Which country gained independence from British rule in the 1940s?

India gained independence from British rule in 1947, marking a significant event not only in British history but also in the history of the Commonwealth. The struggle for independence in India was characterized by a wide range of movements and leaders, most notably Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who advocated for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against colonial rule. This independence was a culmination of decades of political activism, social reform, and widespread national movement that aimed to end British colonization and establish a sovereign nation.

While Canada, Australia, and New Zealand had made significant strides toward self-governance during the early 20th century, their paths to independence were gradual and took place over many years rather than through a single, definitive event like India’s. Canada became a dominion in 1867, Australia in 1901, and New Zealand in 1907, all moving toward independence at different paces and through evolving statutes, such as the Statute of Westminster in 1931, which granted legislative independence to the dominions of the British Empire. Thus, the context of India achieving its independence in the 1940s stands out distinctly as it represented a pivotal moment in the decolonization process across the