Diamond Sutra in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Printing Prints Technology Asia East Asia
c. 900	Playing cards are in use in T'ang dynasty China. Go to playing card noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century 10th century Sports and games Asia East Asia Society
903	The leader of a peasant uprising captures and kills the Chinese emperor, bringing to an end the T'ang dynasty Go to T'ang in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia
c. 910	Paper money is developed in China, becoming later one of the aspects of Chinese life which most impresses Marco Polo Go to Marco Polo (c.1254–1324) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Commerce and industry Asia East Asia Society
c. 950	A Chinese engineer, Chiao Wei-yo, is credited with devising the principle of the two-level pound lock for canals Go to canal lock in Visual English Dictionary (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Canals Technology Engineering Asia East Asia Society
960	A warlord, Zhao Kuangyin, establishes a new Chinese dynasty - the Song Go to Song in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
986	The Khitan, a tribe from eastern Mongolia, fortify Beijing and make it their capital city Go to Beijing (Beijing Municipality/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Asia East Asia
c. 1040	A Chinese manual on warfare includes the earliest known description of gunpowder Go to gunpowder in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Science Chemistry Weapons Asia East Asia
c. 1050	The concept of movable type for printing is pioneered in China, using fired clay, but it proves impractical Go to movable type in A Dictionary of Media and Communication (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Printing Technology Communication Asia East Asia The earliest surviving reference to the principle of the compass occurs in a Chinese manuscript Go to compass in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
1054	Astronomers in China and Japan observe the explosion of the supernova which is still visible as the Crab Nebula Go to Crab Nebula in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Science Astronomy and space Asia East Asia Japan
1064	Su Sung, a Buddhist monk, develops in China the principle of the escapement in his tower clock worked by a water wheel Go to escapement in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
c. 1100	Chinese potters in the Song dynasty develop the wares known as celadons, with thick transparent green glazes Go to Song in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century 12th century Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia
c. 1200	The Chinese develop a feature of great significance in the history of seafaring - a sternpost rudder which is an integral part of the ship Go to sternpost in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Asia East Asia
1260	Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, is elected Great Khan of the Mongols Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century
1264	Kublai defeats his brother Ariq Böge and thus establishes his position as Great Khan of the Mongols Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
1271	The Mongol leader Kublai Khan chooses a name for his new dynasty in China, calling it Ta Yuan ('Great Origin') Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
1274	The Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 seems to confirm the doom and disaster foretold by the Buddhist prophet Nichiren Go to Nichiren (1222–82) in A Dictionary of Buddhism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Migration War Asia East Asia Japan Society Kublai Khan moves his administrative capital from Karakorum to what is now Beijing Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century
1275	Marco Polo is presented to Kublai Khan in Xanadu, and according to his own account makes a very good impression Go to Polo, Marco (c.1254–1324) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Travel and transport Asia East Asia Society
1279	With the fall of Hangzhou, the Song imperial capital, Kublai Khan's new Yüan dynasty is secure Go to Song (960–1279) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia East Asia Resistance from the last adherents of the Song dynasty is finally brought to an end, giving Kublai Khan control of a united China Go to Kublai Khan (1216–94) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Beijing (known to the Mongols as Khanbaliq, 'city of the khan', and to the Chinese as Dadu, 'great capital') becomes for the first time the capital of China Go to Beijing (Beijing Municipality/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century The Tibetan link with the Mongols brings Tibet within the Chinese empire of Kublai Khan Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Asia East Asia
1281	For the second time Japan is saved from Mongol invasion by powerful storms - which are given the name kamikaze, or 'divine wind' Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century War Asia East Asia Japan
1294	Kublai Khan dies and is succeeded, as second emperor of the Yuan dynasty, by his grandson Temür Go to Yüan (1246–1368) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century
1346	The plague which later becomes known as the Black Death makes its first appearance in China Go to Black Death (1347–50) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society
c. 1350	The classic Chinese underglaze blue is perfected in the imperial ceramic factory at Jingdezhen Go to Jingdezhen in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia
1356	Chu Yüan-chang, leader of a peasant band, makes his headquarters in a town which he renames Nanking - 'southern capital' Go to Nanjing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Asia East Asia Zhu Yuanzhang, a one-time Buddhist novice now leading a major rebellion against the Yuan dynasty, captures Nanjing and makes it his capital Go to Nanjing (Jiangsu/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century
