Portugal focused on expanding its African territories in the 1800s to compensate for losses elsewhere, establishing colonies in modern Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Mozambique. In the 1900s, Portugal entered World War I to protect Mozambique from German troops and began losing control of its colonies as decolonization movements gained support during World War II and the Cold War, when the US and USSR tried to increase their influence in Portuguese territories.

1. Portuguese AfricaBy: Tom Blanton

2. 1800’sDuring the height of European colonialism in the1800’s, Portugal had lost its territory in South America and most of its bases in AsiaAt this time, Portugal focused on expanding its outposts in Africa into nation-sized territoriesPortuguese territory included the modern nations of Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Mozambique.

3. 1900’sIn World War I, German troops threatened Mozambique, so Portugal entered the war in an attempt to protect its territories.In the beginning of World War II, decolonization movements began to gain support.The Cold War too created chaos among Portuguese overseas populations when the United States and Soviet Union attempted to increase their spheres of influence.