After World War II (1939–45), a push for decolonization began across the globe. Rising nationalistic sentiments among people in colonial territories as well as the postwar challenges that European powers faced—such as financial limitations, domestic opposition to maintaining colonies, and increasing anti-colonial pressure in the international arena—led France and other European powers to dissolve their colonial empires. French West Africa was dissolved as part of this decolonization movement. In 1958 a referendum led to autonomy for most of its territories (and independence for Guinea that year), and in 1960 the remaining former members declared independence.
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