1368	Chu Yüan-chang drives the Mongols out of Beijing and declares a new dynasty - the Ming Go to Ming in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia Zhu Yuanzhang captures Beijing, ending Mongol rule and the Yuan dynasty in China, and declaring his own Ming ('brilliant') dynasty Go to Ming in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century On the fall of the Yuan dynasty, replaced by the Ming, Tibet declares its independence from China Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
1421	The third Ming emperor moves the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and begins laying out the Forbidden City Go to Lithuania in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
c. 1425	The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is built for the third emperor of the Ming dynasty Go to Temple of Heaven in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia Zheng He, a Muslim eunuch, makes voyages of trade and exploration with a fleet of Chinese junks Go to Zheng He (died c.1433) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Exploration Asia East Asia Society
1583	The Jesuit Matteo Ricci arrives in China, and becomes the first western student of Chinese civilization Go to Ricci, Matteo (1552–1610) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Monasticism Asia East Asia
c. 1595	The writings of Matteo Ricci introduce Kung Fu Tzu to Europe under a Latin version of his name - Confucius Go to Confucius in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Literature Philosophy Asia East Asia
1614	An edict is passed expelling Jesuit missionaries from Japan, and ordering their converts to revert to Buddhism Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Religion Christianity Monasticism Asia East Asia
1644	The last Ming emperor hangs himself, and China acquires a new and final dynasty - the Qing Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
1683	The Qing emperor orders all Chinese men to shave their heads, leaving only a long pigtail Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society
c. 1690	Chinoiserie becomes the new craze in Europe, after Jesuit reports of the Chinese civilization Go to chinoiserie in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Arts Decorative arts Asia East Asia
1720	The Dalai Lama in Lhasa accepts Chinese imperial protection, which lasts until 1911 Go to Dalai Lama noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia
1792	George III sends Lord Macartney on an embassy to the Chinese emperor Qianlong Go to Macartney's embassy in An Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires Britain
1810	Chile begins four years of untroubled independence, ruled by a junta introducing liberal reforms Go to Chile in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1814	Spanish forces at Rancagua defeat a Chilean army commanded by Bernardo O'Higgins, who escapes across the Andes into Argentina Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1817	San Martín and O'Higgins lead an army through the Andes into Chile and capture Santiago Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion War European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America O'Higgins is elected the 'supreme director' of independent Chile after San Martín declines the post Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America Bernardo O'Higgins introduces liberal reforms in Chile, reducing the privileges of aristocracy and church Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1818	Thomas Cochrane arrives in Valparaiso to take command of the Chilean navy Go to Cochrane, Thomas, 10th earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1823	Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's first liberal reformer, is so unpopular that he has to resign Go to O'Higgins, Bernardo (1778–1842) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America Chile South America
1828	Conservative 'bigwigs' and liberal 'novices' emerge as Chile's two main political parties Go to Chile in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent Latin America Chile South America
1830	Diego Portales begins a 30-year spell as Chile's conservative dictator Go to Chile in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Latin America Chile South America
1839	British troops invade China after the Chinese authorities seize and destroy the opium stocks of British merchants in Canton Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires British forces capture Hong Kong, which is subsequently ceded to Britain by China at the end of the first Opium War in 1842 Go to Hong Kong in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia East Asia
1842	The First Opium War ends with the island of Hong Kong, and extensive new trading rights, ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking Go to Nanking, treaty of (1842) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires
1850	A rebellion against the Qing dynasty, led by Christian convert Hong Xiuquan, breaks out in southern China Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia
1853	The Taiping rebels capture the Chinese city of Nanjing and make it their capital Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia
1856	An incident aboard the Arrow, flying a British flag, gives the British the pretext to launch the Second Opium War Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia East Asia
1858	The Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Second Opium War, gives European powers new rights to intervene in Chinese affairs Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Religion War European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires Under the Treaty of Aigun, Russia wins from China the valuable Pacific coastline down to Vladivostok Go to Vladivostok (Primorye Territory/Russia) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires
