India suffered from conflicts between Hindus (majority) and Muslims (minority) and struggled against British rule. Both Indian and African independent movements shared a greater desire for self-rule of their own people. Two world wars destroyed the idea of the "civilizing mission" of the European colonies. And during the aftermath of WWII, the old colonial order seemed to have lost its force, its historical relevance. India's independence in 1947 inspired nationalist campaigns and provided a model for decolonization and independence all over the world.