1841-British flag is raised over Hong Kong, 2,700 Indian troops and four Indian merchants witness the ceremony.
1842-As part of a treaty forced on China, Britain is given Hong Kong Island.
1898-Britain acquires the surrounding "New Territories" under a 99-year lease.
1941-Christmas Day, Hong Kong surrenders to the Japanese. Indian troops suffer the greatest casualties of any defense forces.
1945-Japan surrenders. Britain assumes control of Hong Kong.
1947-Britain leaves India. Hindu and Moslem India separate creating India and Pakistan.
1949-People's Republic of China established.
1950-80. Thirty years of prosperity. Fueled by massive immigration from the PRC and by Britain's laissez-faire government style in Hong Kong, business takes off.
1984-Anglo-Chinese accord on Hong Kong. Britain agrees to turn back all of Hong Kong to the Chinese.
1997-July 1, British rule ends. A 50 year period begins with Hong Kong having its own political and economic system.
2047-Right to abode ends for non-Chinese residents of Hong Kong. The PRC assumes complete control of Hong Kong.
