World Events from 1500 to 1800

  • Period: 1453 to 1502

    Two-Century War

    The Ottomans fought the opening rounds of this war with Venice, Italy's most powerful states.
  • 1502

    Ismail proclaims himself Shah of Iran

    Ismail proclaims himself Shah of Iran
    Ismail, with this title, declares that his realm would be devoted to Shi'ite Islam. Iran became a truly seperate country.
  • 1514

    Ismail I of Safavid Persia defeated by Selim I

    Ismail I of Safavid Persia defeated by Selim I
    This brought East Anatolia under Turkish rule in the Battle of Chaldiran and expanded the empire into the vicinity of europe and increased their dominance of land based eurasian trade.
  • 1516

    Selim conquers Egypt

    Selim conquers Egypt
    Selim, "the Grim, conquers Egypt as part of the Ottoman Empire, making the Red Sea their southern frontier.
  • 1516

    Palestine and Syria under Ottoman rule

    Palestine and Syria under Ottoman rule
    Palestine and Syria are two pieces of land that can be very influential in MENA, most likely due to their location, being right in the Middle East, so it's a great place for culture to diffuse from.
  • 1517

    Prince of Ryazan Principality captured

    Prince of Ryazan Principality captured
    The last Grand Prince of the Ryazan Principality was captured by Russia and imprisoned in Moscow.
  • 1519

    Ottoman Conquest of Algeria

    Ottoman Conquest of Algeria
    Captured Mediterranean trade ports and also became a middle man for land based trade from Africa to europe.
  • Period: 1520 to 1566

    The Reign of Suleiman The Magnificent

    Suleiman The Magnificient, Selim's son, accomplished many things. He conquered Belgrade in 1521, expelled the Knights of the Hospital of St. John, and laid siege to Vienna in 1529.
  • Period: 1520 to 1566

    Suleiman I reigns

    Suleiman I is considered to be one of the best leaders for the Ottoman Empire, especially for the progress he made for the empire.
  • 1521

    Belgrade Conquered by the Ottoman Empire

    Belgrade Conquered by the Ottoman Empire
    Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, therefore, for the many centuries that Ottoman Empire ruled this area, there can still be somewhat of a Muslim influence on those who live in Serbia.
  • 1522

    Island of Rhodes Conquered by the Ottoman Empire

    Island of Rhodes Conquered by the Ottoman Empire
    The Island of Rhodes is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, so controlling this piece of land can be crucial in trade across the Mediterranean.
  • 1528

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Hungary

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Hungary
    As the Ottoman Empire conquers Hungary, it is a key region to influence because Hungary becomes one of the most influential powers in the 20th century, especially in World War 1.
  • 1529

    Ottoman Siege of Vienna

    Ottoman Siege of Vienna
    Having influence on Austria can be crucial, especially later on in history. With Ottoman influence in Austria, it may sway viewpoints in drastic events, such as World War 1.
  • 1533

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Iraq

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Iraq
    Iraq is highly influenced by Islam, most likely due to the Ottoman Empire; What makes this very important is that Iraq is of the most influential nations in the world right now.
  • 1533

    Ivan the Terrible becomes Grand Prince of Moscow

    Ivan the Terrible becomes Grand Prince of Moscow
    First step for Ivan the Terrible from becoming Tsar of Russia.
  • 1533

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Baghdad

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Baghdad
    The Ottoman Empire conquering Baghdad is equally as influential now as it was then. Iraq's location makes it key for life in the Middle East.
  • 1543

    First Portuguese Contacts with Japan

    First Portuguese Contacts with Japan
    Japan begins to view Western ideas of Europe, culture may shift a little.
  • 1545

    Safavid Empire Conquers Qandahar

    Safavid Empire Conquers Qandahar
    Qandahar is in Afghanistan, and Afghanistan connects most of the Middle East to Central Asia, making it a key place for an Empire to seize.
  • 1547

    Ivan the Terrible becomes Tsar of Russia

    Ivan the Terrible becomes Tsar of Russia
    Leads up to Peter the Great becoming Tsar, and has to deal with conflict among the Ottoman Empire.
  • 1547

