The dismantling of European colonial empires and the birth of new nations across Africa and Asia.
India and Pakistan gain independence from Britain, accompanied by massive communal violence and the displacement of millions.
The Netherlands recognizes Indonesian sovereignty after four years of armed struggle, ending 350 years of colonial rule.
Vietnamese forces defeat the French army, ending French colonial rule in Indochina and inspiring anti-colonial movements worldwide.
Twenty-nine newly independent Asian and African nations gather in Indonesia, articulating a vision of non-alignment and anti-colonialism.
Ghana becomes the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence, led by Kwame Nkrumah, inspiring the continent.
Seventeen African nations gain independence in a single year, fundamentally transforming the continent's political map.
Algeria wins independence from France after a brutal eight-year war that killed an estimated 1.5 million Algerians.
Thirty-two African states establish the OAU to promote continental unity and support remaining liberation movements.
White-minority Rhodesia breaks from Britain to preserve racial rule, beginning a 15-year liberation struggle.
East Pakistan breaks away to form Bangladesh after a devastating war and genocide that kills an estimated 300,000-3 million people.
Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau achieve independence after Portugal's Carnation Revolution topples the last European colonial dictatorship.
Vietnam is reunified under communist rule, ending the last major colonial-era conflict in Southeast Asia.