A Lusophone World

[Guilherme Loureiro]

Hi, thanks for pointing out several major discrepancies when we compare them against the situation iOTL. The points you do question and concerns you raise are legit and I will try to answer them. First I do apologize for information at times is scattered through out a decade and at times it spans a decade. I will be presenting information on Brazil GDP in the final section of the Economy, there is cultural information in the Culture section and lastly information in the Foreign Affairs so as you can see it is all over the place and can be difficult to follow and with part of it not posted question will arise. So here go some answers.

Hmm. You'd have to change the mindset of a lot of people in the Brazilian political class, as well as the chiefs of industry, for this to happen. Impossible? Not at all. But I think it's an unlikely change - it'd have to start by the 1930's, and it would bring in a lot of changes to how the Brazilian economical and political landscapes developed since then.

Note that, IMO, your scenario makes sense and could very well happen IF the mindset is changed - it's just that, for me at least, this is a real big if.

 

[Lusitania]

Hmm. You'd have to change the mindset of a lot of people in the Brazilian political class, as well as the chiefs of industry, for this to happen. Impossible? Not at all. But I think it's an unlikely change - it'd have to start by the 1930's, and it would bring in a lot of changes to how the Brazilian economical and political landscapes developed since then.

Note that, IMO, your scenario makes sense and could very well happen IF the mindset is changed - it's just that, for me at least, this is a real big if.

The change you refer to started with President Dutra's visit to Portugal when his wife recovered from cancer and they visited Fatima. The shock of seeing the "poor" and "slow" Portugal transformed into an industrial country was a huge shock. The traditional Brazilian term for "Portugal" took a drastic change. Those that still clung onto the traditional view dismissed the news but as the Federation was born and Portuguese economy churned out progressive growth year after year it slowly won some new converts those that remained became Portuguese critics and envious of Portuguese success.

The biggest shocker came in 1952 when news hit Brazilian newspapers at announcement the Portuguese GDP had surpassed Brazil (Portuguese 116,763 million vs Brazil 112,058 million (note iOTL Brazil GDP in 1952 was 99,181 million)) while the per capita GDP was 3,314 vs 2,113 respectively. This was the wakeup call to Vargas and subsequently JK that the Federation was outpacing Brazil and becoming a stronger and more powerful country.

As you indicated the mindset change was drastic but not universal. If the Federation had stayed across the ocean and not flooded Brazilian market with its culture, products and more dangerously its investments more people would of been supportive of the Portuguese - Brazil investment. The Rio de Janeiro "O Globo" tracked Brazilian business and people attitude towards the Portuguese and marked noticeable improvements in its image reaching a high of 65% by 1957. When government authorized the Portuguese investment in critical Brazilian companies it suffered a huge drop to just 40%.

All this did not bode well for the Brazil-Portuguese supporters and the main political supporter PSD who saw their support drop substantially just as the country headed to the next general election. Their hopes rested with the disunified opposition both from right and left.

 

[durante]

Fantastic TL! Are the the big Portuguese football clubs bringing in talent from Brasil? Is it possible the world could see Eusebio and Pele together? I'm willing to wait I'm just excited at the prospect!

 

[Lusitania]

Fantastic TL! Are the the big Portuguese football clubs bringing in talent from Brasil? Is it possible the world could see Eusebio and Pele together? I'm willing to wait I'm just excited at the prospect!

Thank you, The short answer is that in the 1950 and 1960s no. While long term possible. The 1950s and 1960s both iOTL and iTTL was a time of national leagues that reflected almost exclusively the players born in that country. When we post the Culture sport section we will talk about lots of sports and soccer.

As for 1970 onward that may be different. That was when the club dynamics changed. Large market teams starting stacking their teams with players from other countries and sport changed. So the federation could become a center for superstars from the world.

 

[Lusitania]

1950 – 1959 (cont)

Economy (cont)

Finance and Commerce​

Inflation continued to be a problem for Portuguese government and Bank of Portugal. Attempts to control prices were not as successful as during war. Inflation continued between 8 – 15% during the decade as consumer and industrial demand continue to push prices higher. It was only in the 1958 that inflation fell below 7%.

Real wages in Portuguese Federation continued to increase over the decade and minimum wage and average wages in Portuguese Federation continued to rise. In 1952, Portuguese government scrapped its 5-year reviews for wages and instead setup yearly reviews by national and regional corporative groups representing labor, business and government that set salary ranges for most industries.

During the decade Portuguese exports continued to surpass imports, and the government continued to run operational surpluses. In 1950 Portuguese Federation’s government debt doubled as it absorbed Spain’s external debt. By 1959 the Portuguese government debt had been reduced by 30% in real terms and was at 20% of GDP. Meanwhile all government debt continued to be controlled domestically.

