| 1860s–1890s | Impressionism flourishes in the arts; absorption of Asian influences |
| 1870s–1890s | Vast emigration from Europe continues; the new imperialism |
| 1871 | Franco-Prussian War ends |
| 1873 | Extended economic recession begins with global impact |
| 1876 | British Parliament declares Victoria empress; invention of telephone |
| 1878 | Treaty of San Stefano |
| 1879 | Dual Alliance is formed between Germany and Austria-Hungary |
| 1881 | Tsar Alexander II is assassinated; France occupies Tunisia |
| 1882 | Triple Alliance is formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy; Britain invades Egypt |
| 1882–1884 | Bismarck sponsors social welfare legislation |
| 1884 | British Parliament passes the Reform Act, doubling size of male electorate |
| 1884–1885 | European nations carve up Africa at Berlin conference |
| 1885 | Invention of workable gasoline engine; formation of Indian National Congress |
| 1889 | Japan adopts constitution based on European models; socialists meet in Paris and establish Second International |
| 1891 | Construction of Trans-Siberian Railroad begins |