After World War II, many countries in Asia gained independence from colonial rule, leading to a period of intense political and social transformation. The Korean War broke out in 1950, resulting in the division of Korea into North and South. In the 1970s and 1980s, rapid economic growth occurred in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, leading to the emergence of the "Asian Tigers." The Cold War also influenced Asia, with proxy conflicts taking place in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Cambodia. Finally, the end of the 20th century saw the economic rise of China and India as major global players.