The Portuguese continued to see an increase in their buying power from 1950 to 1959. The conversion rate from escudo to the U.S. dollar in 1950 was set at 18$75 in 1959 it was set at 15$05. Meanwhile its gold reserves increased by 29% during the decade. Portuguese Federation also saw it foreign currency reserves triple during this time. The Portuguese escudo became one of the world’s most stable and strongest currencies, the continued trade surplus and government budget surpluses combined with the millions of escudos being sent by European immigrants back to their respective countries to help their families put continually upward pressure on the escudo. This made Portuguese exports more expensive and imports cheaper. At same time, the fast-growing economy required the Bank of Portugal to continually expand its money supply. In 1954 and 1957 the Bank of Portugal purposely increased the money supply and bought foreign currencies (US dollar, sterling, Franc, Mark and Lira) and sold escudos in an effort to limit the escudo’s strengthening. Even with all its efforts the escudo rose by 20% against major foreign currencies during the decade.

Capital restrictions by the US against Portuguese Federation during Eisenhower administration including unfair taxation on profits from Portuguese operations resulted in American investors continuing to avoid investing in Portuguese Federation. At same time, the growing Portuguese economy and political stability started attracting foreign investment from Latin America, and Europe. It was during the 50s that “barter” trade between Portuguese Federation and several other less developed countries became more formalized and increased substantially. The agreement would allow Federation and these countries to sell products and resources in exchange for other products and resources instead of using money. Several Latin American countries bought Portuguese automobiles, manufactured goods and oil in exchange for products and/or materials that they produced. By end of decade the amount of trade using barter accounted for about 29% of Portuguese trade with those countries and was growing by double digits every year.

Portuguese automobile exports became a political and economic issue starting in the late 1950s. The first company to start exporting vehicles built in the Portuguese Federation was “Auto-Portugal”. The initial joint venture agreement stipulated that for first 10 years production was restricted to Portuguese domestic demand but in 1959 Auto-Portugal wanted to expand production and start selling in both Europe and in Latin America. Volkswagen the parent company did not want the Portuguese subsidiary to be competing against it in the same markets. The Portuguese minority investors then appealed to the Portuguese government citing original contract allowing for export and Portuguese nation industrial regulations citing Volkswagen’s anti Portuguese attitude. Negotiations in 1959 did allow for Auto-Portugal to begin exports different automobiles models than Volkswagen outside Europe. This was the start of the divergence in car models being manufactured by Auto-Portugal and Volkswagen.

Portuguese retail witnessed a min-revolution as stores and businesses were opened throughout the Federation by immigrants, Africans, Indians and Asians bringing a different perspective to the Portuguese marketplace. At same time prestigious stores opened in Lisbon and Luanda as many of the world’s major brands took notice of the growing Portuguese market.

In 1952 the Portuguese government and the provincial government of Macau began a study of the province’s economy and in 1953 published “Estudo da Economia de Macau” Macau Economic Study which looked at the provinces limited size and economic prospects. While Macau had been established in the 16th century as a trading port with China over the centuries it had come under the shadow of the larger and richer British colony of Hong Kong across the estuary. In the late 19th century the Portuguese colony main economic activity had become gambling. For the first half of the 20th century over 100 Chinese Gambling houses existed in colony paying the Portuguese a licensing fee. The proximity of Hong Kong and National China on the islands of Hainan and Taiwan provided great opportunities to increase gambling in the province. In 1958 Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, SA was founded by a group of Portuguese from Macau, Panjim and Lourenco Marques which then bid 30 million escudos and 20% royalty for the gambling rights in Macau. They were also responsible for paying 50% of the modernization of the port and airport of Macau to facilitate the transport of gamblers to the province. Construction of two modern casinos “Lisboa Casino” and “Casa Real Casino” were started. The traditional gambling houses were closed since they did not fit with the image the Portuguese wished to portray for the province.[1]

In 1958 the CTT underwater cables between the different provinces were completed and continuous communications between Lisbon and Luanda was possible for first time. The stock exchange of Luanda was linked with the Lisbon and Porto stock exchanges allowing for trades between the three exchanges to be linked and market values appear on all three exchanges. During this time, the stock market capitalization in Portuguese Exchanges had increased by 311% from 1949 levels as money continued to be invested by the growing population and expanding businesses as well as many foreign investors. As of 31 December 1959, the three Portuguese stock markets had 1,044 companies listed on them and a market capitalization of 122 thousand million escudos.[2]