1860	British and French forces occupy Beijing and burn the imperial summer palace, at the end of the Second Opium War Go to Opium Wars (1839–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia East Asia
1863	British officer Charles Gordon leads untrained auxiliaries against the Taiping rebels in China, becoming known as Chinese Gordon Go to Gordon, Charles George (1833–85) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia
1864	Imperial Chinese troops and Gordon's auxiliaries take Nanjing, the rebel capital, finally bringing to an end the Taiping rebellion Go to Taiping Rebellion (1850–64) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia
1884	The War of the Pacific brings Chile new mineral wealth at the expense of Bolivia and Peru Go to War of the Pacific in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Latin America Chile Peru South America
1887	The imperial government in China formally acknowledges Portuguese territorial rights in Macao Go to Macao in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires
1891	Civil war breaks out in Chile between supporters of a liberal president and a hostile congress Go to Balmaceda, José Manuel (1840–91) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Latin America Chile South America
1894	Japan and China go to war over Korea, with disastrous results for China Go to Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia East Asia Japan Korea
1895	At the end of the Sino-Japanese war China cedes to Japan the island of Taiwan, together with Port Arthur and the Liadong peninsula Go to Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia Japan
1898	Russian forces seize the strategically important Chinese harbour known in the west as Port Arthur Go to Lüshun (Liaoning/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Asia East Asia
1900	Hostility to foreign intrusion erupts in China with the Boxer Rising Go to Boxer Rising (1899–1900) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Europe Empires
1905	The Japanese defeat a larger force of Russians at Mukden in the final land battle of the Russo-Japanese War Go to Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia The Treaty of Portsmouth gives Japan control of Port Arthur and much of the Liaotung Peninsula Go to Portsmouth, Treaty of (1905) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia
1906	The Great Valparaiso Earthquake damages much of central Chile and is felt from Peru to Buenos Aires Go to Valparaíso in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society Latin America Brazil Central America Chile Peru South America
1910	Sun Yatsen and others merge several smaller Chinese political groups into the Guomindang, or Nationalist Party Go to Guomindang in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia East Asia
1911	An uprising in the city of Wuchang is the first major event in the rapidly developing Chinese revolution Go to Wuchang Revolution in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Asia East Asia
1912	A republic of China is proclaimed, with Sun Yatsen as its provisional president Go to Sun Yatsen (12 Nov. 1866) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia The abdication of the child emperor Puyi brings to an end the Qing dynasty Go to Qing in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia East Asia
1914	The Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral makes her name with her first collection, Sonetos de la muerte Go to Mistral, Gabriela (1889–1957) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Latin America Chile South America November 16 - the German enclave of Qingdao, in China, falls to the Japanese after a two-month siege Go to Qingdao (Shandong/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Asia East Asia Wars since 1900
1920	A Chilean poet, Ricardo Reyes, adopts the pen name Pablo Neruda Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Latin America Chile South America
1921	Mao Zedong leads a delegation to the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai Go to Mao Zedong (26 Dec. 1893) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent Asia East Asia
1924	20-year-old Chilean poet Pablo Neruda publishes one of his best-known collections, Twenty Love Poems Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Latin America Chile South America
1927	Communists seize power in Jiangxi province and establish the first soviet republic in China Go to Jiangxi Soviet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia Right-wing Chinese army officer Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) launches an anti-Communist coup in the Canton region Go to Northern Expedition (1926–28) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia The fossilized tooth of a human, half a million years old and known now as Peking Man, is discovered at a site near Beijing Go to Homo erectus in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Science Asia East Asia
1928	Beijing falls to Kuomintang forces, extending the rule of Jiang Jieshi's National Government into the north of China Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia A second anti-Communist coup enables Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) to set up a National Government in Nanjing Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia
1931	The Japanese occupy the Chinese state of Manchuria Go to Mukden incident (18 September 1931) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia Japan
1932	Japan renames the Chinese province of Manchuria, calling it Manchukuo – supposedly independent but in fact a puppet state Go to Manchukuo in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia Japan
