Final answer:
The end of World War II and the consequent establishment of the United Nations in 1945 marked the beginning of the end of European colonialism, initiating a global decolonization movement that was completed only in the 1990s.
Step-by-step explanation:
One major event that set the stage for the end of European colonialism was the conclusion of World War II. Post-war, many European nations were left economically depleted, and the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 marked an era that would focus on decolonization. The UN aimed to oversee the transition of European colonies to independence. The process, however, was gradual and complex, as colonial rule had established deep roots in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa.
The desire for independence grew within the colonies, leading to uprisings and demands for self-rule. In areas like Madagascar and Algeria, the calls for independence led to violent confrontations and significant loss of life. In response to global changes and internal pressures, several European countries began to propose reforms, but for many colonized peoples, nothing short of independence was acceptable. The century-long grip of European colonialism on the world stage began to loosen, influenced by the rise of nationalism and the shift in global economic strategies post-Industrial Revolution.
Ultimately, it was not until the 1990s that the last European colony was granted freedom, marking the final end to a period that had begun with the explorations of the 15th century. European colonialism, at its core, was motivated by a combination of ideological justifications like the civilizing mission, economic factors like the quest for raw materials, and inter-European rivalries.