The 1950s was also a decade in which the number of companies in the country doubled. New enterprises were started in a variety of industries. The moto was “if they can do it, we can do it better” was adopted by many entrepreneurs. The number of vehicle manufacturers increase as did the number of components manufacturers, consumer goods companies were formed to challenge both existing domestic companies as well as brands that were imported. Trade associations, government and retailers worked together to promote national brands fueling a national pride felt by many Portuguese when they could select domestic product instead of foreign. Even something as simple as toy manufactures increased to over six national manufacturing a variety of toys including dolls and board games. Portuguese business magazines such as “Exame” published articles about sectors or industries that were not being serviced. Many of these articles would spur investors and entrepreneurs to found new companies. Prime example was property and life insurance which till mid 1950s was dominated by two Portuguese companies “Companhia Fidelidade” and “Tranquilidade” along with several smaller companies and a few foreign companies. Insurance in Federation was 25-40% more expensive than in places like Britain or France. As a result of the discussion from the article over the next decade the number of insurance companies both regional and national increased. New companies such as Lusitania Insurance, Lisboa Insurance and Conquistador Assurance were founded and were responsible for decreasing the cost of insurance, introduced new products and securing more individuals and enterprises. Liability insurance, basic car or motor vehicle insurance as well as insurance through work became more widely available.

Urbanization and Construction​

The growth in cities and industrialization accelerated the movement of people from the countryside to the cities. The movement that had started in the 1920s accelerated in the later 1940s and in the 1950s as the great movement of people from the countryside to the cities resulted in both small and large cities as well as major towns witnessing major growth. This migration caused a major demand for housing along with commercial property. The 1950s continued to see a huge construction boom as whole new neighborhoods or towns were built in and around these booming cities and towns. Employment in the construction industry continued to increase by over 8% a year. In 1958 the number of homes being built reached over 150,000 a year.[3] Prices of homes also increased by 60% by 1959 from 1950 prices which resulted in a slowing of the increase in homes being built in Portugal nonetheless by 1959 the number of homes being built was threefold from 1950 level. Demand for affordable housing rose as regular homes became unaffordable for many, the government responded by doubling the funding for the Affordable Housing project and by 1955 30,000 subsidized housing units were being built a year.

GDP​

In 1950, the Portuguese Federation GDP reached 96,824 over the next 10 years it would increase over 145%.[4] The Portuguese Federation economy continued to witness rapid economic growth as industrialization reached new levels not only in the Iberian Peninsula but all provinces especially the provinces in Portuguese Africa. During the 1950s the growth in the economies of Portuguese Africa outpaced the rest of country by over 70%. During the 1950s the Portuguese economy grew as follows:

Year​	GDP (millions)​	% change from previous year​
1950​	96,824​	6.5​
1951​	107,774​	11.31​
1952​	116,763​	8.34​
1953​	129,233​	10.68​
1954​	141,795​	9.72​
1955​	158,597​	11.85​
1956​	180,547​	13.84​
1957​	199,216​	10.34​
1958​	216,507​	8.68​
1959​	237,552​	9.72​

In 1950, we begin to provide a comparison of Portuguese Federation to the leading world economies and other select countries.[5]

Country​	Population (thousands)​	Size (km2)​	GDP (millions)​	GDP Per capita (Millions)​
Portuguese Federation​	33,277​	2,602,487​	96,824​	2,909​
UK[6]​	50,127​	242,495​	389,592​	7,772​
France​	41,829​	643,801​	220,492​	5,271​
USA​	152,271​	9,857,306​	1,455,916​	9,561​
Spain​	28,063​	505,990​	61,429​	2,189​
Netherlands​	10,114​	41,543​	60,642​	5,996​
Italy​	47,105​	301,338​	164,957​	3,502​
Brazil[7]​	52,852​	8,515,767​	99,042​	1,873​
Argentina​	16,802​	2,780,400​	92,451​	5,502​
South Africa​	13,596​	1,231,037​	34,465​	2,535​

[1] iOTL Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau was formed in 1962 by Stanley Ho, Hip Hon and Henry Fok. Both Stanley Ho and Hip Hon had escaped the war in Macau which was not occupied by Japanese troops. iTTL Macau was occupied by Japan following Portugal joining the Allies. During the Japanese occupation about half the colonies residents were killed by Japanese troops including both Stanley Ho and Hip Hon. iTTL Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau was founded 5 years earlier than iOTL by a group of Portuguese Chinese and Portuguese Indians investors.

[2] Portuguese escudo to US dollar was 15$05 escudos to 1 USD, the 122 thousand million escudos is 8 billion US dollars. For comparison purposes the London stock exchange had 3,400 companies listed on the exchange and market capitalization of 48 billion US dollars. Note Portuguese language did not use billion but wrote it as thousand million.

[3] This included multi-family homes and single-family homes.

[4] From 1920 to 1949 Portuguese GDP had only been based on Metropolitan area. From 1950 onward, the GDP of the areas that had been once considered Portuguese Ultramar provinces was also included with the formation of the Portuguese Federation. The Portuguese Ultramar GDP was calculated at 41% of 1950 Metropolitan Portugal GDP. iOTL GDP figures were also provided for Portuguese colonies for first time and were 65% of Metropolitan Portugal.

[5] The data for the three colonial powers (UK, France and Netherlands) only reflects their European territory since they did not consider their colonies to integral parts of the country.

