Political Geography Research

United States

Declared independence on July 4, 1776

From the 1500s through the 1700s, they were settled and colonized by the Spanish, British, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and other European nations.  The original thirteen colonies were held by Great Britain until the Revolutionary War, after which they became the first thirteen states.  There are now 50 states in the United States.  The United States is considered the last true superpower, with the world's largest military and the world's largest economy.

Israel

Israel became an independent state on May 14, 1948

Following World War Two, the newly-formed United Nations drafted a treaty dividing up some of Palestine's land.  They established an independent Arab state and an independent Jewish state.  Many Jews emigrated to the new nation of Israel post WWII.  Creation of this new Jewish state was not universally accepted by Arabs, even though Israel was officially admitted to the UN on May 11, 1949.  There is still controversy surrounding Israel's very existence in the Middle East.

China

China's official date of independence is October 1, 1949.

China is one of the world's oldest civilizations.  As long ago as 221 BC, China was unified as a nation during the Qin dynasty.  They formed a republic on January 1, 1912.  The current Communist government, officially called the People's Republic of China, was formed in 1949.  

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's official date of independence is August 19, 1919.

The Hotaki dynasty was established in Kandahar followed by Ahmad Shah Durrani's rise to power in 1747.  In the late 19th century, Afghanistan became a buffer state in the "Great Game" between the British and Russian empires.  Following the Third Anglo-Afghan War of 1919 and the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi, King Amanullah started modernizing the country.  The United States and the Soviet Union began spreading their influences into Afghanistan in 1947.  

Brazil

Brazil's official date of independence is September 7th, 1822.

Brazil was claimed by Portugal in April 1500.  In 1808 the army of French Emperor Napoleon I invaded Portugal, forcing the Portuguese royal into exile.  They established themselves in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janiero, which then became the unofficial seat of the entire Portuguese Empire.  Brazil then took over their independence in 1822.     

France

France does not have an Independence day. France has been independent since the Romans left. In France, there is a National Festival called English Bastille Day, which is on July 14. France used to have a monarchy until the 1700s. At the time, King Louis XIV made France the leading country in Europe. France's monarchy was destroyed after the war in 1789. France was never owned by another country. 

Germany

Germany's independence day is October 3, 1990. This is the day Germany became one country again, after 40 years of dictatorship. Germany was never one country before October 3. Germany was part of thirty year war. Germany divided into numerous independent states. Germany was once under control of France.  There was a actual wall built down the middle of Germany. 

India

India gained independence on August 15, 1947. They were a part of the British Empire.  Mahatma Gandhi led millions of people to gain independence from Britain. European powers such as Portugal and many others established trading posts in India. Later they established colonies. They did not have to go to war to achieve their independence. 

Iran

Iran achieved independence on April 1, 1979. Iran didn't have a stable government before 1979. In 1979, the got rid of the Shaah and gained control of Iran.  Iran was always Iran, it was ruled by many empires through the years.  

Mexico

Mexico was declared independence on September 16, 1810. The organized date of independence by Spain was September 27, 1821. Spain controlled Mexico.  Mexico gained it's independence from Spain. Mexico is officially called United Mexican States. It was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. 

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia's independence day is September 23,1932. Saudi Arabia's independence day is actually the day that the kingdom was created. This day is know called "Unification of the Kingdom". Saudi Arabia was never ruled by another empire. Saudi Arabia has been an absolute monarchy ever since it's inception. 

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has never been ruled by another country. Once ruled North and South America.  The United Kingdom is an island located Northeast of Europe. The United Kingdom has ruled many other countries but has never been ruled by another. b

Venezuela 

Venezuela declared it's independence from Spain on July 5, 1811. It is located in Northern South America. Venezuela was one of three countries the emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830. For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen. These men promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms .