The birth of new nations. Large-scale colonialism ended during the 1950's and 1960's. After World War II, the European nations had neither the money nor the will to continue to rule their colonies. In addition, nationalistic feelings and demands for self-government had been growing among colonial peoples in Africa and Asia. Between 1950 and 1980, over 45 African colonies gained their freedom. Most European colonies in Asia and the Middle East also became independent.

The formation of so many new nations led to a big increase in the membership of the UN and greatly affected the balance of power in the organization. Many former colonies became part of a group of economically developing countries called the Third World. The Third World countries had a majority of the votes in the UN General Assembly.

The end of colonialism has made international politics much less stable. In numerous cases, the ruling powers had given the colonial peoples too little training in self-government. As a result, leaders in many new nations have found it hard to handle crises in political, economic, and social affairs.

Many of the new nations had hoped that an end to colonial exploitation would automatically bring economic well-being. Instead, they continue to face such grave problems as rapid population growth, poverty, illiteracy, disease, and food shortages. Most of the former colonies have found it almost impossible to develop their economies without investment from wealthier countries. But such investment has often led to renewed political interference from the countries providing aid.

Excerpt from the "World, History of the" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999