Countries Facts

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.  

Germany

Germany's official date of independence is January 18, 1871.

Germany was founded in 1957 and has the largest economy and is the second largest nation 

in England. Otto von Bismarck, the Minister-President of Purssia, unified independent German states into a nation-state.Germany also fought in World War 2.

France 

France was always independent, but when needed the army could control the country.

There may not be an official date that France became independent on but they celebrate Independence day on the 14th of July. On October 5, 1958 the Fifth French Republic was established.France is a European leader when it comes to culture, economy, military, and politics. France also supplies a large amount of nuclear weapons. 

Afghanistan

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

Afghanistan was founded in 1747 by the Pashtun Tribe. A very important part in history is located in this area, called The Silk Road. Afghanistan is not officially apart of the British Empire. To gain their independence they had to fight three different wars against the British. There is currently a war going on in Afghanistan.

Mexico

Mexico's official date of independence is September 16, 1810.

Before Mexico became independent it was controlled by Spain. The oldest people are the Aztec. While searching for gold and riches, Cortes made the decision to invade and take over the Aztec empire, killing many people.

India 

India's official date of independence is August 15, 1942

India became independent because of a non-violent resistance. India use to be ruled by the United Kingdom. India also has the second largest population in the world.



Saudi Arabia 
 
 
 
Saudi Arabia's official date of independence is September 23, 1932.
 
The prophet Muhammad brought together different tribes therefore creating a Muslim community. After Muhammad's death, the area began to expand resulting in modern day Saudi Arabia. They were never under the rule of another country. 
 
 
 

United Kingdom
 
Approximately 30,000 years ago was when the first humans settled on the modern day United Kingdom. It was first ruled by the Romans then taken over by the Germanic Angleo-Saxon who then named it the Kingdom of England. The Kingdom of England influenced the parliamentary system sometime in the 1800th century. England was the country that controlled other countries such as the Americas, India, and Africa. 
 
 
 
 
Brazil
 
Gained independence September 7, 1822.


 
Before Brazil gained its independence, it was claimed by Portugal in 1500. Rio de Janeiro later became the seat of the Portugese Empire as a result of the French invasion in Portugal. When the king returned to Portugal, he left his son there in order to rule Brazil, which was returning back to a colony. But the people of Brazil, along with the prince refused therefore leading to Brazil's independence in 1822. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Venezuela
 
 
Venezuela became independent July 5, 1811. 
 
 
Spain colonized Venezuela in 1522, making it the country's first South American settlement. Then a Venezuelan marshal declared independence therefore starting the Venezuelan War of Independence. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Iran
 

Iran declared independence April 1, 1979.

 
In the 1950's, the United States and England had to get involved in Iran's government and for the first time had to overthrew their government. Iran's government then turned autocratic. The people of Iran then started to demonstrate against the Shah therefore causing him to leave the country. The country then switched to a theocracy government in 1979 declaring independence from the Islamic Republic of Iran.