1958    The Central African Republic becomes independent from France.

1960    The Central African Republic declares independence from France.

1965    Jean-Bédel Bokassa, leader of the Central African Republic army, and his military officers begins a coup d'état against the government of President David Dacko.

1966    After a coup, Colonel Jean-Bédel Bokassa assumes power as president of the Central African Republic.

1977    Jean-Bédel Bokassa, president of the Central African Republic, crowns himself Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire.

1979    A coup d'état in the Central African Empire overthrows Emperor Bokasa I.

1981    A ''coup d'état'' in the Central African Republic overthrows President David Dacko.

1987    The Central African Republic's former Emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa is sentenced to death for crimes he had committed during his 13-year rule.