Polity New Caledonia (Colony)

This article is about the specific polity New Caledonia (Colony) and therefore only includes events related to its territory and not to its possessions or colonies. If you are interested in the possession, this is the link to the article about the nation which includes all possessions as well as all the different incarnations of the nation.

If you are looking for the page with the statistics about this polity you can find it here: All Statistics

On 24 September 1853, under orders from Emperor Napoleon III, Admiral Febvrier Despointes took formal possession of New Caledonia, starting the period of French rule over the archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean.

Establishment

  • September 1853: Under orders from Emperor Napoleon III, Admiral Febvrier Despointes took formal possession of New Caledonia.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. World War II

Was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945 (it started sooner in certain regions) between the Axis Powers (mainly Germany, Japan and Italy) and the Allies (mainly the Soviet Union, the U.S.A., the U.K., China and France). It was the war with more fatalities in history. The war in Asia began when Japan invaded China on July 7, 1937. The war in Europe began when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The war ended with the complete defeat of the Axis powers, which were occupied by the Allies.

1.1. World War II (All other Vichy France Colonies)

Refers to the events that happened in French Colonies that decided to be loyal to the German puppet state of Vichy France.

  • July 1940: During the period from 29 July 1940 to 19 September 1940, New Caledonia was under the administration loyal to "Vichy" France, which was the government of Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II.
  • September 1940: During the period from 29 July 1940 to 19 September 1940, New Caledonia was under the administration loyal to "Vichy" France, which was the government of Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II.

2. Further events (Unrelated to Any War)

  • January 1854: The French took possession of the Island of the Pines in 1853 at which time the native Kunies opted for the Catholic religion.
  • June 1864: Îles Loyauté (Loyalty Islands) annexed by France.
  • June 1878: Îles Chesterfield annexed to France.
  • January 1930: Matthew and Hunter Islands are annexed by France.
  • October 1946: New Caledonia becomes an overseas territory.

Disestablishment

  • October 1946: New Caledonia becomes an overseas territory.