Guinea-Bissau war of Independence facts for kids
Portuguese Guinea was a land in West Africa that was controlled by Portugal for a very long time, starting in 1446. It was like a colony, meaning Portugal ruled it from far away. For many years, the people living there wanted to be free and govern themselves.
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The Path to Freedom
The journey to independence for Portuguese Guinea was long and difficult. People began to demand their rights and freedom from Portuguese rule.
The Pijiguiti Massacre
A very important event happened in 1959, which showed how much the people wanted change. Workers at the Pijiguiti docks in the capital city, Bissau, went on strike. A strike is when workers stop working to protest and demand better conditions or rights. During this strike, Portuguese soldiers opened fire on the unarmed workers. This terrible event is known as the Pijiguiti Massacre. About 50 people were killed. This event made many people even more determined to fight for their independence.
The War for Independence
After the massacre, the desire for freedom grew stronger. In the 20th century, a long war began between the people of Portuguese Guinea and the Portuguese army. This war lasted for about eleven and a half years. It was a tough fight, but the people were determined to gain their independence.
Becoming an Independent Nation
Finally, the war ended, and Portuguese Guinea became an independent country. It was renamed Guinea-Bissau. This happened in 1973, marking the end of centuries of Portuguese rule. The people of Guinea-Bissau could now govern themselves and build their own future.
