Indonesian history is marked by its diverse cultures and influences, beginning with early settlements of indigenous peoples. The archipelago saw the rise of powerful kingdoms, such as the Srivijaya and Majapahit, which thrived on trade and cultural exchange from the 7th to the 15th centuries. In the 16th century, European powers, particularly the Dutch, began to colonize Indonesia, leading to centuries of foreign rule. Indonesia declared independence in 1945 after World War II, and following a struggle for recognition, it became a sovereign nation in 1949, shaping its modern identity.