Declaration of Independence of the United States
The United States declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, marking the beginning of its journey toward becoming an independent nation.
1776
1804
Haitian Revolution and Independence
Haiti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world, following a successful slave revolt against French colonial rule.
1821
Independence of Mexico
Mexico gained its independence from Spain after a decade-long war, formally recognized on September 27, 1821.
1830
Greek War of Independence
Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire following a protracted war that began in 1821 and concluded with the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832.
1847
Liberian Declaration of Independence
Liberia declared its independence on July 26, 1847, becoming the first African republic to proclaim independence and maintain sovereignty.
1857
End of the Crimean War and Emancipation of Serfs in Russia
The Crimean War ended in 1856, leading to significant reforms in Russia, including the emancipation of serfs in 1861, which laid the groundwork for future political changes.
1865
Abolition of Slavery in the United States
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, abolishing slavery and marking a significant step toward emancipation and civil rights.
1918
End of World War I and Emancipation Movements
The end of World War I saw the collapse of several empires and the emergence of new nations in Europe and the Middle East, driven by various emancipation movements.
1947
Independence of India and Pakistan
India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule on August 15 and August 14, 1947, respectively, following a non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.
1957
Ghana's Independence
Ghana became the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.
1960
Year of Africa
1960 is known as the Year of Africa, during which 17 African nations gained independence from European colonial powers, significantly advancing the emancipation of the continent.
1962
Algerian Independence
Algeria achieved independence from France on July 5, 1962, following a brutal and prolonged war of independence that began in 1954.
1975
Independence of Angola and Mozambique
Angola and Mozambique gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule on November 11 and June 25, 1975, respectively, after prolonged liberation struggles.
1980
Independence of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, achieved independence from British colonial rule on April 18, 1980, following a protracted liberation war.
1991
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the emancipation and independence of 15 republics, including Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states, marking the end of the Cold War era.
1994
End of Apartheid in South Africa
South Africa held its first democratic elections in April 1994, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of emancipation and equality under Nelson Mandela's leadership.
2002
Independence of East Timor
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, gained independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002, following a United Nations-supervised transition period after a long struggle for self-determination.
2011
Independence of South Sudan
South Sudan became the world's newest country on July 9, 2011, after gaining independence from Sudan following a long and bloody civil war and a successful referendum.
