8. Decolonization and Independence Movements
The 1940s marked a turning point as colonial empires began to unravel. Across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, independence movements gained momentum, challenging centuries of European rule. The partition and independence of India in 1947 stood out, inspiring similar struggles worldwide. This wave of decolonization began reshaping the geopolitical landscape, fueling hopes for self-determination. Explore this transformative era at Britannica.



