The event that marked the beginning of the end for colonial rule in Africa in the 20th century was the Wave of African Independence in the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II. As European powers weakened post-war, African leaders and movements began to demand self-determination. Countries like Ghana, which gained independence in 1957, served as a model for others. This period saw a surge in nationalist sentiment and the formation of independence movements across the continent. Subsequently, many nations achieved sovereignty, marking a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics and the decline of colonialism in Africa.