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Portugal’S Empire In Africa And Asia, 1415-1975

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  • Nuno Palma

Abstract

Portugal’s empire began with the conquest of Ceuta (1415) and lasted until the decolonization process (1974-1975). Portugal, therefore, both led the first wave of Western colonization and became the last to relinquish its empire during the twentieth century. Concentrating on the African and Asian dimensions of Portugal’s empire, I offer a comparison with other European empires, summarizing relevant events and chronologies. Issues covered include openness versus protection, slavery and slave trading, the role of early colonial settlers, and the empire’s impact on both the metropolitan economy and the regions that were colonized.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuno Palma, 2025. "Portugal’S Empire In Africa And Asia, 1415-1975," Lewis Lab Working Papers Series 0012, Arthur Lewis Lab, The University of Manchester.
    • Handle: RePEc:man:allwps:0012
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    File URL: https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=76990
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