A comprehensive timeline of the modern period (1760–1945), from the Industrial Revolution through two world wars, covering industrialization, imperialism, revolution, and global conflict.
James Watt's improved steam engine launches the Industrial Revolution.
Marx publishes the Manifesto as revolutions sweep Europe.
Britain forces China open to trade, beginning the 'century of humiliation.'
The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed after Garibaldi's legendary campaign.
Japan begins its transformation into a modern industrial power.
Bismarck forges a powerful German nation-state through 'blood and iron.'
The practical light bulb begins the electrification of the world.
European powers partition the African continent among themselves.
Mass production is born, creating the modern consumer economy.
The spark that ignites World War I.
The Bolsheviks seize power, creating the world's first communist state.
The armistice ends four years of industrial slaughter that killed 20 million.
The punitive peace settlement that plants the seeds of World War II.
The Great Depression begins, creating mass unemployment and political extremism.
Nonviolent resistance galvanizes the Indian independence movement.
Nazi Germany begins — democracy dies within months.
Germany invades Poland, beginning the deadliest conflict in history.
Operation Barbarossa opens the front that will destroy Nazi Germany.
Japan's surprise attack brings the United States into the war.
The bloodiest battle in history ends with German surrender.
The Allied invasion of Normandy opens the Western Front.
Germany surrenders unconditionally.
The atomic bomb ushers in the nuclear age.
The deadliest conflict in history ends. 70-85 million people have died.