[6] iOTL UK GDP was 347,850 here the economic relationship with the Portuguese Federation had resulted in a 10-12% boost to UK GDP.

[7] Both Brazil and Argentina were witnessing a boast in their GDP as their association and trade with the Federation was growing. iOTL in 1950 Argentina GDP was 85,524 and Brazil 89,342. The one item that was lower for both countries was population as the Federation due to its proximity and aggressive promotion was able to attract many emigrants that otherwise would have gone to Argentina and Brazil.
This concludes the economy section and in summary, the most influential thing that effected the Portuguese economy was the antagonistic attitude of the American government. In the 1950s the Republicans and President Eisenhower administration who viewed the Portuguese Federation as obstacle to the American objectives and influence. So while it allied itself with the federation, it also worked to weaken it. Hence the industrial and government to be as self sufficient as possible. The countless companies and industries being started and operating was far very impressive. FYI Portugal under the estado novo had a wide range of home companies that were protected by government and allowed to grow, like most countries in this era. iTTL The size of the Portuguese economy and development of the economy coupled with a richer country with a much higher standard of living allowed for many more nationalistic companies to be founded and expand. The higher standard of living was not only for Europeans but non-Europeans were rapidly joining the middle class. Questions/ Comments?

We now will return in two weeks June 7 as we post Health & Education.

 

[Sceonn]

Really liked the Growth of the Barter Trade, it'll be a lifeline to many new &/or developing countries. Self-Sufficiency in industry, while inefficient, will be very appreciated by future generations, so thanks Uncle Sam.

Could the Federation even join the EU, should it ever want to?

 

[Lusitania]

Really liked the Growth of the Barter Trade, it'll be a lifeline to many new &/or developing countries. Self-Sufficiency in industry, while inefficient, will be very appreciated by future generations, so thanks Uncle Sam.

Could the Federation even join the EU, should it ever want to?

Trade limitations by countries especially developing countries is a necessity. Due to limited foreign capital /currencies countries are forced to prioritize essential commodities and important items for its economy ahead of buying electronics, domestic appliances or vehicles. At same time competitive pressures either limit their own exports or reduces the price making it both hard for producers of those commodities to earn a living and the country to earn required foreign currency.

Barter trade allowed the Portuguese to sell domestic manufactured goods to foreign countries that otherwise would of closed their market to the Portuguese companies. Therefore as we called it inefficient portuguese Companies gained a vital economic advantage over european and American companies. The Portuguese gained guaranteed source of a commodity.

these commodities were either consumed or used in Portuguese economy. It made them a bit more expensive but it provided thousands of jobs in manufacturing and so forth. At times these goods were discounted by the government and repackaged and mixed with Portuguese goods and Sold as export. Such was the case with agricultural products Argentina.

while barter was an important tool the biggest attraction in many cases was the ability of these countries to increase production of said commodities exclusively for the federation. The standard Portuguese tactic was to look for commodities a country was producing or had potential to produce that were not possible due low prices and lack of demand. It then matched demand for items within the federation (sometimes allowing for substitutions to create a demand). Portuguese also focused on commodities it was importing or items it could process (this creating jobs and re-exporting)[1] then would approach selected countries and start talking about how the federation could help them increase its economy and development. This had the added benefit of providing a guaranteed source of commodities to the Portuguese economy.

The inefficiency and quality issues of Portuguese national products was an important aspect of Portuguese economic priority. The two were linked and to increase product quality to the point that Portuguese consumers viewed Portuguese brands as good or better than foreign brands was crucial while ability to keep costs down so that they were competitive was ideal situation. The ability of Portuguese firms to increase sales outside the federation provided a huge advantage to these firms as exports became crucial part of their sales. Such was the case of Portuguese motorcycle, bikes and moped companies whose products were exported to South America. While brands were new the price advantage due to low prices compared to American or European brands was crucial at times 1/2 price. Then as brand recognition, word of mouth and exposure allowed it to increase demand. Thus Portuguese brands gained a foothold in markets it never would of been able otherwise. While at same time increasing sales and making Portuguese brands that much better.

The EU or it’s predecessor EEC would start as per iotl in 1958 per treaty of Rome. It’s composition and expansion would change (we cover that in Foreign Affairs). But a crucial point that would not change is that only democratic countries would be allowed to join. So the Federation Which is not that is fine. There was few incentives or advantages to the Portuguese to being part part of EEC while there would be huge political opposition from other European countries to admitting a country that had majority of its people and economy outside Europe.

[1] this was a joint effort between the ministry of economy and Portuguese economic council. The government had a whole department dedicated to identifying sources for commodities while council was looking for economic opportunities in processing said commodities such as canning an agricultural product or using it Portuguese industry to make a more valued item

 

[Boneheaded_Bookkeeper]

I know the stereotype is that the most exciting chapters for a TL are centered around warfare, but for me, the most satisfying portions actually focus on the lesser known aspects of a nation's well being and this is a prime example. Portugal's ever growing economic and commercial progress is very pleasant to read about. I'm glad they're focusing on being self-sufficient during these tough times.

