1963: Salazar’s Stance on African Colonization

Name: 1963: Salazar’s Stance on African Colonization
Start: 1889-08-12
Location: Unspecified

Understanding Salazar's Policy on African Colonization

In 1963, Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to maintaining Portuguese colonial rule in Africa. At a time when many nations were gaining independence from colonial powers, Salazar's regime stood out for its determination to cling to its colonies. Countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau were significant territories where the Portuguese government employed a mixture of repression, military presence, and political propaganda to suppress independence movements.

Salazar's Colonial Philosophy

Salazar believed that the Portuguese Empire was a civilizing force, viewing colonial domination as a duty to spread Christian values and Western civilization. This ideology, deeply rooted in nationalism, justified the use of force against any independence movements. He often described the colonies as an integral part of Portugal itself, dismissing the notion that these territories were seeking autonomy as merely a result of subversion.

Military Actions and Repression

During the 1960s, the Portuguese military engaged in various conflicts to suppress the independence movements, deploying thousands of troops to the African colonies. The Salazar regime’s response included brutal crackdowns on local population uprisings. The regime’s grip on power relied heavily on censorship and propaganda to control public perception about colonial rule.

The Global Context of Salazar's Policies

Salazar's commitment to African colonization came amid a global wave of decolonization. Most European powers were retreating from their colonies, succumbing to national liberation movements. However, Salazar's Portugal sought to defy this trend, largely due to a mix of military allegiance and the fear of losing not only territories but also national pride.

International Reactions to Portuguese Colonialism

Many Western nations, particularly in the wake of World War II, began to criticize colonial policies. While some countries continued to support Portugal as an ally during the Cold War, the global anti-colonial sentiment was on the rise. Organizations such as the United Nations started to take a stand, urging for the end of colonialism, which put added pressure on Salazar’s regime.

The Role of National Liberation Movements

From the early 1960s, groups like the Angolan MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) and FRELIMO in Mozambique began organizing resistance against Portuguese rule. These movements were crucial in mobilizing local populations, creating an environment of instability that would eventually lead to armed conflict and a call for self-determination.

Fun Fact

Legacy of Salazar's Regime

Though Salazar’s grip on power faced challenges, it wasn’t until the Carnation Revolution in 1974 that Portuguese colonies would finally gain independence, marking the end of one of the longest colonial regimes in Africa.