Afghanistan gained independence from Britain in 1919, following a long struggle against foreign domination. Here is a brief overview of the events that led up to Afghanistan's independence:
1. Anglo-Afghan Wars: The British first became involved in Afghanistan in the early 19th century, when they fought a series of wars with the Afghan tribes. The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) ended in a British defeat, but the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) resulted in Britain gaining more control over Afghan foreign policy.
2. Emir Abdur Rahman Khan: In 1880, Abdur Rahman Khan became Emir of Afghanistan and began modernizing the country. He established a centralized government, reformed the military, and built roads and infrastructure. However, he also faced resistance from local tribal leaders who resented his attempts to centralize power.
3. Third Anglo-Afghan War: In 1919, Afghanistan declared independence from Britain after a brief war known as the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The war was sparked by Britain's attempt to impose a new treaty on Afghanistan that would have given Britain more control over Afghan foreign policy.
4. King Amanullah Khan: Following independence, King Amanullah Khan (r. 1919-1929) continued the modernization efforts of his predecessor. He abolished slavery, introduced a new constitution, and established diplomatic relations with other countries. He also faced opposition from conservative elements in Afghan society, including tribal leaders and religious leaders.
5. Civil unrest and foreign interference: In the late 1920s, King Amanullah faced growing opposition from various groups, including conservative tribal leaders and religious leaders. He was also criticized for his close ties to the Soviet Union. In 1929, he was overthrown in a coup led by Habibullah Kalakani, a tribal leader who had been imprisoned by Amanullah. Kalakani's rule was short-lived, and he was overthrown in turn by a former general named Mohammad Nadir Shah.
6. Reign of Mohammad Zahir Shah: Mohammad Nadir Shah was succeeded by his son, Mohammad Zahir Shah, who ruled Afghanistan from 1933 to 1973. During his reign, Zahir Shah pursued a policy of neutrality in international affairs, while continuing to modernize Afghanistan. He built schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure, and introduced reforms such as land reform and women's rights.
In conclusion, Afghanistan gained independence from Britain in 1919 after a long struggle against foreign domination. The country went through a period of modernization under Emir Abdur Rahman Khan and King Amanullah Khan, but also faced opposition from conservative elements in society. The reign of Mohammad Zahir Shah was marked by continued modernization and neutrality in international affairs.