Most nations in Southeast Asia gained independence from Western powers in the mid-20th century, primarily between the 1940s and the 1960s. Following World War II, many countries in the region began to achieve independence from colonial rule. Notable examples include:
- The Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.
- Indonesia declared independence from the Netherlands in 1945, which was recognized in 1949.
- Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945, although it faced ongoing conflict until reunification in 1975.
- Burma (Myanmar) gained independence from Britain in 1948.
- Malaysia became independent from Britain in 1957.
- Singapore was part of Malaysia but gained independence in 1965.
- Laos and Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953.
Overall, the wave of decolonization in Southeast Asia was a significant aspect of the broader global movement towards independence during the 20th century.
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