The 19th century (1801–1900) was a period of profound global change marked by major political, social, and economic events: Key Political and Military Events:
- The Napoleonic Wars reshaped Europe after the French Revolution.
- Latin American countries gained independence from Spain and Portugal.
- The Revolutions of 1848 swept across Europe, demanding political reforms.
- The American Civil War (1861–1865) led to the abolition of slavery in the United States.
- The Ottoman Empire declined, losing territories as Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and others gained autonomy or independence.
- The Taiping Rebellion in China (1850–1864) was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with 20–30 million deaths.
- The Texas Revolution (1835–1836) resulted in the Republic of Texas breaking from Mexico.
- The First and Second Opium Wars (1839–1860) weakened Qing China, leading to foreign concessions.
- The Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839–1919) established the Durand Line and British influence in Afghanistan.
Social and Economic Changes:
- The Industrial Revolution transformed economies with mechanization, urbanization, and new technologies like the telegraph and revolver.
- Child labor exploitation increased in factories and mines.
- The abolitionist movement gained momentum, ending slavery in many regions.
- Cooperative movements began, such as the 1844 Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.
- Major infrastructure projects like the Paris Metro opened.
Cultural and Scientific Developments:
- The Victorian era (1837–1901) marked the height of the British Empire.
- Literature flourished with authors like Charles Dickens.
- Advances in science and technology included inventions like Samuel Colt’s revolver and telegraphy.
Notable Treaties and Agreements:
- Treaty of Nanking (1842) ceded Hong Kong to Britain.
- Treaty of Berlin (1878) recognized independence of Balkan states from the Ottoman Empire.
The 19th century set the stage for the modern world through imperial expansion, industrialization, social reform, and political upheaval
