There are a couple of examples, of which Hawaii might be the best one. Hawaii was an independent kingdom in the 19th century until U.S. business interests, backed by sympathetic politicians and a marine detachment, annexed the islands in the 1893. It remained a territory until 1959 when it became a state following a referendum. The vote was not unanimous.

Puerto Rico is another example. It came to the United States as a result of the Spanish American War, and despite several attempts to hold a referendum on statehood, it remains a territory of the United States. Within Puerto Rico, there are political movements that both favor and oppose statehood, as well as people whom favor things the way they are right now.

With the border sealed, the French, with their supeior resources, could choose when and where to engage rebels in the interior, and since rebel resources were limited, the French were able to wear down the interior rebels. Resources were also limited for the rebels outside of the country, so instead of attacks, they focused on gaining support from other countries, notably Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, all of which were already independent. As a result, the leaders of the exterior forces made contacts with leaders in other countries and the United Nations. They were best able to gain recognition for the new Algerian government after the revolution ended, and their successors became the leaders that are portrayed in Merzak Allouache's book, Bab el Oued.

France accepted Guinea's independence, although not very graciously, as they stripped offices and other equipment before leaving the country. Guinea survived, however, and became the first French-speaking independent black African country. Its example inspired others and showed that independence would not lead to a catastrophe.