What led to the decolonization of many African nations after WWII?

The decolonization of many African nations after World War II was primarily driven by the withdrawal of European nations from their colonies. As WWII weakened European powers economically and militarily, they became less capable of maintaining control over distant territories. Additionally, the war fostered a sense of nationalism among colonized peoples, who sought independence and self-determination after fighting alongside colonial powers during the conflict.

The emergence of new political ideologies that emphasized the rights of nations to self-govern also contributed to this trend. Countries like the United States and the Soviet Union, which emerged as superpowers after the war, supported decolonization movements as part of their broader strategies to gain influence in Africa. The combination of weakened European control and rising nationalist movements ultimately led to a wave of independence across the continent.