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Gandhi returns to India
On this date, Gandhi arrived in Bombay from South Africa, where he had been involved in political and racial movements. -
Declaration of the Independence of India
Stated the belief of Purna Swaraj, or the desire for complete seperation and independence from British rule. -
Indonesia declares independence.
With the help of their first President Sukarno, they declared independence shortly after Japan's surrender in WWII. -
Democratic Republic of Vietnam Established by Ho Chi Minh
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam, known often only as North Vietnam was largely communist, as opposed to the south. -
The Philippines are recognized as independent
This occured under Manuel Roxas's presidency. Although this is when the United States recognized their independence, the day it is celebrated is June 12th. -
The Indian Independance Act
Enacted by the British Parliament, this allowed the transfer of power from the British Government to that of the Indians. -
Period: to
First Kashmir War
After the Maharaja of Kashmir avoided acceding to either India or Pakistan, he was met with a difficult desicion when Pakistani troops invaded the region. The Maharaja asked for India's support, but was required to join the nation in return. After he complied, the war ensued. -
Burma gains independence
Changes name to 'Myanmar' to reflect sovereignty -
Gandhi assassination
Gandhi was shot three times at close range by Nathuram Godse. His last words were allegedly. 'He Rama' which translated to English means 'Oh God'. Godse was hanged, despite pleas made by the Indian Prime Minister and two of Gandhi's children to commute his sentence, as they believed such a peace loving man would have abhorred the death penalty. -
Vietnam Split at 17th Parallel
This demiliterized zone lasted until 1975, officially. -
Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated
Along with his brother, they were both killed as per an American plan. -
Race Riots in Singapore
Tensions between Indonesian, Malay, and Chinese ethnic groups were extreme in this period and led to a variety of violent riots. At this time, Singapore was a Malaysian state. -
More Race Riots
Due to Sino-Malay tensions, paranoia, and economic conditions, many Malaysian and Chinese were injured or killed in these riots which lasted for seven days. -
Period: to
Second Kashmir War
Lasting only 13 days, this is one of the shortest wars in history. Marked the liberation of Bangledesh -
Cambodia becomes Democratic Kampuchea
This led to the rise of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, which in turn led to the Cambodian Civil War and genocide, the war against Vietnam, and a variety of other events. -
Period: to
Cambodian-Vietnamese War
This led to the Khmer Rouge being removed from power in Cambodia, although the organization was not Vietnam's reason for initiating war. -
Pol Pot tried for Genocide
He, along with Khmer Rouge co-founder Ieng Sary were both found guilty. -
Pol Pot commits Suicide
Despite rumors of him being poisoned, it is commonly asserted by others that the leader of the communist regime in Cambodia committed suicide. -
Nepal becomes a Republic
After being under a monarchy for most of Nepal's history, they became a republic around this time. -
Savar Building Collapse
Known as the deadliest accidental structural failure in modern history, this incident in Bangledesh caused 1,129 deaths and was met with a global reaction.