1933	Pablo Neruda increases his international reputation with a collection of surrealist poems, Residencia en la tierra ('Residence on earth') Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Latin America Chile South America
1934	To escape the Kuomintang forces, the Chinese Communist army begins the Long March from Jiangxi province to Shaanxi Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia
1935	Mao Zedong wins control over the Chinese Communists during the Long March Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia The survivors of the Long March reach safety in Shaanxi province in northwest China Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1937	The Japanese use an incident at the Marco Polo Bridge, near Beijing, as the pretext for an attack on China Go to Marco Polo Bridge Incident (7 July 1937) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Japanese troops occupy Beijing – at the start of eight years of continuous war between China and Japan Go to Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 The Japanese capture the Chinese capital, Nanjing, and massacre at least 300,000 inhabitants within a few weeks Go to Nanjing, Rape of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1941	December 25 - Hong Kong surrenders to an invading Japanese force Go to Hong Kong, fall of (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1942	February - Joseph Stilwell is appointed to head the US military mission to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) Go to Stilwell, Gen Joseph Warren (1883–1946) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Wars since 1900 North America United States
1943	March 20 - Mao Zedong becomes official leader of the Chinese Communist Party, as the elected Chairman of the Central Committee and the Politburo Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Asia East Asia Wars since 1900
1949	Defeated by the Communists, Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) resigns before the final collapse of his regime Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia Mao Zedong, standing on the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, proclaims the new People's Republic of China Go to China, People's Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Asia East Asia Wars since 1900 Mao Zedong's long-standing ally Zhou Enlai heads both the home and foreign departments of the new republic Go to Zhou Enlai (b. 1898) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1950	Chinese troops move into Tibet, meeting little resistance Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda publishes his epic account of South America and its people, Canto general Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Latin America Chile South America
1951	An agreement is signed by which a joint Tibetan-Chinese authority will nominally govern Tibet Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia The cult of Chairman Mao is officially encouraged in China, partly through steady publication of his works Go to Mao Tse-tung (1893–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Asia East Asia Society
1957	With his Hundred Flowers Campaign ('Let a hundred flowers bloom'), Mao Zedong invites criticism and then locks up the critics Go to Hundred Flowers campaign (1956–7) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia
1958	Mao Zedong imposes on China a Great Leap Forward, an attempt at industrialization that results in economic chaos and widespread famine Go to Great Leap Forward (1958–60) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Asia East Asia Society
1959	The Dalai Lama escapes from Tibet to India after the Chinese suppression of an armed uprising costing thousands of lives Go to Dalai Lama (1935– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Asia East Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Liu Shaoqi replaces Mao Zedong as China's president after the Great Leap Forward fiasco, but Mao remains Chairman Go to Liu Shaoqi (b. 24 Nov. 1898) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1962	China prevails in a five-week war with India over disputed boundaries Go to Indo‐Chinese War in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century War Asia East Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic)
1964	The Beijing ballet company goes political with The Red Detachment of Women, supervised by Mao Zedong's wife, Jiang Qing Go to Red Detachment of Women, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Dance Asia East Asia
1966	Communist leaders Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping are attacked in China's Cultural Revolution as the biggest and worst 'capitalist roaders' Go to Cultural Revolution in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Terrorism and assassination Asia East Asia Mao Zedong unleashes China's teenagers as violent Red Guards to spearhead his Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution Go to Red Guards in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong, better known as the 'Little Red Book', is the constant companion of every Red Guard Go to Mao Zhuxi Yulu in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1969	The Gang of Four achieve malign power during China's Cultural Revolution Go to Gang of Four in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1970	Salvador Allende, heading a Socialist and Marxist coalition, is elected president in Chile Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America
1971	The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wins the Nobel Prize for Literature Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Latin America Chile South America
1973	President Salvador Allende appoints Augusto Pinochet commander-in-chief of the Chilean army and brings him into the cabinet Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America Chilean president Salvador Allende dies in the Chilean capital, Santiago, in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet Go to Allende, Salvador (b. 26 July 1908) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America
