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Unveiling the Myth of Portuguese Colonialism: A Critical Examination of "The Civilising Mission" (1870-1930)

Ken Simmons

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Published in The Civilising Mission Of Portuguese Colonialism 1870 1930 (Cambridge Imperial And Post Colonial Studies)

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The concept of a 'civilising mission' has often been employed by colonial powers to justify the subjugation and exploitation of non-European societies. In the case of Portuguese colonialism, this notion has been particularly pervasive, with the Portuguese presenting themselves as agents of progress and enlightenment in Africa.

The 'Civilising Mission' of Portuguese Colonialism, 1870-1930 (Cambridge Imperial and Post-Colonial Studies)

by Miguel Bandeira Jerónimo

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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However, a closer examination of the historical record reveals a much more sinister reality. The purported 'civilising mission' of Portuguese colonialism was in fact a thinly veiled pretext for the establishment and maintenance of a brutal and repressive colonial regime that ruthlessly exploited the peoples and resources of its African colonies.

The Illusion of Civilisation

The book 'The Civilising Mission of Portuguese Colonialism 1870 1930 Cambridge Imperial' by Filipe Ribeiro de Meneses delves into this subject, providing a detailed analysis of the Portuguese colonial discourse and its impact on African societies. De Meneses meticulously exposes the flaws and biases inherent in the portrayal of Portuguese colonialism as a 'civilising mission', highlighting the true nature of its oppressive and exploitative agenda.

De Meneses demonstrates that the Portuguese colonial project was primarily driven by economic motives, with the African colonies serving as sources of raw materials and labor for the Portuguese metropole. The so-called 'civilising mission' was merely a convenient justification for the brutal suppression of African resistance and the imposition of Portuguese rule.

Exploitation and Oppression

The book documents the widespread human rights abuses and atrocities committed by the Portuguese colonial regime in Africa. Forced labor, arbitrary imprisonment, and physical violence were commonplace, and the indigenous populations were subjected to a systematic process of cultural assimilation and social control.

De Meneses also reveals the devastating economic consequences of Portuguese colonialism. The African colonies were systematically impoverished, with their economies distorted to serve the interests of the Portuguese settlers and corporations. The result was a legacy of underdevelopment and poverty that continues to plague many African countries today.

The Myth Unraveled

De Meneses's book provides a powerful critique of the myth of Portuguese colonial benevolence. Through meticulous research and analysis, he exposes the true nature of Portuguese colonialism as a system of exploitation and oppression that had a profound and lasting impact on African societies.

The book challenges the persistent Eurocentric narratives that glorify colonial powers and obscures the suffering and oppression inflicted upon colonised peoples. It is a valuable contribution to the growing body of scholarship that seeks to decolonise history and shed light on the dark legacy of colonialism.

'The Civilising Mission of Portuguese Colonialism 1870 1930 Cambridge Imperial' is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of colonialism, African history, or the complexities of postcolonial societies. It is a rigorous and thought-provoking work that challenges the dominant narratives and provides a more accurate understanding of the true nature of Portuguese colonialism.

By dismantling the myth of the 'civilising mission', De Meneses's book contributes to the ongoing process of decolonising our understanding of the past and opens up new avenues for exploring the complex relationships between Europe and Africa.

The 'Civilising Mission' of Portuguese Colonialism, 1870-1930 (Cambridge Imperial and Post-Colonial Studies)

by Miguel Bandeira Jerónimo

4 out of 5