Decolonization (jan 1, 1945 – jan 1, 1962)

Description:

Due to the combination of WWI, WWII, and the United States, Europe’s control over its colonies was loosened. WWI caused them to loosen their grip over the colonies, while WWII caused the European countries to lose them/give them independence. By 1945, the majority of the countries no longer put forth energy into colonial powers and expansion. For example, Belgium formulated a 30-year plan to grant independence to Congo, its African colony, following WWII. This led to a movement known as mass decolonization. Decolonization was important due to its consequences, with the positive ones being economic, cultural, and psychological freedom, especially for indigenous and minorities. For the negative consequences, it led to economic issues and instability within post-colonial political systems, causing the divide between the southern and northern sections of the globe to expand.

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