I know you have your own plans for the TL, but it would be cool to see Portugal and their allies create their own grand alliance of states to compete against the EU and American / Soviet imperialism - which you already hinted at with the Commonwealth. On a similar note, I suspect that neither Brazil or Portugal would want to merge together to recreate the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, but a closer union between the two states would be cool to witness - lusophone nations unite!

 

[Lusitania]

I know the stereotype is that the most exciting chapters for a TL are centered around warfare, but for me, the most satisfying portions actually focus on the lesser known aspects of a nation's well being and this is a prime example. Portugal's ever growing economic and commercial progress is very pleasant to read about. I'm glad they're focusing on being self-sufficient during these tough times.

Thank you, a principle of either of my TL is to try and explain how the country is progressing and changing. While each person has their own style I do not like use of magic wands (although huge fan potter verse). Therefore I am glad you enjoying these parts. Next two posts deal with two unlikely areas of TL but very important here (education & health) then (culture and sports).

These are just as important as war and other popular sections for we need to explain how the portuguese took a backwards, illiterate and undeveloped country and turned into a major power. Till now we have discussed politics, military and economics up next is education and then so that educated and trained people stick around some health Items. We need to remember that majority of the Federation is in Africa and all its health concerns (even today). How will the country handle both and what did they do, we find out next post. Same with education upto now we covered how primary and secondary education was modernized and education forced on people. We even discussed about building of 10 universities by 1950 which considering a few decades ago country only had one. But the 1950s will bring new challenges like providing education to millions of people some who don’t even speak Portuguese in 1950s.

As for Culture that one was important too. For the government has used the promotion of culture with production of movies, radio and print media all aimed at showcasing the country growth and development (so what if the implied message is this was all made possible by the estado novo regime). Government philosophy is to Entertain people and they forget a little bit of the drudgery of their lives and feel proud about themselves, their country and what it is accomplishing.

but the 1950s will be a new decade with new challenges. How will Africans, Indians, Asians and emigrants see themselves. For decades in immigration strong countries non Caucasian and emigrant children have tried to see themselves in the entertainment and cultural industry and Most of times been been missing a cultural role model. So can the Federation succeed where even today many countries struggle?

lastly sports the pride and joy of a country. Where sporting events become larger than life and dreams and wishes of whole country ride on the shoulders of those chosen to represent its people. There is soccer and soccer and more soccer to talk about. Lol actually we cover a lot more than just soccer. Olympics and other National and international sporting events are discussed.

I know you have your own plans for the TL, but it would be cool to see Portugal and their allies create their own grand alliance of states to compete against the EU and American / Soviet imperialism - which you already hinted at with the Commonwealth. On a similar note, I suspect that neither Brazil or Portugal would want to merge together to recreate the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, but a closer union between the two states would be cool to witness - lusophone nations unite!

The TL has a mind of its own, taking us where it wants to go. While at first we are in charge but as time progresses it follows its own path and to try and change it requires a great deal of effort. What guides us are events from each decade and how they affect the federation.

As for Alliances we mentioned a few tidbits in the interludes. What I can say is that you are on the right track. For events (political and economic) slowly push the federation into a different path than country anticipated. Much more later.

 

[Lusitania]

1950 – 1959 (cont)

Health and Education

Health​

In 1950 in order to better deal with the issues regarding public health and health services the Health government department was divided into two departments. João de Avelar Maia de Loureiro headed the new Department of Urbanization and Public Health while Dr. Froilano de Mello was appointed as the new Ministry of Health. He continued the long line of Portuguese Indians in Portuguese government especially in medical field and began several major health initiatives to modernize Portuguese medicine and health practices.

While Portuguese Federation had begun offering free health services to children from birth to teenagers, all adults were responsible to pay for their own health care. In the late 1940s the government started providing free healthcare to all government workers and military personnel along with their families. In 1952 the “Casa do Povo” national health plan was started, to provide healthcare to all provincial and local government officials along with their families. The plan was also available to workers of government owned corporations or companies providing government contracts. Participation in the plan was voluntary at first but by 1955 it became mandatory for all government employees and all employees of corporations providing services or contracts for the government. In 1959 it was expanded nationwide to the public and became mandatory. The plan provided basic medical, dental, prescription services for free or greatly reduced rates. Cost was based on family’s salary and rates were set at 10% of salary. Government and Catholic Hospitals became the primary locations for providing healthcare to those who participated in the health plan. New hospitals were built in many cities throughout the country, health clinics also started being built as new doctors signed up on the plan. At same time, private hospitals and private doctors continued operating alongside public hospitals and clinics.

