decolonization

Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the newfound independence of colonizaed areas and end of imperialism. Although decolonization has occurred all throughout history, in modern times there have been significantly active periods of decolonization, beginning with the independence of Spanish American colonies in the long 19th century, followed by the post WWI and WWII eras with the breakup of the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, British, French and American empires, and most recently the end of the USSR in the early 1990's. The United Nations often has a large role in the decolonization of states. During the Cold War era, new states would either choose to be allied with the United States, such as Israel, USSR, such as Egypt, or remain nonaligned, such as India.

Created by Hannah Hollon and Frances Grimball 5/21/09