Portuguese Colonial War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portuguese Colonial WarGuerra Colonial Portuguesa |
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| Part of the Decolonisation of Africa and the Cold War | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
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Supported by:
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Angola:
Portuguese Guinea:
Mozambique:
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Angola:
Portuguese Guinea:
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148,000 European Portuguese regular troops
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40,000–60,000 guerrillas +30,000 in Angola
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Civilian casualties:
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The Portuguese Colonial War (in Portuguese: Guerra Colonial Portuguesa) was a long fight. It happened between 1961 and 1974. Portugal's army fought against groups in its African colonies. These groups wanted their countries to be independent.
The war took place in three main areas: Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique. In Angola, Portugal fought against groups like the MPLA, FNLA, UNITA, and FLEC. In Guinea-Bissau, they fought the PAIGC. In Mozambique, they fought FRELIMO.
Contents
What Was the Portuguese Colonial War?
The Portuguese Colonial War was a series of armed conflicts. It happened when Portugal tried to keep its colonies in Africa. Many African people wanted to rule themselves. They no longer wanted to be controlled by Portugal.
This war is also part of a bigger historical event. It is known as the Decolonisation of Africa. This was a time when many African nations gained their freedom. The war also happened during the Cold War. This was a period of tension between powerful countries.
Why Did the War Happen?
For a long time, Portugal had colonies in Africa. These included Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. Portugal's government, called the Estado Novo, believed these colonies were part of Portugal itself. They did not want to give them up.
However, people in the African colonies felt differently. They wanted to be free and govern their own countries. They formed groups called nationalist movements. These groups started fighting for their independence.
Who Fought in the War?
On one side was the country of Portugal. Their military fought to keep control of the colonies. Portugal also received some support from countries like South Africa and Rhodesia.
On the other side were the African nationalist movements. These groups included:
- In Angola: The MPLA, FNLA, UNITA, and FLEC.
- In Guinea-Bissau: The PAIGC.
- In Mozambique: The FRELIMO.
These African groups received help from many countries. This support came from places like the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, and even the United States. Other African nations also helped. These included Zaire, Algeria, and Tanzania.
Key Leaders During the Conflict
Many important people led the fighting on both sides.
- For Portugal, leaders included António de Oliveira Salazar and Marcelo Caetano. They were the prime ministers of Portugal. Generals like António de Spínola also played big roles in the colonies.
- For the African movements, there were figures like Agostinho Neto (Angola), Amílcar Cabral (Guinea-Bissau), and Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique). These leaders inspired their people to fight for freedom.
How Did the War End?
The Portuguese Colonial War lasted for 13 years. It was very costly for Portugal. Many soldiers were sent to Africa. The war also caused problems within Portugal.
In 1974, something big happened in Portugal. It was called the Carnation Revolution. This was a peaceful military takeover. It ended the Estado Novo government. The new government in Portugal decided to end the wars. They agreed to give independence to the African colonies.
What Happened After the War?
After the Carnation Revolution, the African colonies quickly became independent countries.
- Angola became independent in 1975.
- Guinea-Bissau became independent in 1974.
- Mozambique became independent in 1975.
- Cape Verde and São Tomé and Principe also gained independence.
However, independence did not always bring peace right away. Some of the newly independent countries faced civil wars. These wars were often between the different nationalist groups that had fought for freedom.
Related pages
- Angolan War of Independence (1961–1974)
- Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (1963–1974)
- Mozambican War of Independence (1964–1974)
- Angolan Civil War (1975–2002)
- Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992)
Images for kids
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Cabo Verdean and Bissau-Guinean revolutionary Amílcar Cabral. He studied agronomy in Lisbon.
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Leader of FNLA Holden Roberto in 1973.
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Portuguese-held (green), disputed (yellow) and rebel-held areas (red) in Portuguese-Guinea and other colonies in 1970.
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Portuguese combatants in the woods around River Onzo, Angola.
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Portuguese Army soldiers at the start of the War in Angola. Their uniforms show they were Caçadores Especiais.
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General António de Spínola, governor of Portuguese Guinea between 1968 and 1973.
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Portuguese troops board NRP Nuno Tristão frigate in Portuguese Guinea, 1964.
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A PAIGC checkpoint in 1974.
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Reoccupation of Beira Baixa estate, 1961.
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Reoccupation of Beira Baixa estate.
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A Portuguese version of Heckler & Koch G3A3 was a standard infantry weapon.
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Portuguese-era fighters now on display at the National Museum of Military History in Luanda.
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A Portuguese Air Force Alouette III helicopter deploying paratroopers in Angola.
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A Portuguese F-84 Thunderjet being loaded with weapons in the 1960s, at Luanda Air Base.
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The Portuguese Air Force used Fiat G.91 aircraft in the war.
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AKM assault rifles were widely used by the African guerrilla movements.
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SKS semi-automatic rifles were also used by guerrillas.
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Heavy equipment used by the PAIGC now on display at Bissau.
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Marcello Caetano, who became Portugal's prime minister in 1968.
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The Carnation Revolution in Portugal.
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A monument in Coimbra, Portugal, honoring the heroes of the Portuguese Overseas Territories.
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A monument in Lisbon to Portuguese soldiers who died in the Overseas War.
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Remains of an armored car in Medina do Boé, Guinea-Bissau.
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This chart shows how much Portugal spent on its military during the war.
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See also
In Spanish: Guerra colonial portuguesa para niños
