Over the course of five centuries, the world map was shaped by colonialism, with European powers dominating the globe. From 1500 to 2000, the world witnessed an intense period of colonisation and decolonisation. Initially, Spain and Portugal were the leading colonial powers, establishing colonies in the Americas and Africa. By the 17th century, Britain, France, and the Netherlands had entered the fray, expanding their territories across the globe.
The 19th century heralded the peak of European imperialism, with Britain reigning supreme. Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands were carved up, with the British Empire controlling vast swathes of territory. The onset of World War I, however, marked the beginning of the end for colonial empires. The war weakened European powers, sparking a wave of decolonisation that swept across the globe.
By the mid-20th century, decolonisation had accelerated, driven by independence movements and the rise of new global powers. The United States and Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, while former colonies like India, Indonesia, and the African nations gained independence. By 2000, only a handful of territories remained under colonial rule, marking the end of a historical era. The legacy of colonialism, however, continues to shape the world in profound ways.
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