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What is happening in Africa in 1648CE
Egypt and most of North Africa have come under the rule of the Ottoman empire. Meanwhile, the kingdom of Morocco has formed its own empire, straddling the Sahara desert. By now, however, the southern regions of this empire essentially form independent kingdoms.
Sub-Saharan Africa
European sailors and traders first arrived off the coast of West Africa in the mid-15th century. Since then, Africa has been incorporated into an Atlantic trading system which is centered on the enslavement of large numbers of Africans and shipping them to the labor-hungry European colonies in the Americas. About 60% of the slaves are taken from the West African coast, the rest from south of the equator. Within Africa itself, the trade is mostly in the hands of African chiefs and merchants, and in return for supplying slaves, they demand metal goods, cloths, spirits and guns.
In Central and East Africa, new kingdoms are forming as trade networks spread deeper into the continent. Meanwhile, on the east coast of Africa, the Swahili trading states have had to face the eruption of the Portuguese into the Indian Ocean. Superior warships and cannon have given the newcomers a dominating position, and they have now seized the southern cities, and exert a tight influence over the rest of the coast. The Portuguese domination has led to a decline in the prosperity of all the Swahili cities.
The Portuguese have established the first European colonies in Africa south of the Sahara. Their settlement in modern-day Angola is the base for their slave trade. In South Africa, the Cape has become a regular point of call for European ships, particularly those of the Dutch East India Company. There, they barter with the Khoikhoi natives for provisions for the onward journey.
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What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 1648CE
Developments such as the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the expansion of trade and colonization throughout the world, have transformed Europe
Middle East history 1648CE
The Ottoman empire now dominates most of the Middle east
India and South Asia history 1648CE
The Mughal empire now rules much of the sub-continent, marking a high point in the history of Indian civilization
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1648CE
In China, the Qing dynasty rules, and Japan and Korea have experienced one of the most destructive wars in East Asian history
South East Asia history 1648CE
Europeans are beginning to make their presence felt in this region
Oceania history 1648CE
The first European sailors have now appeared in Oceania
North America history 1648CE
North America is now being colonized by Europeans
South America history 1648CE
The Spanish and Portuguese now control much of South America
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Middle East history 3500BCE
The first civilizations in world history, those of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, are emerging
Europe history 3500BCE
Stone Age farming villages dot the landscape of Europe
India and South Asia history 3500BCE
In India and South Asia, the foundations are being laid for one of the great civilizations of ancient history
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 3500BCE
By this stage in history, farming is well-established in the two great river valleys of ancient China, and is spreading to neighboring lands
South East Asia history 3500BCE
Stone Age farmers and hunter-gatherers inhabit South East Asia
Oceania history 3500BCE
All the Pacific islands are uninhabited, except for Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons
South America history 3500BCE
Permanent villages have grown up along coasts and rivers
North America history 3500BCE
Hunter-gatherer cultures cover most of North America
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Middle East history 2500BCE
The civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia are now flourishing in the Middle East
Europe history 2500BCE
Europe is still inhabited by Stone Age farming peoples. Tribes speaking Indo-European languages are migrating into the continent from the east
India and South Asia history 2500BCE
One of the earliest civilizations in world history has emerged in ancient India, the Indus Valley civilization
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 2500BCE
Agriculture is spreading out from its core areas in ancient China, and one of the greatest civilizations in world history is emerging
South East Asia history 2500BCE
Population movements At around this time, a series of major population movements begin to affect this region. Starting in southern China and Taiwan, farming and fishing communities begin to move south and west, into the coasts and islands of South East Asia. These are the ancestors of today’s Malays, Polynesians and other Austronesian peoples, and […]
Oceania history 2500BCE
A new phase in technology is beginning in Australia, and the migration of the ancestors of the Polynesians has begun from south China
South America history 2500BCE
Large villages are developing along the Pacific coast, with temple-mounds and irrigation systems being constructed
North America history 3500BCE
Hunter-gatherer cultures cover most of North America
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
South East Asia history 1500BCE
Major population movements affect this region from both east and west.
