Indonesian National Revolution

The Indonesian National Revolution or the Indonesian War of Independence was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between Indonesia and the Dutch Empire, and an internal social revolution. The revolution is said to have started with the Indonesian Declaration of Independence in 1945 and lasted until the Dutch recognition of Indonesian independence in late 1949.

The struggle lasted over four years and was followed by sporadic but bloody armed conflicts, political and public upheaval within Indonesia, and two major international diplomatic interventions. Although the Dutch forces were able to control the towns at the heart of the republican forces on the islands of Java and Sumatra, they could not control the villages. Thus, the Republic of Indonesia eventually prevailed in international diplomacy and armed conflict in Java and other islands.

Revolution overthrew the Dutch East Indies colonial government. It also dramatically altered the racial castes, as well as reduced the power of many local monarchs. The revolution did not produce a significant improvement in the economic or political life of the majority of the population.