Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain. The declaration was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson and is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the United States. It stated the colonies' grievances against King George III and articulated the principle of individual rights.

The Storming of the Bastille took place in Paris on July 14, 1789. Although it did not immediately result in independence, the event is significant as it marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The fall of the Bastille became a symbol of the uprising against the monarchy and the oppressive rule, eventually leading to a path toward liberty and the rise of the French Republic.

India achieved independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. This historic day marked the end of British sovereignty and the division of the territory into India and Pakistan. The independence was a result of a long struggle by the Indian National Congress and various freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for civil disobedience and non-violence.

On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Formerly known as the Gold Coast, it achieved independence from the United Kingdom. This event set a precedent for decolonization and inspired other African nations to seek independence. Kwame Nkrumah played a significant role as the leader of the country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly the Belgian Congo, gained independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960. This was part of a wider wave of decolonization during the mid-20th century. The event was marked by Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba's passionate speech, which emphasized the struggles against colonial exploitation and the aspiration for national unity and progress.

The Bangladesh Liberation War concluded on December 16, 1971, resulting in the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The war lasted for about nine months and was marked by widespread atrocities. The conflict resulted from rising tensions and violence between the central Pakistani government and Bengali nationalists demanding autonomy. It culminated with the Pakistan army's surrender to the joint India-Bangladesh military force.

On April 18, 1980, Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, officially gained independence from British rule after a prolonged liberation struggle. The independence followed the Lancaster House Agreement in December 1979. Robert Mugabe became the first Prime Minister of the newly independent Zimbabwe, marking an end to years of minority white rule and colonial repression.

On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union amidst a period of turmoil and political change, marked by the failed coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev. The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, proclaimed that the Ukrainian SSR would henceforth be known as Ukraine, a sovereign state. This declaration was later ratified by a popular referendum, solidifying Ukraine's path as an independent nation.

On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first non-racial democratic election, marking the end of apartheid. Nelson Mandela was elected as the country's first Black president. This date is celebrated as Freedom Day, representing the victory over decades of institutionalized racial discrimination and oppression, and the official establishment of a new government under the principles of equality and democracy.

Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, following years of conflict and international negotiations regarding its status. The declaration was made by the Assembly of Kosovo, and it has since been recognized by over 100 countries, although Serbia and some other nations do not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state. The independence marked a significant moment in the complex history of the Balkans.