    Hungary divided between Suleiman I and Ferdinand I of Austria

    Hungary divided between Suleiman I and Ferdinand I of Austria
    Causes Austria to have different cultures be mixing at once, and have long term effects.
  • 1551

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Libya

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Libya
    The Ottoman Empire conquering Libya explains why there is such an Islamic influence. Therefore affecting the culture and possibly affecting affairs involving Libya.
  • Period: 1553 to 1554

    Russian Gospel Book printed

    First book printed in Russia, the Narrow-typed Gospel Book.
  • 1556

    Muscovy conquered

    Muscovy conquered
    Muscovy conquered and annexed the Astrakhan Khanate.
  • Aug 2, 1560

    Battle of Ergeme

    Battle of Ergeme
    Ivan's army crushed the forces of the Livonian Order.
  • 1565

    Ottomans fail expedition against Malta

    Ottomans fail expedition against Malta
    The Ottomans failed a major expedition against Malta in the western Mediterranean. However, the Ottoman strength was demonstrated in their extensive resources.
  • 1565

    Establishment of Oprichnina

    Establishment of Oprichnina
    Ivan established the Oprichnina, a Muscovite territory ruled directly by the tsar.
  • 1566

    Ivan the Terrible creates the Oprichnina

    Ivan the Terrible creates the Oprichnina
    The Oprichnina is an area directly ruled by the Tsar, making this a very influential piece of land, especially in the political realm.
  • 1570

    Conquest of Cyprus

    Conquest of Cyprus
    Similarly to Rhodes, Cyprus is a Mediterranean Island, so it plays a key role in trade across the Mediterranean.
  • 1571

    Ottoman Empire defeated in the Battle of Lepanto

    Ottoman Empire defeated in the Battle of Lepanto
    The Ottoman Empire being defeated in the Mediterranean Sea causes them to have to move out of this area, which can damage their civilization, especially from the economic standpoint.
  • 1574

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Tunisia

    Ottoman Empire Conquers Tunisia
    Tunisia is a key land mass to conquer because of its location. Being located near the Mediterranean Sea makes it a key port for trade for the Ottoman Empire.
  • 1578

    Sa'adi family lead victorius battle over Portugal

    Sa'adi family lead victorius battle over Portugal
    This family, which claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad, were victorious against the Portugal in the battle of al-Qasr-al-Kabir. Ahmad al-Mansur then proceeded to restore Morocco's strength and independence.
  • 1579

    Ottoman Empire attempts to conquer Iran

    Ottoman Empire attempts to conquer Iran
    Since the Safavid Empire is currently weak in this territory at the moment, the Ottoman Empire uses this to their advantage to conquer.
  • 1582

    Strogonovs destroy the Khanate of Sibir

    Strogonovs destroy the Khanate of Sibir
    The Strogonovs, a wealthy trading family, destroyed the only political power in their region (Khanate of Sibir). Their troops used rifles to conquer the area of Siberia. They also led the early Russian exploration of Siberia.
  • Ivan the Terrible dies

    Ivan the Terrible dies
    Ends the reign of Ivan the Terrible, creates a new path of Peter the Great.
  • Treaty of Istanbul

    Treaty of Istanbul
    This Treaty maintains the peace between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires for decades to come, but conflict does begin to stir up again.
  • Japanese Invasion of Korea

    Japanese Invasion of Korea
    Develops Japanese culture into Japan, and eventually causes Korea to become a Tributary State of Qing China.
  • Isfahan becomes Iranian capital

    Isfahan becomes Iranian capital
    Isfahan became Iran's capital by decree of 1598 of Shah Abbas I. Isfahan was a highly active and populous city.
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu wins the Battle of Sekigahara

    Tokugawa Ieyasu wins the Battle of Sekigahara
    The outcome of this battle causes Tokugawa Ieyasu to become the first official Shogun of Tokugawa Japan.
  • Tokugawa Shogunate formed

    Tokugawa Shogunate formed
    This state would lead Japan for the coming centuries, and set up trade relationships that exist today
  • False Dmitriy

