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1616
Dutch are first Europeans to
visit Tonga.
1773-77
British explorer Captain James Cook visits three times.
1820s
Wesleyan Methodist missionaries arrive from
England.
1830s
Wesleyans convert paramount chief Taufa'ahau Tupou.
He converts fellow islanders.
British
protectorate
1875
Taufa'ahau Tupou assumes the name of George
Tupou
I and establishes Tongan monarchy.
1900
Tonga becomes a British protected state
but is
not formally colonized.
1918
Reign of Queen Salote Tupou III begins.
1953
Queen Saltote visits Britain for coronation
of Elizabeth II.
1958
Tonga acquires some 'autonomy' from Britain.
1965
Taufa'ahau Tupou becomes king
after his
mother's death.
1970
Tonga ceases to be a British protectorate
Becomes fully 'independent' within the Commonwealth.
1988
Tonga signs agreement allowing
US nuclear
warships to pass through its waters.
1992
Pro-Democracy Movement founded.
1994
Tonga's first political party, the Tonga
Democratic Party
(subsequently renamed the People's Party),
founded by Pro-Democracy Movement.
America refuses to support it.
1999
Pro-democracy movement organizes convention
to
discuss new, more democratic constitution.
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