1898★★★★★
The Curies discover polonium and radium
Marie and Pierre Curie discover two new radioactive elements, polonium and radium, advancing the study of radioactivity.
Science· France
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Events this year
1898★★★★★
Hundred Days' Reform
The Guangxu Emperor and Kang Youwei launch sweeping reforms, which Empress Dowager Cixi halts after about 100 days.
Politics· China
April 1898 – December 10, 1898★★★★★
Spanish–American War
The United States defeats Spain, gaining Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines, while Cuba is freed from Spanish rule.
War· United States, Spain, Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico
June 12, 1898★★★★★
Philippine Declaration of Independence
Emilio Aguinaldo proclaims the independence of the Philippines from Spain at Kawit, Cavite.
RevolutionPolitics· Philippines, Spain
Ongoing
1858 – 1947★★★★★
Beginning of the British Raj
After the 1857 rebellion, the Government of India Act transfers rule from the East India Company to the British Crown; the Mughal Empire formally ends.
Politics· India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, United Kingdom
1885 – 1908★★★★★
Leopold II's Congo Free State
King Leopold II of Belgium ruled the Congo as a personal possession; its forced-labour rubber regime caused mass deaths until Belgium annexed the territory in 1908.
PoliticsEconomy· DR Congo, Belgium