Key dates in New Caledonia’s history

The French overseas territory of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean has a turbulent history. Here's a timeline of the events that have shaped the former colony.

• 1853 – France annexes New Caledonia on behalf of Napoleon III.

• 1864 – Mining industry develops following discovery of nickel deposits.

• 1864-97 – France uses New Caledonia as a penal colony, sending 22,000 convicts and political prisoners (including revolutionary Communards) to the islands.

• 1878 – The islands’ indigenous Kanak rise up against French troops over loss of land. Two hundreds Europeans and at least 600 insurgents killed. Some 1,500 Kanaks forced into exile.

• 1878-1921 – Kanak population drops from around 60,000 to 27,000 as Europeans bring over diseases like measles.

• 1946 – The archipelago becomes a French overseas territory, paving the way for citizenship and voting rights for Kanak people.

• 1976-88 – Clashes between French authorities and the Kanak independence movement.

• 1989 – Tjibaou shot dead by Kanak separatist in protest over Matignon Accord.
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