Historical Events tagged with "colonialism"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Italy Invades Ethiopia in 1935

October 3rd, 1935 89 years ago

In 1935, Italy launched a military invasion of Ethiopia, marking the beginning of the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. The invasion was led by Italian troops under the command of General Emilio De Bono, with the intent of expanding Italy's colonial empire in Africa. This military aggression was justified by Mussolini's desire to create a new Roman Empire and to avenge Italy's defeat at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The Ethiopian forces, under Emperor Haile Selassie, faced a well-equipped and modernized Italian army, which employed chemical weapons against the largely unarmed Ethiopian soldiers and civilians. The conflict would draw international attention and condemnation.

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Military & Warfare

Italian Forces Capture Wal Wal in Abyssinia

December 5th, 1934 90 years ago

Italian troops launched an offensive against the Ethiopian border town of Wal Wal, asserting their authority in the Horn of Africa. The attack, which began on December 5, 1934, resulted in the capture of the city after four days of intense fighting. This confrontation was precipitated by escalating tensions between Italy and Ethiopia over colonial ambitions in East Africa. The strategic location of Wal Wal was crucial for control over the region, leading to military escalation.

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Military & Warfare

Discovery of Italian Garrison at Walwal

November 23rd, 1934 90 years ago

An Anglo-Ethiopian boundary commission discovers an Italian garrison at Walwal, situated within Ethiopian territory. This incident raises tensions between Ethiopia and Italy, marking a significant prelude to the Abyssinia Crisis as Ethiopia asserts its sovereignty over the contested regions. The discovery and ensuing diplomatic failures highlight the growing Italian ambitions in East Africa and the international implications of such territorial disputes.

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Politics & Government

Choudhry Rahmat Ali Khan Coining Pakistan

January 28th, 1933 92 years ago

Choudhry Rahmat Ali Khan coined the name 'Pakistan' in 1933, which was subsequently embraced by Indian Muslims, forming a significant part of the Pakistan Movement aimed at gaining independence from British rule. This idea captured the aspirations for a separate Muslim homeland, fueled by growing discontent against colonial rule and the perceived neglect of Muslim interests by the Indian National Congress. The term 'Pakistan' symbolized these aspirations and played a pivotal role in unifying various factions within the Muslim community across British India.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Gandhi and Ambedkar Formulate Poona Pact

September 24th, 1932 92 years ago

Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar reached an agreement known as the Poona Pact, which allocated reserved seats for the 'Depressed Classes' in Indian provincial legislatures. This pact was a crucial moment in India's struggle for social justice and addressed the representation of Untouchables in governance, highlighting the ongoing activism for equality during British colonial rule. It serves as a significant milestone in the fight against caste discrimination and the demand for political rights.

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Politics & Government

French Upper Volta Divided Among Neighbors

September 5th, 1932 92 years ago

The French Upper Volta was partitioned on September 5, 1932, as a result of administrative reorganization by colonial authorities. This division saw its territories split among three neighboring French colonies: Ivory Coast, French Sudan, and Niger. This move aimed to address governance challenges and streamline administrative functions, reflecting the broader trends of colonial management in West Africa during that era.

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Politics & Government

Shift of British Raj Capital to New Delhi

February 13th, 1931 94 years ago

The British Raj officially transferred its capital from Calcutta to New Delhi, marking a significant administrative relocation. This decision was part of a broader vision by British officials to create a more strategically located capital that reflected imperial aspirations and offered better climate conditions for governance. The new capital was designed by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens. The official move was symbolic of British power and control over India amid growing calls for independence.

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Politics & Government

Founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam

February 3rd, 1930 95 years ago

The Communist Party of Vietnam was founded during a Unification Conference held in Kowloon, British Hong Kong. This significant event was marked by the participation of revolutionary leaders from Vietnam who sought to unite different communist factions into a single party. The conference aimed to consolidate the efforts against French colonial rule and to align with the global communist movement. Notable figures, including Nguyen Ai Quoc, later known as Ho Chi Minh, played an essential role in shaping the party’s founding principles and objectives, establishing a framework for future revolutionary activities in Vietnam.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Indian Congress Declares Poorna Swaraj Day

January 26th, 1930 95 years ago

The Indian National Congress, during the Lahore session, declared 26 January as Independence Day to affirm its demand for complete independence from British rule. This pivotal resolution aimed at mobilizing support for the struggle for freedom and was a call to the Indian people to unite in their quest for self-governance. The declaration was part of a broader strategy to invoke a sense of nationalism and consolidate efforts for independence, marking a significant step in the Indian independence movement.

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