Question

What was decolonization? What relationship did the former

colonial powers make with their former colonial countries? What
were the big developments after WWII?

Answer 1

After World War II, decolonization occurred for several reasons. Soldiers from the colonies who fought for the European colonial powers returned home to fight for their countries' independence. The European colonial powers were in debt from the war and could not afford colonies.

Setting the Stage for the Cold War and Decolonization

During the 20th Century, many former European colonies gained independence.

European Colonialism: Overview

Colonial conquest existed throughout history when large empires or stronger neighbors conquered smaller and weaker countries. Colonialism was not limited to Europe. However, starting from the 15th Century, it was mainly European powers that set across the world during the Age of Discovery and Conquest. The leading colonial powers with overseas colonies were:

Portugal;

Spain;

Britain;

France;

Netherlands;

And others. Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) controlled parts of southern Europe, such as the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.