The Spanish Government had for several months complained about Moroccan based piracy and perceived insults against Europeans in the Spanish enclave of Cueta on the Moroccan coast.  The ultimatum delivered on October 15, 1859 was two days later answered in the negative. The Spanish had been preparing an expedition against Morocco for some time and the Spanish-Moroccan War began officially on October 22, 1859. (By Brian Bockelman)

Great Britain and China sign the Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Anglo-Chinese War (1856-58) and opening Chinese ports to British trade. (By Brian Bockelman)