Infant mortality in major urban centers throughout the country became comparable with rates in Western Europe. Starting in 1953 an expanded program to combat infant mortality moved to the most remote parts of the country reaching even the most isolated groups.

The national immunization program was expanded to the entire country with mandatory immunizations offered for: Smallpox, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio.[1]

BIAL & Bayer Portugal were the two major Pharmaceutical companies operating in Portuguese Federation at the start of the 1950s. The production of medicines in Portuguese Federation became one of the Health departments primary objectives to this affect the government supported the expansion of the Pharmaceutical industry in Portuguese Federation. During the 1950s several European Pharmaceutical companies expanded in the country and built plants in Portuguese Federation to manufacture products for the Portuguese market. During the same time several Portuguese pharmaceutical companies were founded most notably was Hovione which was founded by Portuguese-Hungarian immigrants Horty, Villax and Onody in 1955 and Laboratórios Basi was founded in 1956.[2] Again, American Pharmaceutical companies were unwilling to setup plants in Portugal choosing instead to license their products to European pharmaceutical companies for European and/or Portuguese market.

The link between the Portuguese Universities and public health was reinforced with the expansion of the “Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge” (INSA) National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge. Throughout the various provinces and linking the various public health and medicine faculties in the countries’ universities with INSA. At same time the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute was established in both the University of Lisbon and University of Porto. The institute supported the study of medicine such as oncology, public health and mental health, it also teaches acupuncture, marine biology, veterinary medicine, biochemistry and bioengineering. Its emphasized Scientific Investigation and the linking between Science and medicine. In Luanda the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Luanda, (IPATIMUL) “Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Luanda), was founded by a group of Portuguese and Foreign doctors dedicated to the health sciences research. One of the country’s other major institution founded was the “Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência” (IGC), Gulbenkian Science Institute is an international center for biological and biomedical research and graduate training based in Oeiras, founded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (FCG) in 1958. IGC was organized in small independent research groups that work in an environment designed to encourage interactions with minimal hierarchical structure.[3]

The Department of Urbanization and Public Health spearheaded programs delivered by provincial and local governments continued to expand the delivery of clean water to all people. At same time programs to protect people from Malaria and other tropical diseases continued. Standing water close to populated areas was removed to reduce the risk of mosquitos transmitting malaria. In 1958 Portuguese Federation was declared free of Dracunculiasis or more commonly known as Guinea-worm disease.

The construction of low income housing continued not only in the major centers but more importantly in many smaller towns and during 1950s Portuguese Federation gradually increased the funding for low income housing and by middle of the decade was building 30,000 homes a year under the Affordable Housing Act. Inadequate sanitation, overcrowding and diseases became associated with chanty towns in the growing metro areas of country.[4] Government housing became mandated and the destruction of shanty towns required. All shanty houses were catalogued, and the construction of new buildings forbidden. A plan was put in place to reduce and eventually eliminate all shanty housing throughout the country.

In 1955 the “Casa do Povo” social security and pensions reforms were implemented. It increased protection and support to all workers, provided for unemployment insurance to help workers affected by loss work. Included in the legislation was the pension support, which established a National Old Age Pension and National Pension. The National Old Age Pension was guaranteed for all people over age of 65, regardless if they worked and their income status (although the amount was reduced based on other sources of income. National Pension provided a fixed pension but was based on the number of years workers contributed to it and their level of income. Both workers and employers were required to contribute to the pension at a ratio of 1:3, with employers contributing 3$ escudos for every 1$ escudo employees contributed.[5] Lastly was the Social Assistance component of the legislation that provided child support bonus for low income families as well as basic minimum income for those unable to work.

Education​

In 1952 the Portuguese government appointed Cecília Supico Pinto as the new Minister of Education. This was a controversial appointment due in part to the minister being a woman, but she had already shown her abilities by being the Metropolitan administrator for the primary education from 1944 – 1950. In 1952 one of Minister of Education first initiatives was the increase in mandatory primary and middle school attendance to grade 9. The expansion of mandatory education was a huge enterprise since it now was to be expanded to all youths living in the entire Portuguese Federation. Thousands of Africans, Indians and Asians were now required to learn Portuguese and thousands of new schools needed to be built. In a report prepared for the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance stated that due to the size of the education budget it would take 10 years to accomplish the initiative. In 1953 the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance authorized an increase in the Education Budget so that the schools would be built within three years on condition that the schools also be used for adult education in the evenings. During the 1950s the Catholic Church participation in the education programs increased as they took the lead in adult education and the expanded primary and secondary education.

The teacher aid program was expanded, and men were allowed to participate in the program for first time. Meanwhile a new program was started to provide primary educators with ability to get their university teaching degrees to provide additional teachers for the higher elementary grades and middle grades. The secondary school model was updated to provide academic studies for students who had high aptitude for university studies as well new vocational schools were established in conjunction with apprentice trade programs to satisfy the Portuguese Federation growing need for trades people.

