1837. The duke of Cumberland (the queen's uncle, and eldest male heir of George III.) became king of Hanover, by virtue of the Salic law, which prohibits the accession of females. Rebellion in Canada. 1838. Chartist movement. Commencement of the agitation for the repeal of the corn laws. The Chartists were so called because they drew up what they termed the People's Charter, in which were embodied their demands. They were--1, Annual parliaments; 2, Universal suffrage; 3, Vote by ballot; 4, Equal electoral districts; 5, Abolition of property qualification for members of parliament; 6, Payment of members of parliament. Some of the demagogues soon began to talk about resorting to physical force for the accomplishment of their objects, and several disturbances occurred, but the only serious attempt at insurrection was at Newport, where more than twenty persons were killed (1839). 1840. Penny Postage established. =War with China=, which arose out of disputes about the opium trade. England assisted Turkey against Mehemet Ali, the pasha of Egypt, who had seized on Syria: Acre stormed by the British fleet, on which he agreed to evacuate Syria. 1841. Sir Robert Peel appointed premier. 1842. Late in 1841 the Afghans rose against the English, who were compelled to make a disastrous retreat. Generals Nott and Pollock restored the prestige of the British army, and then retired from Afghanistan. ~Peace with China.~ Besides the payment of about four and a quarter millions, the Chinese ceded Hong Kong, and opened five of their ports to our merchants. 1843. =War with the Ameers of Scinde=: Sir Charles Napier defeated them at Meeanee (Feb. 17), and Hyderabad (Mar. 24). Rebecca riots in Wales. Secession of many of the clergy of the Scotch established church; and formation of the Free Church. =War in Gwalior.= Sir Hugh Gough gained a decisive victory at Maharajpoor (Dec. 29), and General Grey, on the same day, was victorious at Punniar. The agitation in Ireland for the Repeal of the Union assumed a very serious character; Daniel O'Connell and other leaders were arrested for conspiracy and sedition. 1844. Trial and conviction of Daniel O'Connell, and the other conspirators; the sentence was afterwards reversed by the House of Lords. 1845. =War with the Sikhs.= Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Henry Hardinge defeated them at Moodkee (Dec. 18), and Ferozeshah (Dec. 21, 22). 1846. Sir Harry Smith gained a complete victory over the Sikhs at Aliwal (Jan. 28); and Gough completely routed them at Sobraon (Feb. 10). The conquerors dictated terms of peace. Failure of the potato crop in Ireland, which led to a famine in the ensuing winter. _REPEAL OF THE CORN LAWS._ Lord John Russell appointed premier. Minutes of Council on education issued.