    False Dmitriy
    False Dmitriy was crowned tsar.
  • Hermogenes uprising

    Hermogenes uprising
    Hermogenes, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, urged the Muscovite people to rise against the Poles.
  • Treaty of Nasu Pasha

    Treaty of Nasu Pasha
    As conflict is going on between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires, this treaty keeps the peace for a very short time.
  • Christianity banned in Japan

    Christianity banned in Japan
    Furthers the isolation of Japan, allows them to develop their own culture more.
  • The shogunate issues the first in a series of codes of conduct, known as Buke Shohatto

    The shogunate issues the first in a series of codes of conduct, known as Buke Shohatto
    Shows the Japanese’s form of culture, reflects on their views of civilization.
  • Conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire begins again

    Conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire begins again
    The short term treaty kept the piece for a solid 3 years, but then conflict arises again, which disrupts the civilizations living near the areas of conflict.
  • Death of Tokugawa leyasu

    Death of Tokugawa leyasu
    The death of the first Shogun may lead to uncertainty in the near future, since their reliable founder is no longer around.
  • Treaty of Serav

    Treaty of Serav
    As the Safavid Empire and the Ottoman Empire are fighting, this treaty plays a role in maintaining the peace for the time being.
  • Safavid Empire Conquers Baghdad from the Ottoman Empire

    Safavid Empire Conquers Baghdad from the Ottoman Empire
    Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, so having the Safavid Empire spread their culture into Iraq can have dramatic influences on Iraq in the Modern Day.
  • First Manchu invasion of Korea

    First Manchu invasion of Korea
    This was the tipping point of tensions between Korea and Imperial China, the latter wanting the Korean peninsula, the former wanting sovereignty.
  • The Death of Shah Abbas

    The Death of Shah Abbas
    Shah Abbas's death caused the mismanagement of silk monopoly, which coincided with inflation caused by cheap silver (this spread into Iran).
  • Period: to

    Japanese edicts close down trade with Europe

    Part of east asian self sufficiency movement that happens as a sort of cultural response to dealing with outsiders. This would affect trade relations for centruies.
  • Act of Seclusion in Japan

    Act of Seclusion in Japan
    As Japan refuses to trade with the outside world, it causes them to develop differently due to their isolation, and cause different cultures to arise.
  • Second Manchu invasion of Korea

    Second Manchu invasion of Korea
    This eventually converts Korea into a Tributary State of Qin China, which causes China to expand, which helps them develop their empire further.
  • Safavid Empire loses control of Baghdad

    Safavid Empire loses control of Baghdad
    No longer controlling Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, may have been crucial in the development of the Safavid Empire, since the location of Baghdad is very convenient.
  • Peace Treaty between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires

    Peace Treaty between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires
    With peace with the two empires being brief, it allows for a stable economy and for both empires to thrive in other aspects aside from military strength.
  • Ming Rebels take Beijing

    Ming Rebels take Beijing
    Sets up for the end of the Ming dynasty and the beginning of the Qing dynasty.
  • Start of the Qing Dynasty

    Start of the Qing Dynasty
    Marks the start of the Qing Dynasty, one of the more dominant Empires of the time.
  • Emperor Shunzhi is named emperor at 5 years old

    Emperor Shunzhi is named emperor at 5 years old
    The early part of his reign was dominated by his mom whom was a skilled political leader. However, at age 12 he reassumed power and kept peace in China until his death.
  • The Hairstyle Massacre

    The Hairstyle Massacre
    In 1645, Dorgon decreed that Ming men must shave away their hair apart from Manchu-style pigtails. This started the queue hairstyle that is seen in movies about the Qing Empire. Dorgon said, "Keep your hair, lose your head; keep your head, cut your hair." Tens of thousands who resisted were massacred.
  • Period: to

    The Little Ice Age

    The Little Ice Age was climatic deterioration that led to revolts which devastated Anatolia. This period caused prolonged Winters, reducing the growing seasons of foods/goods by several weeks.
  • Imperial examinations are officially continued

    Imperial examinations are officially continued
    Dorgon reestablished the imperial examinations, held every three years, and in this way, he gained the support of large numbers of literati and the bureaucracy. However, this meant China would not have modern education during the Ming Dynasty.
  • Shunzhi decries that Han men can marry Manchu women