1974	More than 7000 life-size terracotta solders are unearthed at Xi'an, placed to guard the tomb of the third century BC Chinese emperor Shi Huangdi Go to Sian in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Science Asia East Asia Augusto Pinochet takes sole power in Chile, at the head of a junta which governs with extreme brutality Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 Latin America Chile South America
1976	Mao Zedong dies in Beijing, at the age of 82, and lies in state in the Great Hall of the People Go to Mao Zedong (b. 26 Dec. 1893) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia The much-hated Gang of Four are arrested in China within weeks of Mao Zedong's death Go to Gang of Four in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1981	Veteran Communist leader Deng Xiaoping secures his position as the real power in China's government Go to Deng Xiaoping (22 Aug. 1904) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia
1982	Chilean author Isabel Allende publishes her first novel, The House of the Spirits Go to Allende, Isabel (1942– ) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Latin America Chile South America
1988	Augusto Pinochet, the only candidate in Chile's presidential election, resigns when he wins less than half the votes cast Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (23 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Latin America Chile South America
1989	Students, teachers and workers gather in large numbers in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to demand democratic reform Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia The crowd demonstrating on Beijing's Tiananmen Square swells to more than a million Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Asia East Asia Confronted with mass popular protest, Deng Xiaoping imposes martial law in China Go to Deng Xiaoping (b. Aug. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia More than 2000 peaceful demonstrators die after troops open fire in Beijing's Tiananmen Square Go to Tiananmen Square in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia With the fall of Pinochet, Chile returns eagerly to democracy - electing a Christian Democrat, Patricio Aylwin, as president Go to Chile in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Latin America Chile South America
1991	Gong Li plays a concubine of a Chinese warlord in Raise the Red Lantern, directed by Zhang Yimou See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Film
1993	Work begins on China's ambitious and controversial Three Gorges Dam project Go to Three Gorges project in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Technology Engineering Asia East Asia Chen Kaige directs Farewell My Concubine, depicting the devastating effect of the Cultural Revolution on some performers of Peking opera Go to Film in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Film
1997	Deng Xiaoping dies and is succeeded by Jiang Zemin as China's leader Go to Jiang Zemin (b. 17 Aug. 1926) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Hong Kong reverts to China with the end of Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories Go to Hong Kong in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Asia East Asia
1998	The British architectural firm of Foster & Partners completes the Hong Kong International Airport Go to Foster of Thames Bank, Norman Robert, The Lord (1935– ) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia East Asia Europe Britain Augusto Pinochet, visiting Britain from Chile for medical treatment, is arrested on an extradition request from a Spanish judge Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) 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 Europe Britain Latin America Chile South America
1999	The island of Macau reverts from Portuguese ownership to the People's Republic of China Go to Macao in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Portuguese empire Asia East Asia Empires
2000	The British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, judges Augusto Pinochet mentally incapable to stand trial and returns him to Chile Go to Pinochet Ugarte, Augusto (b. 25 Nov. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Latin America Chile South America Ang Lee directs Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a martial arts film notable for its magical special effects See this event in other timelines: 21st century Film
2003	Hu Jintao succeeds Jiang Zemin as president of the People's Republic of China Go to Hu Jintao (b. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics Asia East Asia
2006	Structural work is completed on China's Three Gorges Dam, by far the largest hydroelectric dam in the world Go to Three Gorges project in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Technology Engineering Asia East Asia
2007	China carries out a successful test of a ground-based missile that can destroy satellites in orbit Go to satellite, artificial in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Weapons The civil rights group Reporters Without Borders demands improvement in civil rights abuses and censorship in China before the Beijing Olympics Go to China in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century
2008	Demonstrations in Tibet turn violent as protesters target Chinese buildings and individuals Go to Tibet in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century In the Beijing Olympics swimmer Michael Phelps wins 8 gold medals, beating Mark Spitz's record of 7 in the 1972 games Go to Spitz, Mark Andrew (1950– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Sports and games Asia Society

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Timeline: China