Oceania history 1500BCE
The ancestors of the Polynesians are beginning to settle the islands of the Pacific
South America history 1500BCE
The peoples of the Pacific coast are making strides towards civilization
North America history 1500BCE
Farming is spreading to eastern USA
India and South Asia history 1500BCE
The history of ancient India is experiencing a dark age after the fall of the great Indus Valley civilization
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1500BCE
The first urban civilization has appeared in the ancient history of East Asia, under the Shang dynasty in China
Europe history 1500BCE
Bronze Age farming cultures now cover most of Europe, and in the south-east, the first European civilizations now flourish in Crete and Greece
Mexico and Central America history 1500BCE
Farming is continuing to spread in Mexico
Greece and the Balkans history 1500BCE
The first literate civilizations in European history flourish - the Minoan on Crete and the Mycenaean in Greece
Egypt history 1500BCE
The civilization of Ancient Egypt is entering one of the most glorious periods of its history
Turkey history 1500BCE
The Hittite empire in Asia Minor is one of the leading powers of the age
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Middle East history 1000BCE
Invasions have devastated the old centres of civilization, but important new developments, such as the use of iron, the appearance of the alphabet and the rise of Israel, with its monotheistic religion, have taken place
Europe history 1000BCE
Major population movements in Europe have caused widespread upheaval, and the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations have vanished
India and South Asia history 1000BCE
In this dark age of ancient indian history the Aryan people are laying the foundations of future Indian civilization
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1000BCE
Ancient Chinese civilization expands under the Zhou dynasty, which will be the longest-lasting dynasty in China's history
South East Asia history 1000BCE
Large-scale popluation movements continue to affect this region
Oceania history 1000BCE
A new phase in technology is beginning in Australia, and the migration has begun from south China of the ancestors of the Polynesians
South America history 1000BCE
The first civilization in South America is in the making
North America history 1000BCE
The Olmec civilization has appeared in North America
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 500BCE
The ancestors of the Polynesians have reached as far east as Fiji
South America history 500BCE
In the Amazon basin, the Arawak diaspora is in full flood
North America history 500BCE
The influence of the Olmec civilization now covers much of Central America
Europe history 500BCE
The Iron Age Celts and their relatives dominate much of Europe, whilst in the Mediterranean land a number of brilliant city-state civilizations, most notably the Greeks, now flourish
Greece and the Balkans history 500BCE
A great civilization has emerged in Greece, based on hundreds of small city-states
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 500CE
At this phase in its history China is weak and divided, but its influence continues to spread through ancient East Asia, in Korea, Japan and Vietnam
India and South Asia history 500BCE
The return of urban civilization to ancient India has been followed by a creative period in its history, with the great world religion of Buddhism being founded
Mexico and Central America history 500BCE
The Olmec civilization has expanded over a wide area
South East Asia history 500BCE
The Malays and Javanese now inhabit their modern homes, and the Iron Age has come to the region
Egypt history 500BCE
Its ancient glories now in the past, Egypt is now just another province within the Persian empire
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Middle East history 200BCE
The conquests of Alexander the Great have reshaped the map of the Middle East, and Greek-speaking kingdoms, founded by Alexander's generals, now cover the region
Europe history 200BCE
The Celts still dominate much of Europe, but a new power, Rome, is on the rise and is now the leading power in the western Mediterranean
India and South Asia history 200BCE
The history of ancient India has seen the great Mauryan empire cover much of the subcontinent
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 200BCE
China has experienced a turbulent period of its ancient history, but has now become united under the Han dynasty.
South East Asia history 200BCE
Indian traders are bringing Hinduism, Buddhism and other elements of Indian civilization to South East Asia
Oceania history 200BCE
A distinctive Polynesian culture is now evolving
South America history 200BCE
The spread of maize as a staple crop allows new areas to be settled by farmers
North America history 200BCE
Several post-Olmec civilizations are emerging in different parts of Central America
Mexico and Central America history 200BCE
The Olmec civilization is in decline, new civilizations are rising
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 30BCE
A new phase of Polynesian expansion in the Pacific is occurring
South America history 30BCE
The Moche and Nazca civilizations are now flourishing
North America history 30BCE
The Mayan civilization is emerging
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Middle East history 200CE
One small part of the region, Judaea, has given birth to the new religion of Christianity, but has also seen the dispersal of the Jewish people from their homeland
Europe history 200CE
The Roman Empire has given much of Europe two centuries of peace and prosperity
India and South Asia history 200CE
The Kushana empire of ancient India is important to world history as a centre for the spread of Buddhism
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 200CE
The Han dynasty of China has dominated much of ancient East Asia for a long period of history - but not for much longer
South East Asia history 200CE
Indian-style kingdoms and principalities are appearing in South East Asia
Oceania history 200CE
Distinctive Polynesian societies are evolving on the various Pacific islands
South America history 200CE
The Moche have reached a high level of civilization
North America history 200CE
The Mayan civilization is now emerging
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 500CE
The Polynesians have settled Hawaii and Easter Island
South America history 500CE
Large chiefdoms have emerged in Amazonia
North America history 500CE
The Hopewell culture has vanished
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
India and South Asia history 750CE
At this stage in India's history, powerful regional kingdoms divide the subcontinent
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 750CE
China is now united and powerful under the great Tang dynasty, one of the most glorious in its history, and exerts a huge influence on Japan and Korea
South East Asia history 750CE
Chinese influence By this period, Chinese influence is growing in South East Asia. Under the powerful Tang dynasty, China’s trade with the countries of the region is expanding strongly, and one consequence of this may well be the rise of the maritime power of Sri Vijaya, which seems to enjoy a specially-favored status as a […]
Oceania history 750CE
The Polynesian colonization of the major Pacific islands is in its final phase
South America history 750CE
The Tiwanaku and Wari empires now dominate the highlands of Peru
North America history 750CE
The Pueblo culture is now developing
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
India and South Asia history 1215CE
India has entered a new phase in its history as Muslim states establish themselves over much of the north.
