Final answer:
The struggle for independence in African and Asian nations paralleled the Americas in seeking sovereignty and self-rule but diverged in the contexts of colonial control, border divisions, and Cold War influences. There was also varied support for these movements, with African American support for African independence contrasting with wider American indifference or opposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The struggle for independence and the postcolonial experience of African and Asian nations in the 20th century both paralleled and diverged from the earlier experiences of 'new nations' in the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. Similarities included the fight for national sovereignty and the rejection of colonial rule. African and Asian nations, like the earlier American colonies, desired to establish their own governments, control their resources, and build nations reflective of their people's aspirations.
However, the postcolonial experiences diverged significantly in context and outcomes. While Latin American nations generally gained independence in the 19th century, African and Asian countries faced longer periods under European colonial control, only achieving sovereignty after World War II. Moreover, African and Asian nations grappled with artificially drawn borders that ignored ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to internal conflicts. The influence of the Cold War further complicated their postcolonial development, with superpowers vying for influence in these new nations.
Furthermore, the support for these independence movements also differed. While many African Americans empathized with African nations, advocating for their independence, such as in the case of the Mau Mau Revolution in Kenya, there was a general lack of interest or even outright opposition by the wider American public and political leaders influenced by racism and Cold War strategizing. This contrasts with the more widespread support for independence movements within the Americas in the earlier centuries.
Finally, the decolonization efforts in the 20th century occurred in a much more interconnected world, with the challenges of modern development and globalization presenting new hurdles that earlier nations did not face to the same extent.