Final answer:
Decolonization after World War II was driven by the economic strain on European powers, the establishment of the UN and its anti-colonial stance, and strong nationalist movements seeking independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
After World War II, the process of decolonization accelerated as a combination of economic, political, and social factors led to the dissolution of colonial empires and the formation of independent nation-states. Several reasons contributed to this significant change:
- Economic Strain: European countries were economically depleted after the war, making it challenging to maintain and govern distant colonies.
- UN and Global Opinion: The establishment of the United Nations in 1945 and its objective to oversee decolonization alongside a growing anti-colonial sentiment put pressure on colonial powers.
- Nationalism: Local resistance movements and a rising sense of nationalism among colonized peoples fueled the desire for self-determination and independence.
The number of member states in the UN has increased significantly since its founding, indicating the widespread emergence of new sovereign countries. The legacy of colonialism, including arbitrarily drawn borders at the Berlin Conference, continues to impact newly independent states, particularly in Africa, creating challenges for their development and stability. Postwar global dynamics, such as the emergence of the US and the Soviet Union as superpowers and the Cold War rivalry, further influenced the decolonization process and the global political landscape.