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1215CE
In this period of East Asia's history great technological advances occur, both in China and Korea
Oceania history 1215CE
Polynesian colonists discover New Zealand
South America history 1215CE
The Chimu empire is now the leading state in the Pacific-Andean region
North America history 1215CE
The Toltec empire has vanished, and the Mexica people have appeared in history
Europe history 1215CE
European feudalism is at its height
South East Asia history 1215CE
The Khmer empire is at the height of its power, and the great temple of Angkor Wat has been built
Middle East history 1215CE
Islam has by now become the majority religion in the Middle East
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
South East Asia history 1453CE
Muslim merchants have established a network of small sultanates in the region
North America history 1453CE
The Aztecs are now building their empire in Central America
East Central Europe history 1453CE
The union of Poles and Lithuanians under one crown creates a huge dual kingdom
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 1789CE
The first permanent European settlement has been established in Oceania, in south-west Australia, which has been claimed for the British empire
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1789CE
This is the last glorious phase of East Asia's history before it feels the West's impact, and Qing dynasty China dominates the region with its tributary system
Europe history 1789CE
The foundations for worldwide scientific and military dominance are being laid in the struggles between European nations
Middle East history 1789CE
The Middle East experiences political weakness in both the Ottoman empire and Iran
India and South Asia history 1789CE
India has entered a new chapter in its history with the expansion of the British empire in the subcontinent
South East Asia history 1789CE
Dutch commercial and political influence now spreads far and wide throughout the islands and coasts of South East Asia
North America history 1789CE
The USA is now an independent nation
South America history 1789CE
The Spanish and Portuguese empires rule most of South America between them
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 1837CE
European missionaries and traders are active throughout the Pacific
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1837CE
New intrusions into East Asian history, Western merchants and missionaries, are clamouring to be let into China and the other countries of East Asia
Europe history 1837CE
Europe continues to be transformed by intellectual change and industrial expansion
Middle East history 1837CE
Some Middle Eastern governments are taking steps to modernize their countries
India and South Asia history 1837CE
The British empire now dominates most of India, marking the most radical change in the long history of the subcontinent
South East Asia history 1837CE
The British are acquiring more territories in the region
North America history 1837CE
The USA has purchased a vast territory from the French
South America history 1837CE
The countries of South America have won their independence from Spain and Portugal
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Oceania history 1871CE
The Pacific islands are falling under European control
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1871CE
East Asian history has taken a radically new direction as Western powers force open the doors of China and Jappan to trade and missionary activity
Europe history 1871CE
Nationalism and industrialization continue to transform Europe
Middle East history 1871CE
The Ottoman empire has tightened its grip on much of the Middle East
India and South Asia history 1871CE
The history of British India almost ended in a great rebellion, but the British were able to regain control
South East Asia history 1871CE
European power is growing in South East Asia
North America history 1871CE
The USA almost tore itself apart in civil war
South America history 1871CE
Foreign investment is pouring into some South American countries
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 1914CE
European nations now rule much of the world, but their rivalries are now leading them into the First World War
Middle East history 1914CE
The British and French are increasingly active in the Middle East
India and South Asia history 1914CE
The history of the British empire in India reaches its height - but it will shortly come to an end
South East Asia history 1914CE
The European powers have shared out most of South East Asia amongst themselves
South America history 1914CE
Brazil, Argentina and Chile are growing wealthy
North America history 1914CE
Canada and the USA have experienced huge industrial expansion
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1914CE
Japan has successfully modernized, and has gained international status at the expense of China and Korea
Oceania history 1914CE
All the Pacific islands have fallen under foreign control
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 1960CE
Europe has experienced two devastating world wars, and is now divided between East and West
Middle East history 1960CE
The Cold War has had a major impact on the Middle East
India and South Asia history 1960CE
The long history of India and South Asia has entered a new chapter with the replacement of the British empire by independent republics
South East Asia history 1960CE
The countries of South East Asia have become independent from their Western masters
South America history 1960CE
Eva Peron wins the hearts of Argentinians
North America history 1960CE
The USA and Canada have fought in the two world wars together
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 1960CE
China, Japan and Korea have all experienced some of the most turbulent times in their entire history, as great wars have swept through East Asia
Oceania history 1960CE
Many Pacific islands were caught up in the fierce fighting of World War 2
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 2005CE
Most of Europe now belongs to the EU
Middle East history 2005CE
Arab-Israeli hostility has dominated Middle Eastern politics
India and South Asia history 2005CE
The history of India and Pakistan has been characterised by mutual hostility
South East Asia history 2005CE
South East Asia has experienced dramatic economic growth
South America history 2005CE
Many countries of South America have swung, first to dictatorship, and then to democracy
North America history 2005CE
The NAFTA trade agreement is benefitting the economies of all North American countries
East Asia: China, Korea, Japan history 2005CE
The recent histories of all the nations of East Asia, China, Japan and Korea, have seen them become major economic powerhouses in the world
Oceania history 2005CE
Many new independent nations now dot the Pacific Ocean
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