Factors that caused a delay of independence for Guinea Bissau
Several factors contributed to the delay of independence for Mozambique:
Rigid Colonial Rule: Portugal’s Estado Novo regime, led by António de Oliveira Salazar and later Marcelo Caetano, was determined to retain its colonies. The regime saw Guinea Bissau as an essential extension of the Portuguese state.
Repressive Measures: The colonial administration used repressive measures to suppress dissent and maintain control. This included racial discrimination, forced labor, and limited access to education and skilled employment for the indigenous population.
Cold War Dynamics: The Cold War played a significant role, with Portugal receiving support from Western countries, which helped prolong its colonial rule.
Global Decolonization: While the global push for decolonization after World War II inspired many African nations, Portugal remained adamant about retaining its colonies.
Resource Exploitation: Guinea Bissau was integral to Portugal’s economic interests, providing essential resources like cashew nuts, sugar, and minerals. The Portuguese government was reluctant to relinquish control over these valuable resources.
Ethnic and Social Divisions: The diverse ethnic composition of Mozambique led to internal divisions, which the Portuguese exploited to maintain control.
Urban vs. Rural Divide: Acculturated Africans from urban centers often had different views on independence compared to those in rural areas, leading to mixed reactions and slower progress towards independence.
Increased Military Presence: Portugal responded to the growing nationalist movements by increasing its military presence and conducting military campaigns to suppress resistance. Portuguese had superior weapon compared to PAIGC.
Poor transport and communication systems: these hindered the spread of anti-colonialism propaganda.
The Weakness of OAU: OAU failed to offer full support to PAIGC to fight against the Portuguese rule.
These factors combined to create significant challenges and delays in Guinea-Bissau’s path to independence, which was eventually achieved on September 10, 1974.
Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, economics, geography … from digitalteachers.co.ug website.
Thanks
Dr. Bbosa Science
