Microsoft Word maps-in-time doc

Asia and Australasia 
Thailand:
In 1939 Siam renames itself Thailand, but reverts back to its former 
name in 1945. 
Australia:
In 1942 Australia ratifies the 1931 Statute of Westminster. It 
becomes fully independent from Britain, but remains within the 
Commonwealth. 
Marshall Islands:
Between 1943 and 1944 American forces capture the 
Japanese mandated territory of the Marshall Islands. 
Palau Island:
In 1944 American forces capture the Japanese mandated 
territory of Palau Also known as Pelew Island. 
Caroline Islands:
In 1944 the Caroline Islands are captured from Japan by 
American forces. 

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20 
Europe 
Baltic States:
In 1939, as part of the secret agreement to partition Poland, 
the USSR invades Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, and annexes them in 1940. 
Bessarabia:
In 1940 the USSR, backed by Germany, demands evacuation of 
Romanian forces and civil bodies from Bessarabia. Romania withdrew from 
Bessarabia allowing the USSR to split it between the Moldavian Soviet Socialist 
Republic (SSR) and the Ukrainian SSR. 
Iceland:
Following occupation by the British and Americans, in 1944 Iceland 
declares itself independent of Denmark. 

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21 
Geopolitical changes from 1945 to 1950 
India, Australia, and New Zealand gain independence from Britain, who 
relinquish mandates in Palestine and the Trans-Jordan. The Dutch preserve 
their Far Eastern Empire until 1949, with France managing to retain it until the 
mid 1950s. 
Africa and the Middle East 
South West Africa:
In 1945 the Union of South Africa refuses to surrender its 
mandate to the United Nations and annexes South West Africa, also known as 
Namibia.