At the start of the 50s Portuguese Federation had just witnessed a threefold increase in the number of universities to 10 but even as new universities opened it became obvious that with the current education reforms that number was not sufficient to provide Portuguese Federation with enough engineers, doctors and other professions. In 1955 the Minister of Education set a policy of providing “A” class university in each province. Also, cities with existing universities would be granted additional funding to either expand their universities or fund new universities. The entry of women, Indians, Asians and Africans in the Portuguese universities caused social unrest as the more conservative members of the educational institutions resented the upward movement of so many non-Europeans and women into the universities and colleges. A combined Educational program as well as DGS intervention with the most radical opponents slowly allowed these students to receive their education.[6]

In 1954 the Portuguese Youth organization’s education and guidance to both males and females was updated to provide guidance that women could become doctors, professionals and other professions.[7]

Sciences​

In the late 1940s with Portuguese Universities expanding and government money available several areas of education were expanded in Portuguese Federation. In 1951 the department of astronomy was expanded at the University of Porto and Lisbon. In 1958 the Lisbon Astronomical Observatory received funding to install a Schmidt Telescope at the observatory. In 1959 two new observatories were started the Bragança Astronomical Observatory and the larger Cape Verde Astronomical Observatory.

In the 1950s Portuguese interest in the new field of computer science began taking shape especially in the Portuguese Universities. Contracts with Elliott Brothers allowed the universities and some larger Portuguese industries to purchase several Elliot 402/403/405 computers. In 1959 the Portuguese government provided the funds for Portuguese Universities to purchase six Ferranti Mercury computers for use throughout the Federation Universities.[8]

Included in the expansion of sciences in Portuguese Federation in the 1950s was the expansion of physics, including atomic, molecular and optical physics. Other theoretic sciences which till then had very little government support also received emphasis and the faculty of sciences along with engineering became the two of the largest faculties in most Portuguese universities.


[1] Polio vaccine became available in the US in 1955 and in a rare move the US government allowed the American Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to setup a pharmaceutical plant in Portuguese Federation to produce Polio vaccine and other pharmaceutical products.

[2] Both of these pharmaceutical companies were found in Portugal iOTL here with the increase economic activity they became two of Federation’s largest Pharmaceutical companies and in time would become international pharma giants.

[3] The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is a Portuguese institution under private law and of general public utility, perpetual in nature, with its statutory purposes spanning the arts, beneficence, science, and education. Set up by the last will and testament of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, who bequeathed his assets to the country in the form of a foundation with its statutes approved by the Portuguese state on 18 July 1956.

[4] In 1957 the largest Metro Area of Portuguese Federation was Luanda at 2 million followed by Lisbon at 1.2 million and Lourenco Marques at 860,000.

[5] The funding of the National Pension was one of the most difficult parts of the legislation, holding its passing for almost a year. Two models were considered: i) fixed amount model stipulated that each worker would receive a % of their salary regardless of the number of years they contributed (with 10 year minimum needed for no reduction in benefits). ii) the contribution model provided that each workers contribution along with corresponding employer contribution be invested by pension company and that the amount saved be available for pensioner to use when they retired. The drawback was that workers in their 40-60s would receive the least and not be enough to support themselves. In end a compromise third option combining the best of the both pension systems was agreed to. Each pensioner contributed a % of their salary with employer contributing a larger amount. The money was invested for each person and able to be drawn on starting at age of 65 (with early retirement possible at age of 60 but loss of 1% per month under the age of 65). Based on their contribution amount a minimum pension amount was guaranteed for workers who contributed less years. This was provided by government. Those employees who contributed over 30 years would receive the maximum amount from the pension drawn over 20 years with any amount left over if case of death payable to person beneficiaries while those who lived past 20 years would receive a government pension till death (at 50% of original pension amount).

[6] In 1959 University attendance by non-Europeans males and females accounted for over 60% of all students in Portuguese universities. Costs to attend university in Portuguese Federation was based on the family income thus allowing low income students the same access as high-income students. At first government literature and warnings were ignored by the staff and white students who either attacked or were hostile to the non-white and female students. After several well publicized DGS/PSP arrests and disappearances the attitude (at least in public) changed drastically in the universities.

[7] This initiative went against the conservative thinking of many within the government and public. The lack of doctors and other professionals in Portuguese Federation was the deciding factor is changing government thinking and supporting the higher education of women.
[8] Included in the agreement with the universities was the use of up to 50% of the computer time for government and military work.

