Canton

In the late 19th century, the Battle of Canton (or Guangzhou) was a notable conflict in the history involving the British. During the Second Opium War (1856–1860), tensions between the Chinese Qing dynasty and British forces escalated into a series of military engagements. In December 1857, British and French forces attacked Canton, a strategic city in southern China, leading to its capture and significant political ramifications.

The Canton–Hong Kong Strike, which began in June 1925, was a major political and labor movement that demonstrated the Chinese workers' unrest and call for rights. Sparked by grievances over conditions in Hong Kong, the strike quickly extended to Canton (Guangzhou). Over 250,000 workers participated in the strike, culminating in significant disruptions in the region's economic activities. The strike underscored the growing influence of the Communist Party and labor movements in China.

On October 14, 1949, the city of Canton (now Guangzhou) was liberated by the People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War. This marked a significant victory for the Communist Party of China, as they took control of one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the country, thereby solidifying their hold over southern China. The liberation of Canton was facilitated by strategic military maneuvers and was a key moment in the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

The Kwangchow (Canton) Uprising in 1962 was one of several incidents reflecting the domestic unrest and political turbulence in Communist China during the early 1960s. Underlying this were farmers' resentment towards agricultural policies and their disastrous outcomes. The uprising involved a significant number of peasants in the rural areas around Canton who resisted government authority. The response from the government was swift and had a lasting impact on local governance.

The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which took place in December 1978, marked the beginning of China's economic reform. Canton (Guangzhou) was pivotal in these reforms as the city rapidly embraced economic changes and became a gateway for foreign investment and economic activity. The reforms led by Deng Xiaoping were aimed at revitalizing China's economy by introducing market principles and opening up to the international market.

During the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, Guangzhou played a strategic role. While not the epicenter, the city's student-led demonstrations mirrored those in Beijing. The protests in Guangzhou were marked by strikes, rallies, and significant student involvement. Despite its distance from the capital, Guangzhou's participation highlighted nationwide discontent and the push for political reform, aiding the collective voice of the numerous cities calling for governmental change.

On the 12th of November, 2010, the opening ceremony of the Asian Games was held in Guangzhou. It was a vibrant event that showcased Chinese culture and modernization, bringing together athletes from across the continent. The ceremony was lauded for its grand scale and artistry, reflecting China's growing influence and organizational capabilities. Hosting the Asian Games marked an era of increased international engagement for Guangzhou as a host city and was a matter of national pride.

In May 2014, the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport opened its new Terminal 2. The expansion was part of a broader plan to establish Guangzhou as a key international aviation hub. The new terminal significantly increased the airport’s capacity, aiming to boost passenger flow and business operations. This expansion enhanced the city's connectivity and economic potential, emphasizing its status as a critical node in global aviation networks.