Decolonization was global phenomenon that occurred in aftermath of World War II. It refers to the process by which European colonial powers withdrew from their colonies and granted them independence. Decolonization marked significant shift in world history as it led to the creation of new nations and changed the balance of power on global scale.
After World War II, when many colonised people started to call for more rights and freedoms, decolonization movement gained traction. The United Nations also played important role in this process as it promoted self-determination for all.
One of initial countries to gain independence through decolonization was India, which became independent from British rule in 1947. This was followed by other Asian and African countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, Vietnam and Indonesia who also gained their independence soon after.
Decolonization had far-reaching political implications. It challenged traditional notions of imperialism and paved the way for new forms of political organization based on nationalism or regionalism rather than colonial subjugation. For example , Africa saw emergence of Pan-Africanism while Asia saw Non-Alignment Movement emerge post-decolonisation.
However decolonisation did not always lead to stability or prosperity; some newly independent countries were plagued by instability due to internal conflicts among different ethnic or religious groups that were artificially put together under colonial rule . Also there were economic challenges faced by these newly formed states leading many of them towards indebtedness .
Decolonisation is an important event in world history that marked a turning point between before & after status quo .It allowed formerly colonised populations greater autonomy over their own affairs but at same time brought along with it its own set challenges – both social & economic – which remain relevant even today .
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