Finland: In 1917 the province of Finland declares its independence from the
Russian Empire.
Bessarabia: To avoid being occupied by Soviet forces, the region of
Bessarabia votes to be transferred from the collapsing Russian empire to
Romania in 1918.
North Africa and the Middle East Egypt: In 1914 the British declare Egypt, previously a province of the Ottoman
Empire, a British protectorate.
Italian North Africa: In 1914 Italy completed the annexation of Libya and
renamed it Italian North Africa.
Qatar: Control shifts from the Ottoman Empire to Britain in 1916.
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Geopolitical changes from 1918 to 1930 League of Nations mandates in the post-war period marked the full reach of the British and French Empires. The Russian Empire, now under Communist rule, regained control of various states that had claimed independence in the immediate aftermath of the Russian revolution. Communist Russia would go on to be a key player in global politics until almost the end of the 20th century. Africa Cameroon: In 1919 the German colony is divided into British and French
Cameroon.
Tanganyika: In 1919 the areas not taken by Belgium (which controlled
Rwanda and Burundi) are removed from German control. These are
administered by Britain as Tanganyika for the League of Nations, and
afterwards for the United Nations.
Ruanda-Urundi: In 1919 the League of Nations granted the Rwandan region
as a mandate to Belgium. It is renamed Ruanda-Urundi.
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Kenya: In 1920 the regions of British East Africa that were not incorporated
into Uganda are renamed Kenya.