19401960

1940–1960 denotes a historical span that includes the final years of World War II, the immediate postwar reconstruction, and the early decades of the Cold War. The period is characterized by dramatic geopolitical realignments, the emergence of new nation-states from former colonies, and rapid technological change.

World War II ended in 1945, after which the United Nations was established to provide a framework for international cooperation. Europe benefited from reconstruction programs such as the Marshall Plan, while security arrangements coalesced in institutions like NATO (1949). The postwar era also saw the partition of India (1947), the creation of Pakistan (1947), and the founding of Israel (1948).

The 1950s witnessed decolonization and non-aligned movements, with major conferences such as Bandung in 1955 signaling new political groupings. The Korean War (1950–1953) highlighted Cold War tensions. Economies in Western Europe and Japan experienced rapid growth, while global trade and communications expanded with technologies such as the transistor (1947) and early computers (ENIAC, 1945). The launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the space age and intensified scientific competition.

Social and cultural change accompanied economic developments, including the early civil rights movement in the United States and the growth of mass media and consumer societies. By 1960, many former colonies had begun to gain independence or set on paths toward self-rule, signaling a fundamental shift in global power.