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The Indonesian National Revolution was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between Indonesia and the Netherlands; it also included an internal revolution. The struggle took place between the time of Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945 and the Netherlands' recognition of the country in 1949. One of the largest revolutions of the twentieth century, the struggle involved sporadic but bloody armed conflict and two major international diplomatic interventions. The Indonesians ultimately won though international persuasion as much as they did through armed conflicts on Java and other islands. The revolution destroyed the previous colonial administration's rule and dismantled many of the local feudal systems. Tremendous energies and aspirations were created amongst Indonesians. It did not, however, significantly improve the economic or political fortune of the majority, and hopes for democracy were dashed within a decade. (Read more...)