Turkey

• 1908


  Young Turk Revolution establishes constitutional rule, but degenerates into military dictatorship during First World War, where Ottoman Empire fights in alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
• 1918-22


  Partition of defeated Ottoman Empire leads to eventual triumph of Turkish National Movement in war of independence against foreign occupation and rule of Sultan.
• 1923


  Grand National Assembly declares Turkey a republic and Kemal Ataturk president.
• 1928


  Turkey becomes secular: clause retaining Islam as state religion removed from constitution.
• 1938


  President Ataturk dies, succeeded by Ismet Inonu.
• 1945


  Neutral for most of World War II, Turkey declares war on Germany and Japan, but does not take part in combat. Joins United Nations.
• 1950


  First free elections won by opposition Democratic Party.