History of modern Israel
A timeline for major historical events involving the modern country of Israel. Click on any headline below to read more about that event:
AD 70, AD 136: Israel is forced into exile and scattered among the nations
Late 1800s: Zionist Movement begins
1882-1903: Jews begin returning to homeland
1896: 'The Jewish State' is published; Zionism grows
1897: Jews unite in effort to regain homeland Israel
1917: The British gain control of Palestine
1933 - 1944: 6 million Jews killed by Nazis
1948 (May 14): Israel declares independence
1948 (May 15): Surrounding countries invade Israel
1949: The first Arab-Israeli war ends