— Russians in aid of Austria.

— Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein at war.  A German confederation
established.

— “LIVINGSTONE’S AFRICAN DISCOVERIES.”

— The Punjab annexed to British India.

1850 — Death of President Taylor.

— Congress passes the Clay compromise measures admitting
California as a free State, but compelling the return of
fugitive slaves by the North.

— Tai-ping rebellion begins in China.

1851 — First great world’s fair in the Crystal Palace, London.

— “DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN AUSTRALIA.”

— “THE COUP D’ETAT OF LOUIS NAPOLEON.”  Napoleon dismisses the
Assembly, and is elected President of France for ten years.

1852 — Napoleon III proclaimed Emperor of France.

1853 — Franklin Pierce inaugurated as President of the United States.

— The Gadsden Purchase made from Mexico, including Southern
Arizona and New Mexico.  Surveys begin for a transcontinental
railroad.

— Dr. Kane sets out on his arctic explorations.

— Russia quarrels with Turkey, claims a protectorate over all
Christians in Turkish dominions; war begun, a Turkish fleet
destroyed at Sinope.  England and France interfere.

— Great successes of the Tai-pings in China.

1854 — Passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill intensifies the slavery
agitation in the United States; formation of the Republican
party.  See “THE RISE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.”

— France and England declare war against Russia; bombardment of

Bomarsund; the allies land in the Crimea; battles of the Alma,
of Balaklava, of Inkerman, siege of Sebastopol.

— “THE OPENING OF JAPAN.”

1855 — “THE CAPTURE OF SEBASTOPOL.”

— Russian successes against the Turks in Asia.

— Overthrow of Santa Ana, Dictator of Mexico.

— Opening of a railway across the Isthmus of Panama.
1856 — Tumult and bloodshed in Kansas.

— Walker, the filibuster, seizes temporary control of Nicaragua.

— End of the Crimean War; Russia withdraws from the Danubian
Provinces.

— Second war between England and China; Persians attack
Afghanistan.

1857 — James Buchanan inaugurated as President of the United States.

The decision in the Dred Scott case extends slavery into the
Territories.

— Mormon Revolt in Utah.

— “THE INDIAN MUTINY.”  Nana Sahib heads the insurgents; recapture
of Delhi and Cawnpore; relief of Lucknow.

— England ends the Persian War.  France joins England against
China.

— The first Atlantic cable laid and broken.

1858 — Jews admitted to share in the government of England.

— End of the Indian Mutiny; the East Indian Company transfers its
authority to the Crown.

1859 — John Brown’s Raid.