The event that marked the beginning of the end for colonial powers in Africa was the wave of independence movements in the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II. The war weakened European powers economically and militarily, leading to increased nationalist sentiments in African colonies. The notable example was Ghana's independence in 1957, which inspired other African nations to pursue self-determination. Over the next two decades, many countries across the continent gained independence, fundamentally reshaping the geopolitical landscape and ending centuries of colonial rule.