    Shunzhi decries that Han men can marry Manchu women
    This promote ethnic harmony and unification of the empire. It was only later in the dynasty that these policies allowing intermarriage were done away with
  • Dutch ship, with Captain Hendrick Hamel, wrecked on Jeju Island near mainland Korea

    Dutch ship, with Captain Hendrick Hamel, wrecked on Jeju Island near mainland Korea
    This changes the dynamic of korean long distance trade for the next century, and also fuels the self sufficiency movement to reject non east asians.
  • Russia Captures Vilnius

    Russia Captures Vilnius
    Vilnius is the modern day capital of Lithuania. Having control of a Baltic State can be very influential in trade, since it's near the Baltic Sea.
  • Emperor Kangxi becomes ruler

    Emperor Kangxi becomes ruler
    The reign of Emperor Kangxi was the richest period in the all Chinese feudal dynasties. It is well-known in China as the "Kang-Qian flourishing age".
  • Prince Gui, the last Ming pretender executed

    Prince Gui, the last Ming pretender executed
    Prince Gui sought refuge with the King of Burma, Pindale Min, but was turned over to a Qing expeditionary army commanded by Wu Sangui, who had him brought back to Yunnan province and executed. This solidified Ming rule.
  • Peter the Great becomes Tsar

    Peter the Great becomes Tsar
    Helps battle the Ottoman Empire and regain land for Russia in the long term. Brings about western culture in Russia.
  • Ottomans defeated in the Battle of Vienna

    Ottomans defeated in the Battle of Vienna
    The Ottomans are now forced out of Vienna, making it difficult to maintain some form of power in Austria, which make take effect in World War 1.
  • Ottoman Empire Driven out of Hungary

    Ottoman Empire Driven out of Hungary
    As the Ottoman Empire is driven out of Hungary, this event was more or less a domino effect of what had happened in Vienna a few years prior, thus meaning that Ottoman influence would have have started to go away by the time World War 1 takes place.
  • Treaty of Nerchinsk with Russia

    Treaty of Nerchinsk with Russia
    Prevents from Russia expanding further Eastward into Qing territory.
  • Matsuo Basho embarks on a journey to northern Honshu, recorded in a travel journal containing his first refined haiku.

    Matsuo Basho embarks on a journey to northern Honshu, recorded in a travel journal containing his first refined haiku.
    Reflects on the culture that existed in Japan at the time.
  • Arabs of Oman seize Mombasa

    Arabs of Oman seize Mombasa
    Oman defeated Portugal in the 18th century. Portuguese territory was lost, also because of local rebellion.
  • Treaty of Karlowitz

    Treaty of Karlowitz
    Signing this treaty meant that the Ottoman Empire accepted defeat, causing them to withdraw from Serbia, meaning they no longer influenced their culture.
  • Trial of the Forty-Seven Ronin

    Trial of the Forty-Seven Ronin
    Forty-seven ronin (leaderless samurai) avenged the death of their master.This event has become legendary in Japan oral tradition and fictional accounts of this story are seen in Japan today.
  • Death of Aurangzeb

    Death of Aurangzeb
    Aurangzeb´s death caused the Mughal power to die out, and strong regional powers challenged the Mughal military. This central decay was a low point in the Mughal Empire.
  • Swedes invade Muscovy

    Swedes invade Muscovy
    Invading Moscow can damage Russia in many way. An important aspect of it may likely be surrounding the economic aspect of this, since most nations need a stable economy to thrive.
  • St. Petersburg becomes capital of Russia

    St. Petersburg becomes capital of Russia
    Russia continued to grow and gain new sophistication, which was demonstrated by the baroque style of buildings in the capital. Russia became even more powerful.
  • Period: to

    Tulip Period

    This was the last years of the reign of Ottoman sultan, Ahmed III. European styles and attitudes became briefly popular in Instanbul. Culture continued to spread through Europe.
  • Safavid Empire founded

    Safavid Empire founded
    This Iranian kingdom was established by Ismail Safavi, who declared Iran a Shi'ite state.
  • Safavid Empire losses control of Isfahan

