The Darkest Century: 15 Nations That Endured the Greatest Hardships of the 20th Century - History Collection

9. Rwanda

Rwanda’s 20th-century history was marked by profound upheavals. Under Belgian colonial rule, the Tutsi minority was favored, leading to deep-seated ethnic tensions with the Hutu majority (un.org). These divisions escalated into a civil war in 1990. In 1994, the assassination of President Habyarimana triggered the genocide against the Tutsi, resulting in the systematic killing of over one million people in just 100 days. The aftermath left enduring social and psychological scars, with survivors grappling with trauma and the nation striving for reconciliation and unity.

10. Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia’s 20th-century history was marked by significant upheavals. Established after World War I, the nation experienced internal tensions among its diverse ethnic groups. During World War II, Yugoslavia suffered under Axis occupation, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. Post-war, the country was reconstituted as a socialist federation under Josip Broz Tito, who maintained unity through authoritarian rule. Following Tito’s death in 1980, rising nationalism and economic decline contributed to the federation’s disintegration in the early 1990s. This breakup led to a series of ethnic conflicts and wars, notably the Bosnian War (1992-1995), characterized by ethnic cleansing and mass displacement. The Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996) became a symbol of the brutal conflicts, with Bosnian Serb forces besieging the city for nearly four years. The Kosovo conflict (1998-1999) further intensified regional instability, resulting in NATO intervention and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Albanians. The legacy of these conflicts continues to affect the Balkans, with ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and rebuilding (britannica.com).

11. Korea

Korea’s 20th-century history was marked by profound upheavals. Under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, Koreans faced cultural suppression and forced labor (history.com). Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into Soviet and American occupation zones, leading to the establishment of North and South Korea in 1948. The Korean War (1950-1953) resulted in millions of casualties and the division of the peninsula into two separate nations. The legacy of these events continues to influence the Korean Peninsula’s political and social landscape.

12. Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s 20th-century history was marked by profound upheavals. In 1919, the Third Anglo-Afghan War led to Afghanistan’s full independence from British influence. The Soviet Union’s 1979 invasion aimed to support a faltering communist regime, resulting in a decade-long conflict with the Afghan mujahideen (history.com). The war caused an estimated one to three million Afghan deaths and displaced millions more. Following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Afghanistan descended into civil war, leading to the rise of the Taliban in 1996. The legacy of these conflicts continues to affect Afghanistan’s social and political landscape.

13. Greece

Greece’s 20th-century history was marked by significant upheavals. During World War II, Greece was occupied by Nazi Germany, leading to widespread suffering and resistance movements. After the war, the Greek Civil War (1946-1949) erupted between government forces and communist insurgents, resulting in over 50,000 combatant deaths and the displacement of more than 500,000 Greeks. In 1967, a military junta seized power, ruling until 1974, during which time political freedoms were severely restricted. The junta’s collapse led to the restoration of democracy and the abolition of the monarchy (britannica.com).

14. Japan

Japan’s 20th-century history was profoundly shaped by the devastation of World War II. In August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 78,000 and 27,000 people, respectively, with total fatalities reaching around 140,000 and 70,000 by year’s end. These bombings led to Japan’s surrender and the end of the war. The aftermath necessitated extensive reconstruction efforts, with Hiroshima and Nagasaki rebuilding their cities and economies (pref.hiroshima.lg.jp). The legacy of these events continues to influence Japan’s culture and its commitment to peace.

15. Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has endured significant hardships throughout the 20th century. Under Belgian colonial rule, the Congo Free State (1885-1908) was notorious for its exploitation and atrocities, including forced labor and mass killings. Following independence in 1960, the country faced political instability, including the assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and the rise of Mobutu Sese Seko’s dictatorship (britannica.com). The 1990s saw the First and Second Congo Wars, resulting in millions of deaths and widespread displacement. Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC remains one of the world’s poorest nations, grappling with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Enduring Legacies and Lessons

The 20th century’s profound adversities have left indelible marks on the global landscape. Nations, despite facing wars, genocides, and economic crises, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding and striving for stability (bartleby.com). These hardships have reshaped international relations, leading to the establishment of organizations like the United Nations to promote peace and cooperation. The enduring lessons from this era underscore the importance of diplomacy, human rights, and the collective pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.