Decolonization

Decolonization generally refers to a movement following the Second World War in which the various European colonies of the world were granted independence.

Decolonization is the process of emancipation of colonies, and implies the independence of these countries. It began in 1775 in the United States, but it was after World War II that the term was born. It was at that point that the phenomenon took on a truly global magnitude with the birth of nationalisms. One could say that the process has still not ended to this day.

Differing Perspectives

There is quite a bit of controversy over decolonization. The end goal tends to be universally regarded as good, but there is much debate over the best way to grant full independence.

Some say the post-World War II decolonization movement was too rushed, especially in Africa, and resulted in the creation of unstable regimes in the newly-independent countries.

Others argue that this instability is largely the result of problems from the colonial period, including arbitrary nation-state borders and lack of training of local populations.

See Also:

Wars of national liberation

fr:Décolonisation

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