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

Han Farmers Revolt Against Dutch Rule in Taiwan

September 7th, 1652 372 years ago

Around 15,000 Han farmers and militia took up arms against Dutch colonial authorities in Taiwan primarily due to oppressive taxation and land seizure practices. This uprising marked a significant moment in the resistance against foreign rule in the region, reflecting the growing discontent among locals who felt exploited by the colonial administration.

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Exploration & Discovery

Jan van Riebeeck Establishes Cape Town Resupply Camp

April 6th, 1652 373 years ago

Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch sailor and the first Commander of the Cape Colony, established a resupply camp at the Cape of Good Hope. The strategic purpose was to provide support to the Dutch East India Company’s ships sailing between Europe and Asia. This camp grew over time into the major settlement known as Cape Town, which became a crucial stopover point for maritime trade in the region.

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Military & Warfare

San José Shipwreck and Indigenous Conflict

March 26th, 1651 374 years ago

A silver-laden Spanish ship San José was driven south by fierce winds and wrecked off the southern coast of Chile. Surviving crew members, attempting to reach safety, encountered the indigenous Cuncos, who killed them. This incident displays the interactions between European maritime exploration and indigenous resistance.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Agustin Sumuroy Leads Filipino Revolt

June 1st, 1649 375 years ago

Filipinos in Northern Samar, led by Agustin Sumuroy, rose against Spanish colonial authorities due to increasing oppression and imposition of forced labor policies. This uprising was a reaction to the maltreatment and exploitation faced by the locals under Spanish rule, galvanizing sentiments of resistance among the indigenous population in the region. The revolt soon gained traction and marked a significant moment in the Philippine struggle against colonialism during the 17th century.

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Exploration & Discovery

Abel Tasman Discovers New Zealand's Coastline

December 13th, 1642 382 years ago

Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, first sighted New Zealand while navigating the South Pacific. On December 13, 1642, his ship, the Heemskerk, spotted the western coast of the South Island. Tasman and his crew were searching for the fabled continent of Terra Australis Incognita, aiming to expand Dutch territorial claims and trade routes. This encounter marked the beginning of European awareness of New Zealand.

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Exploration & Discovery

Abel Tasman's Discovery of Van Diemen's Land

November 24th, 1642 382 years ago

Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, made a significant maritime discovery by sighting the island known as Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). During his journey across the Southern Ocean, Tasman, sailing under the Dutch East India Company, aimed to chart new territories and expand European knowledge of the region. His landing on the western coast marked a pivotal moment in exploration, as it showcased the natural beauty and potential resources of the Tasmanian landscape, which would later become vital in the context of European colonization.

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Military & Warfare

Dutch Defeat Spanish at Second Battle of San Salvador

August 26th, 1642 382 years ago

The Dutch launched an offensive against the Spanish garrison at San Salvador, located in modern-day Keelung, Taiwan. After intense fighting, the Spanish surrender marked the climax of their control over the short-lived colony on Formosa. The victory led to the establishment of Dutch rule and the reorganization of administrative control in the region, as they sought to expand their trade and territorial interests in East Asia.

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Military & Warfare

Guaraní Forces Defeat Bandeirantes at Mbororé

March 11th, 1641 384 years ago

In a decisive confrontation, Guaraní forces residing in Jesuit reductions successfully repelled the bandeirantes' advances. Led by local leaders, they faced off against Portuguese loyalists seeking to expand their territory in the region of present-day Panambí, Argentina. This battle illustrated the tensions existing between indigenous groups and colonial powers, showcasing the Guaraní's determination to protect their land and autonomy.

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Politics & Government

First Parliament of Quillín Convenes

January 6th, 1641 384 years ago

The first Parliament of Quillín brought together Mapuche leaders and Spanish authorities in an effort to negotiate peace, temporarily halting hostilities. This significant gathering aimed to address the strained relationships caused by the Arauco War, with talks focused on mutual coexistence and territorial rights. The parliament was a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, reflecting the desire for diplomacy in a landscape marked by violence.

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