The Portuguese Colonies and Decolonization

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Periodical article

Title:	The Portuguese Colonies and Decolonization
Author:	Maxwell, Kenneth
Year:	1990
Periodical:	Africana Journal
Volume:	15
Pages:	59-73
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Africa Portugal colonial territories
Subjects:	decolonization colonialism History and Exploration nationalism
Abstract:	To date almost all the literature on Portuguese decolonization has fallen into two categories. One group of scholars tends to see all results as caused by purely African events, while the other group concentrates almost exclusively on the actions of the superpowers and their allies. Since the two approaches often represent political or ideological positions, rarely does either side accept that in both positions there is much truth. This paper argues that, in fact, the question of linkages in the case of the Portuguese territories is central to an understanding of the dynamics of decolonization, especially in the critical period from April 1974 until early 1976. It gives an overview of the regional context of Portugal's southern African colonies, the nature of the US relationship with Portugal and the role of the Azores base, the consequences of Portugal's long delay in following its neighbours in coming to terms with African nationalism, linkages on the left, the internationalization of the decolonization process, the decolonization of Angola, and regional and superpower intervention. Notes, ref.