Seeds of Decolonization
Anti-colonial movements across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East challenge European imperial rule, planting seeds that will flower into independence after World War II.
Indian National Congress Founded
India's first national political organization begins the long campaign for self-governance that will culminate in independence.
First Pan-African Conference in London
Delegates from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States meet to challenge colonialism and racism — planting seeds for Pan-Africanism.
Chinese Revolution Overthrows the Qing
Sun Yat-sen's revolution ends 2,000 years of imperial rule, establishing the Republic of China — though decades of turmoil lie ahead.
Sykes-Picot Agreement
Britain and France secretly agree to divide the Ottoman Empire's Arab territories between them — creating borders that still define the Middle East.
May Fourth Movement in China
Chinese students protest the Versailles settlement's transfer of German concessions in China to Japan, fueling nationalist and communist movements.
Gandhi Launches Non-Cooperation Movement
Gandhi transforms the Indian National Congress from an elite organization into a mass movement through nonviolent resistance.
Négritude Movement Emerges in Paris
Aimé Césaire, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and others articulate a philosophy celebrating Black identity and challenging colonial cultural domination.
Quit India Movement
Gandhi demands immediate British withdrawal from India — 'Do or Die' — the most militant phase of the independence struggle.
Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester
The congress that launches African independence movements — attended by future leaders Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta.