The process by which colonies gained independence from their imperial rulers, dismantling colonial political, economic, and cultural structures. This movement accelerated dramatically after World War II, transforming the global political landscape.
From the prefix 'de-' (removal) plus 'colonization,' the term emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the systematic undoing of colonial rule. It encompasses both the political process of gaining independence and the broader cultural reclamation of indigenous identities and institutions.
Decolonization happened with breathtaking speed - in just two decades after WWII, over 80 new nations emerged from former colonies! The year 1960 alone saw 17 African nations gain independence, earning it the nickname 'Year of Africa,' completely reshaping the United Nations and global politics overnight.
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