This documentary gives voice to those who rose up to demand independence for their country in the aftermath of World War II, as well as their children and grandchildren.

This documentary gives voice to those who rose up to demand independence for their country in the aftermath of World War II, as well as their children and grandchildren. It focuses on the 40 territories - and 110 million men and women - placed under the domination of France and the way France answered to their thirst for emancipation.

The story of the decline of the French empire and the indelible mark colonialism left on countries that were colonized. In the mid-to-late 19th century, the French and other European powers colonized much of Africa and Southeast Asia. During the decades of imperialism, these industrializing powers viewed the African and Asian continents as reservoirs of raw materials, labor and territory for future settlement. In most cases, however, significant development and European settlement in these colonies was sporadic.—Canon y mus