As a subject matter expert in modern history, I can provide a detailed account of how Somalia gained its independence. The process was complex and involved a series of political and international events. Step 1: Historical Context The story of Somalia's independence begins with its colonial past. Italy first established a presence in the region in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, it had control over parts of what is now Somalia. However, the Italian colonial rule was interrupted by World War II, during which British and Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian forces in the region. Step 2: The UN Trust Territory Following the defeat of Italy in World War II, Italy's colonies were placed under the administration of the United Nations (UN). In 1949, the UN granted Italy a trusteeship over the region, which was known as Italian Somaliland. This was a temporary arrangement intended to prepare the territory for eventual independence. Step 3: The Road to Independence During the trusteeship period, the UN encouraged the development of local institutions and the training of Somali civil servants. The goal was to create a stable environment that would allow for a smooth transition to self-governance. Over time, nationalist movements began to emerge, advocating for independence. **Step 4: The Merger with British Somaliland** Adjacent to Italian Somaliland was British Somaliland, a protectorate that had been administered by the British since the late 19th century. As the push for independence grew stronger, it was recognized that the two territories, though under different colonial powers, shared a common identity and a desire for unity. **Step 5: The Formation of the Somali Republic** The culmination of these efforts came on July 1, 1960, when the trust territory administered by Italy, known as Italian Somaliland, was granted independence. At the same time, the British protectorate of Somaliland decided to join the newly independent Italian Somaliland in a union. This merger resulted in the formation of the Somali Republic, marking the complete independence of the Somali people from colonial rule. Step 6: Post-Independence Challenges While the achievement of independence was a significant milestone, the newly formed Somali Republic faced numerous challenges. These included establishing a stable government, developing the economy, and addressing the needs of a diverse population. Despite these challenges, the Somali Republic represented a beacon of hope and self-determination for the Somali people. read more >>

Somalia gains independence from Britain. On this date in 1960, Somalia gained its independence from Britain. ... For 10 years, it was a UN trust territory under Italian administration until 1960, when Somalia was granted independence, merged with the former British protectorate and the Somali Republic was formed.read more >>