    Safavid Empire losses control of Isfahan
    Isfahan is a city in Iran. Similarly to Baghdad, due to the location of this city, it makes it a convenient location for control and power for the Safavid Empire.
  • Nizam al-Mulk establishes Hyderabad

    Nizam al-Mulk establishes Hyderabad
    Nizam al-Mulk, a powerful vizier, established his own nearly independent state, Hyderabad. Hyederabad was located in the eastern Deccan. Others also became similarly independent. As a result, many powers slowly started to break up.
  • Emperor Yongzheng becomes ruler

    Emperor Yongzheng becomes ruler
    He continued the Qing's prosperous period with efficiency by imitating the good of his father's reign
  • Reign of Peter ends

    Reign of Peter ends
    Although Russia adapted to new technology and rising powers, they weakened after Peter's death. Russia was still considered a poor and misshapen country.
  • Isfahan recaptured by the Safavid Empire

    Isfahan recaptured by the Safavid Empire
    With Isfahan held under control of the Safavid Empire, it helps grow their power once again due to its location being in the Middle East.
  • The Janissary Revolt

    The Janissary Revolt
    Sultan Ahmed III abdicates, and Patrona, the leader of the Janissary revolt, dictates the capital for several months.
  • Emperor Qianlong becomes ruler

    Emperor Qianlong becomes ruler
    He officially reigned for 61 years as Kangxi did. But he actually reigned till his death in 1799. His greed and love of luxuries set the empire on an unfavorable course.
  • Period: to

    Russo-Turkish War

    Conflict between the Ottoman and Russian Empire, ultimately leads to the Ottoman’s defeat.
  • Downfall of Safavid Empire

    Downfall of Safavid Empire
    With the downfall of the Safavid Empire, it allows for the Ottoman Empire to have very few enemies, and allow them to grow power.
  • Nadir Shah invades Mughal capital

    Nadir Shah invades Mughal capital
    Nadir Shah was a warlord who had invaded the Mughal capital and carried off to Iran the ¨peakcock throne.¨
  • Period: to

    Russo-Swedish War

    Results in the Swedes controlling Moscow for a small amount of time.
  • The Qing establishes the Canton System

    The Qing establishes the Canton System
    The Qing successfully establishes the Canton System restricting maritime trade to Canton. This gave monopoly trading rights to private Chinese merchants.
  • Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

    Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca
    Upon defeating the Ottoman Empire, the Russians had the upper hand in their conflict, therefore, this plays a key role later on in history between relations of these two nations, and indirect affects of surrounding nations.
  • Crimean Khanate

    Crimean Khanate
    The Crimean Khanate was incorporated into the Russian Empire.
  • Neo-Confucianism becomes official philosophy of Japan

    Neo-Confucianism becomes official philosophy of Japan
    This philosophy would fuel resentment between China and Japan, but would strengthen the unity of its own people
  • Korean prosecution of Catholicism begins

    Korean prosecution of Catholicism begins
    This is a turning point for Korea in believing in its own national identity and becoming better friends with neighboring countries who support east asian self sufficiency.
  • Russian ships first spotted off the coast of Japan

    Russian ships first spotted off the coast of Japan
    The attempt of western eurasian powers to colonize or trade with east asia begin with the attempts of the 1790s. This begins a campaign of anti self sufficiency from outsiders and vise versa from east asian countries.
  • British East India Company sends ambassador to China

    British East India Company sends ambassador to China
    The British East India Company, with the support of the British government, sent a delegation to China under Lord George Macartney in order to open free trade and put relations on a basis of equality. This sets the stage for China leaving the self sufficiency model in later centuries
  • White Lotus Rebellion

    White Lotus Rebellion
    Open rebellion broke out by the White Lotus Society against the Qing government. The White Lotus Rebellion continued for eight years and marked a turning point in the history of the Qing dynasty toward decline.
  • Persian Expedition of 1796

    Persian Expedition of 1796
    Russian forces launched a military expedition to punish Persia.
  • Catherine the Great dies.

    Catherine the Great dies.
    The throne is passed to Paul I.