Colonial expansion after 1750 History Timeline and Biographies

The Seven Years' War Begins

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) marked a pivotal moment in colonial expansion after 1750, as it involved most of the great powers of the time and significantly reshaped colonial holdings, particularly in North America and India. The British emerged as a dominant colonial power, gaining territories from France and Spain.

Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the Seven Years' War and resulted in substantial territorial gains for Britain in North America and India, marking a significant milestone in colonial expansion after 1750. France ceded Canada and its territories east of the Mississippi River to Britain, while Spain ceded Florida.

British Colonization of Australia

In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast of Australia for Britain, initiating colonial expansion in the region. This led to the establishment of penal colonies and significant British settlement, profoundly impacting Indigenous populations and their cultures.

American Revolutionary War Ends

The conclusion of the American Revolutionary War in 1783 resulted in the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. This event marked a significant shift in colonial expansion after 1750, as it challenged European powers to reconsider their colonial strategies and the viability of their empires.

British Control of Egypt

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt, marking the beginning of significant European interest in the region. Although the French were eventually expelled, British control over Egypt was solidified in the 19th century, reflecting ongoing colonial expansion after 1750 in North Africa.

Abolition of the Slave Trade in Britain

The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, reflecting a growing moral opposition to slavery. However, colonial expansion after 1750 continued as Britain sought new markets and resources in Africa and Asia, often exploiting local populations.

French Conquest of Algeria

In 1830, France invaded Algeria, marking the beginning of a long colonial rule. This event was part of a broader trend of colonial expansion after 1750, as European powers sought to establish control over North Africa and the Middle East.

Indian Rebellion of 1857

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising against British rule in India. The rebellion highlighted the tensions and resistance faced by colonial powers during their expansion efforts in Asia, reshaping British colonial policy thereafter.

Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the "Scramble for Africa," where European powers divided the continent among themselves. This event epitomized colonial expansion after 1750, leading to widespread colonization and exploitation of African resources and peoples.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War in 1898 resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This marked a significant moment in colonial expansion after 1750, as the U.S. emerged as a new imperial power in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Outbreak of World War I

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had profound implications for colonial expansion after 1750. The war disrupted colonial economies and led to significant changes in territorial control, setting the stage for future decolonization movements.

End of World War II and Decolonization Begins

The end of World War II in 1945 marked the beginning of widespread decolonization, as many colonies sought independence. This period was a direct consequence of colonial expansion after 1750, leading to the dismantling of empires and the emergence of new nations across Asia and Africa.

Year of Africa: Decolonization Accelerates

The year 1960 is often referred to as the "Year of Africa," as numerous African nations gained independence from colonial rule. This wave of decolonization was a significant outcome of the colonial expansion after 1750, highlighting the resistance against imperialism and the desire for self-determination.

End of Colonial Rule in Angola and Mozambique

In 1975, Angola and Mozambique gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule, marking the end of a significant chapter in colonial expansion after 1750. These events underscored the ongoing struggles for independence and the legacy of colonialism in Africa.