Timeline Friday 8 November 1861

Events on Friday 8 November 1861 2

• 1861 Xinyou Coup in Qing China Cixi and allies seize control of the regency Following the death of the Xianfeng Emperor, the empress dowagers Cixi and Ci'an allied with Prince Gong to overthrow the regents appointed to rule for the child emperor. The coup executed or exiled the leading regents and installed Cixi as a dominant power behind the throne. It marked the beginning of her decades-long influence over Qing China.
• 1861 Trent Affair Diplomatic crisis between the United States and Britain A US Navy warship stopped the British mail steamer Trent and seized two Confederate diplomats bound for Europe, provoking outrage in Britain and threats of war. The crisis brought the United States and the British Empire to the brink of conflict during the Civil War. Lincoln's administration defused the affair by releasing the diplomats in late December.