1855. Lord Palmerston became premier. Death of the Emperor Nicholas. Sir Edmund Lyons took Kertch and other towns. Final bombardment of Sebastopol: the Russians effected a masterly retreat to the northern side of the town (Sept.).
1856. Annexation of Oude. Peace concluded with Russia (March). Hostilities with China, on account of the Chinese authorities seizing a small vessel bearing the British flag.
Russia receded from all her previous demands, agreed to dismantle the fortifications of Sebastopol, and pledged herself not to keep ships of war in the Black Sea. The national debt and interest, at the close of this war, reached £836,000,000.
1857. INDIAN MUTINY. The rebels captured Delhi, and treacherously massacred the English at Cawnpore. General Havelock repeatedly defeated the rebels, and temporarily relieved Lucknow, which was finally relieved by Sir Colin Campbell (Nov. 17), who had been sent from England as commander-in-chief. Death of Havelock. Delhi was recovered immediately before the first relief of Lucknow (Sept. 14). Canton taken by the English.
1858. Lord Derby appointed premier. The mutiny completely suppressed. Treaty of Tien-Tsin, between England and China. Commercial treaty with Japan. Abolition of the East India Company.
1859. Lord Palmerston succeeded Lord Derby. The volunteer movement originated.
1860. Renewal of the war with China. Occupation of Pekin; and Convention of Pekin (Oct.).
1861. The Southern States seceded from the United States, and war ensued. Death of the Prince Consort. Repeal of the paper duty.
1862. Distress in the cotton districts, from the want of the usual supplies of cotton from America. International Exhibition open for more than six months. Discussions in parliament concerning popular education.