Knowra Charles George Gordon Charles George Gordon Charles George Gordon (1833–1885), known as Gordon of Khartoum, was a British Army officer and colonial administrator killed during the 1885 siege of Khartoum.
Siege of Khartoum : A siege from 1884 to 1885 in which Mahdist forces surrounded Khartoum, ending with the city's capture and Gordon's death. Gordon's final defense of the city made this siege the defining episode of his public memory.
Royal Engineers : A British Army corps responsible for military engineering, construction, and related technical work. Gordon trained and served in this corps before his overseas commands.
Muhammad Ahmad : A Sudanese religious and political leader who proclaimed himself the Mahdi and led a revolt against Egyptian rule. His movement captured Khartoum and killed Gordon.
Gordon Riots : Anti-Catholic riots in London in 1780, named for politician Lord George Gordon. The riots are often confused by name with Gordon of Khartoum but involved a different Gordon.
Mahdist War : A conflict in Sudan from 1881 to 1899 between Mahdist forces and Egyptian, British, and allied forces. The siege that killed Gordon was one episode in this wider war.
Crimean War : A war from 1853 to 1856 in which Russia fought the Ottoman Empire, Britain, France, and Sardinia. Gordon served with the British Army in the Crimea early in his career.
Garnet Wolseley : A British Army officer who commanded the 1884–1885 expedition to relieve Gordon at Khartoum. Wolseley's relief force was dispatched too late to prevent Khartoum's fall.
Victorian imperialism : The expansion and governance of British power overseas during Queen Victoria's reign. Public commemoration of Gordon reflected Victorian arguments about Britain's imperial duties.
Taiping Rebellion : A civil war in China from 1850 to 1864, led by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom against the Qing dynasty. Gordon gained military prominence commanding the Ever Victorious Army during the rebellion's final campaign.
Second Opium War : A conflict from 1856 to 1860 in which Britain and France fought Qing China. Gordon's service in China began with the British occupation during this war.
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