Imperialism In Mozambique

Situated on the western half of the African continent, Mozambique is a coastal country that relies heavily on trade with other countries to stay economically "afloat." It was first discovered or colonized in the 1500's by Vasco da Gama. Conflicts with Britain became a common event as Portugal was looking for the opportunity to create a link from Portuguese controlled Angola to Mozambique. After Portugal attempted to scout the area between Mozambique and Angola, Britain threatened to take control of the island of Mozambique. At this Portugal relented and Britain recaptured the area that was to be Portugal's link to Angola. Another problem posed by Britain was that Portugal had no actual way to show they had colonized and held sovereignty over

One was the slave trade. As the slave trade took place in Mozambique it became an extremely profitable business as people from around the known world needed slaves for plantations. Not only this but the slaves were also were put to use in Mozambique itself. They operated mines and plantations that created profitable minerals and ores and cash crops such as sugar and coffee. Not only were man-power and slavery essential parts for making Mozambique useful to the Portuguese but also it was useful for the simple fact that it was Portuguese territory. Portugal is a nation stuck on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. And with little room for territorial growth, with Spain encompassing most of the Peninsula. Colonies such as Mozambique and Angola, and almost anywhere Portugal could claim as theirs, was a major victory. As it meant Portugal could grow their empire, and gain valuable resources through

But it also shows the effects of Portuguese colonization. Since for the majority of the time Portugal maintained control and stability for Mozambique and with the repression of the native people. There were no reasons for a problem to arise as they all had the same problem which at that time was Portugal. But once Portuguese control was ceded to Frelimo in nineteen seventy five cultural differences began to arise and the country quickly fell into chaos. And with the removal of Portuguese control the economy that was so carefully constructed by Portugal was quickly destroyed as a civil war raged throughout Mozambique. And a quick look at Mozambique’s timeline gives an idea as to how the problems arose. In the third century the Bantu tribes move into Mozambique from west-central Africa. In the eleventh century the Shona Empire arises between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. In fourteen ninety eight, Vasco de Gama stumbles upon Mozambique. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Portugal quickly sends colonists to set up trading posts and mining enterprises. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century Mozambique turns into a major slave trading center. In eighteen forty eight Portugal “officially” outlaws slave trade, even though behind the scenes slave trade continues. In eighteen seventy eight Portugal appeals to European