Gungunhana in two Strokes

Abstract

In the second half of the 19th century, the African continent was the scene of territorial disputes by the European powers. Portugal, even though it did not stand out economically in the European context, entered the race. Claiming historical rights, he claimed the territorial extension between the Angolan coast (west coast, on the Atlantic) and the Mozambican coast (east coast, on the Indian Ocean).
In 1884, the Berlin conference was organized, with the aim of defining how the partition of Africa would be carried out. Portugal displayed its claims on a map that became known as the “pink map”: the desired lands were marked with this color. Between Angola and Mozambique was an area that, according to speculation, was rich in minerals and possibly diamonds. It was more than enough to pique English interest. Having before them the strongest of competitors, the most powerful country in the world, the Portuguese had their plans frustrated: they managed to formalize the possession of Angola and Mozambique, however the interior (in the future, Northern Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia) was England won. Such a decision would be a catastrophe for Portugal. The pink map was the essence of his plans in Africa.