The decolonization movements of the 20th century had a big effect on countries that used to be colonies. This change touched many aspects like politics, society, and the economy.
Independence: By the 1970s, around 80% of the world’s colonies had become independent. Between 1945 and 1960, about 37 African nations gained their freedom.
New Governments: Many of these new countries set up their own governments. Most chose democratic systems where people could vote. However, nearly 60% of these countries had problems like political unrest or were ruled by tough leaders.
National Identity: Decolonization inspired a feeling of nationalism. Countries like India (1947) and Ghana (1957) worked to bring together different ethnic groups to create a stronger national identity.
Education and Healthcare: There was more investment in education and healthcare. For example, Nigeria's literacy rate improved from 15% in 1950 to over 60% by 2000.
Economic Struggles: Many new nations had a hard time with their economies. They often relied on their former colonial rulers for trade. By the early 2000s, more than 50% of sub-Saharan African countries had very low incomes, under $500 per person.
Resource Control: Countries like Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had many natural resources, often fought over these resources. This conflict hurt their economic progress.
Civil Wars: The change from colonial rule was not easy and often led to violence. About 30 civil wars happened in former colonies from 1945 to 2000. For example, the Rwandan Civil War (1990-1994) resulted in around 800,000 deaths.
Cold War Influence: Former colonies became places of conflict during the Cold War, a time when countries were divided between capitalism and communism. About 20% of the battles in the 20th century were linked to this struggle, changing the political situation in many former colonies.
In conclusion, decolonization changed how former colonies saw themselves, how they were governed, and their economies. This complicated history still affects our world today.
The decolonization movements of the 20th century had a big effect on countries that used to be colonies. This change touched many aspects like politics, society, and the economy.
Independence: By the 1970s, around 80% of the world’s colonies had become independent. Between 1945 and 1960, about 37 African nations gained their freedom.
New Governments: Many of these new countries set up their own governments. Most chose democratic systems where people could vote. However, nearly 60% of these countries had problems like political unrest or were ruled by tough leaders.
National Identity: Decolonization inspired a feeling of nationalism. Countries like India (1947) and Ghana (1957) worked to bring together different ethnic groups to create a stronger national identity.
Education and Healthcare: There was more investment in education and healthcare. For example, Nigeria's literacy rate improved from 15% in 1950 to over 60% by 2000.
Economic Struggles: Many new nations had a hard time with their economies. They often relied on their former colonial rulers for trade. By the early 2000s, more than 50% of sub-Saharan African countries had very low incomes, under $500 per person.
Resource Control: Countries like Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had many natural resources, often fought over these resources. This conflict hurt their economic progress.
Civil Wars: The change from colonial rule was not easy and often led to violence. About 30 civil wars happened in former colonies from 1945 to 2000. For example, the Rwandan Civil War (1990-1994) resulted in around 800,000 deaths.
Cold War Influence: Former colonies became places of conflict during the Cold War, a time when countries were divided between capitalism and communism. About 20% of the battles in the 20th century were linked to this struggle, changing the political situation in many former colonies.
In conclusion, decolonization changed how former colonies saw themselves, how they were governed, and their economies. This complicated history still affects our world today.