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

Louis Faidherbe relieves French forces in Kayes

July 18th, 1857 167 years ago

Louis Faidherbe, the French governor of Senegal, arrived in Kayes to reinforce French troops, marking a significant moment in the military conflict against El Hajj Umar Tall. His arrival ended an intense campaign that had seen the resistance leader, El Hajj Umar Tall, challenge French colonial expansion in West Africa. The event underscored the tensions in the region as the French sought to consolidate their control over Senegal. Faidherbe's leadership was crucial in stabilizing the French position in the face of local resistance.

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Military & Warfare

Rebellion in Delhi against British Rule

May 11th, 1857 167 years ago

Indian rebels, primarily composed of sepoys, seized control of Delhi after rejecting British authority. This uprising began as a response to widespread grievances among Indian soldiers and civilians, manifesting in violent confrontations against British troops. The capture of the city marked a turning point, showcasing unity among diverse groups opposing colonial rule during this period of upheaval.

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Politics & Government

British Annexation of Awadh and Deposition of Wajid Ali Shah

February 11th, 1856 169 years ago

The British East India Company annexed the Kingdom of Awadh, deposing King Wajid Ali Shah. Following a series of administrative failures and military pressures, the Company imposed direct rule over Awadh, leading to significant political changes. The annexation was justified by the British on grounds of maladministration, which set off debates about sovereignty and colonial rule in India. The deposed king was taken to exile, altering local governance and control.

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Exploration & Discovery

David Livingstone Discovers Victoria Falls

November 16th, 1855 169 years ago

David Livingstone became the first European to see the breathtaking Victoria Falls, known by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, in present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe. He first glimpsed the falls while exploring the Zambezi River, driven by his desire to find a route to the interior of Africa. Livingstone described the falls as one of the most beautiful spectacles he had ever witnessed, marveling at the immense volume of water that cascaded down the cliffs. His encounter with this natural wonder marked a significant moment in the exploration of Africa.

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Politics & Government

Independence Declaration of the Orange Free State

February 23rd, 1854 171 years ago

The independence of the Orange Free State from the British Empire was formally declared, establishing a new republic in Southern Africa. This declaration followed a series of negotiations and conflicts, leading to the establishment of self-rule for the area's Boer settlers. The Orange Free State became recognized for its own government and societal structures. This declaration symbolized a desire for autonomy and self-determination among the Afrikaner population in the region.

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Politics & Government

UK Recognizes Independence of Orange Free State

February 17th, 1854 171 years ago

The United Kingdom officially recognized the independence of the Orange Free State in 1854. This recognition followed the establishment of the Orange Free State by the Boer settlers after their migration from the Cape Colony. The move was largely motivated by the desire for self-governance and autonomy from British colonial rule. Located in southern Africa, the Orange Free State was known for its rich agricultural land and its strategic importance in relation to British interests in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Formal Possession of New Caledonia by France

September 24th, 1853 171 years ago

Admiral Firmin Didot Despointes claimed New Caledonia for France, marking a significant moment in French colonial expansion in the Pacific region. This action involved the formal declaration of possession on behalf of France, which aimed at establishing a foothold in the Pacific to counteract British influence in the area. Despointes, along with his expedition, conducted ceremonies on the shores of New Caledonia, planting the French flag and taking possession of the land, which would become increasingly important for France in the years to come.

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Military & Warfare

Tlingit Assault on Fort Selkirk

August 21st, 1852 172 years ago

The Tlingit Indians launched an assault on Fort Selkirk, located in Yukon Territory. This attack was motivated by resistance against colonial encroachment and the exploitation of Indigenous lands and resources. The conflict underscored the long-standing tensions between Indigenous populations and settler economies. The Tlingit aimed to reclaim control over a crucial area, disrupting the operations of the Hudson's Bay Company, which had established the fort for trade and resource management.

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Military & Warfare

Assassination of João Maria Ferreira do Amaral

August 22nd, 1849 175 years ago

João Maria Ferreira do Amaral, the governor of Portuguese Macau, was assassinated by a group of Chinese locals, which escalated into a military conflict between China and Portugal known as the Battle of Passaleão, taking place shortly thereafter. The incident highlighted growing tensions in the region and was fueled by local frustrations over colonial governance and conflicts regarding trade and local autonomy.

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