The idea of this post is to outline the steps the government undertook to modernize the country's education, health and even promote sciences. We also bring to light two important factors, continued involvement of Indians in Portuguese cabinet plus the first woman cabinet minister. We simply have to look at Britain, USA to see such things were unheard of in the 1950s. Why the Portuguese do it, frankly they were the best candidates and that there was a need to introduce and incorporate more individuals from non European typical group in government. This of course was just the tip of the iceberg with government workers, administrators and even junior ministers all reflecting the wide demographics of the country. The second point of course would be the huge tasks ahead of the government in both fields. While much progress had been made in education till the 1950s it would pale in comparison to the work done in the 1950s. Providing free Portuguese language school to all children plus educate the adults to also speak the language. This would not of been possible for it not the dedication of the workers and willingness of the people. For if this task alone had failed then the federation would of failed. But it did not, children from ages of 6 were brought into government sanctioned schools. In their hometowns, communities, villages and taught not only the language, but complete curriculum, with those showing high aptitude for academics being selected to attend regional secondary schools and then colleges and university. A marked shift in society attitudes where in past many poor and alliterate parents resented the government "taking" their kids to continue their education and continue onto university parents in the 50s celebrated their children achievement and were proud of their children accomplishment hoping they be doctors, engineers, teachers and so forth. The continued infrastructure growth, be they roads, electricity, water and sewer or even clinics and hospitals were also major accomplishments. With ceremonies/festivals organized by local officials at both the start and completion of such projects. The feeling of accomplishment was something most Portuguese felt and the way the country was moving forward.

The government brought in social programs to help the needy, poor and elderly. Programs that met or exceeded those offered in large industrial countries.

Lastly we talked about sciences for how would a country develop nuclear weapons, create its own computer industry and other advancements? It needed to promote sciences and give students their first exposure to it. Questions/ Comments?

We now will return in two weeks June 21 as we post Security.

 

[Sceonn]

This is the benefit of a Centralization, Government can take action swiftly and enact sweeping changes across the board.

How likely is it for African Nations to send Students to the Federation for Education Programs? The Communist Blog was the most Enthusiastic on that front OTL. Although remaining antipathy for a Colonial power still on the Mothertland might complicate any such move.

 

[Deleted member 84726]

This is the benefit of a Centralization, Government can take action swiftly and enact sweeping changes across the board.

How likely is it for African Nations to send Students to the Federation for Education Programs? The Communist Blog was the most Enthusiastic on that front OTL. Although remaining antipathy for a Colonial power still on the Mothertland might complicate any such move.

I imagine that most will come from portuguese-aligned Africa and less anti-european urban middle-classes elsewere on the continent, since between rural poverty and lack of infrastructure, anti-colonial/western fervor (particularly in tyrannical post-colonial regimes), as well as american-soviet-afrikaner-salafist meddling, not many young africans outside these groups would realistically go study in a surviving colonial empire (even a reformed one) that constantly headbuts with south africa, the global superpowers, and it´s muslim neighbours.

 

[Lusitania]

This is the benefit of a Centralization, Government can take action swiftly and enact sweeping changes across the board.

The federation federal government provided the guidance / instructions and $$ to provincial governments. All federal programs were divided into provincial funding pools based on formulas with some provinces getting more $ based on needs and government priorities. The provincial government was then responsible to implement the plan or project and was accountable to both the people in the province on how well it performed the project but just as importantly had to report back to federal government department and I was audited to make sure funds spent correctly and project completed as per plan. This meant that corruption had a greater chance of being caught and those responsible subject to criminal persecution.

The federal government departments became the planners, advisors, supervisors and auditors while provincial government departments were the doers. On projects that involved several provinces federal workers coordinated the work between the various departments.

On many projects or government programs actual implementation plans were left to provinces but strict guidelines and objectives were established. Standards stated in objectives so that provinces could not flaunt Federal wishes.

It also provided the federal government with someone to blame if projects did not work out correctly. But like in all typical countries federal officials were there to be part of the kickoff announcement and commencement events and especially completion ceremony.

How likely is it for African Nations to send Students to the Federation for Education Programs? The Communist Blog was the most Enthusiastic on that front OTL. Although remaining antipathy for a Colonial power still on the Mothertland might complicate any such move.

I imagine that most will come from portuguese-aligned Africa and less anti-european urban middle-classes elsewere on the continent, since between rural poverty and lack of infrastructure, anti-colonial/western fervor (particularly in tyrannical post-colonial regimes), as well as american-soviet-afrikaner-salafist meddling, not many young africans outside these groups would realistically go study in a surviving colonial empire (even a reformed one) that constantly headbuts with south africa, the global superpowers, and it´s muslim neighbours.

I will limit my answers to period of 1950-1959 at this time. The Portuguese had little space for international students during the 1950s. As the country higher education needs were so huge and the number of students qualifying for university or college increasing each year. That being said space was made for several Portuguese aligned countries’ students. Both the republic of Tombok and Bali were the first to send students to federation, after 1955 Galician students were accepted as that country also ramped up its education system. Around same time students from the kingdom of Baroda started attending both universities in Portuguese India and in Europe. In Africa Due to limited capacity the Portuguese targeted black students from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland with special bursaries in hopes of influencing future leaders and professionals (although after dissolution of the federation many were blacklisted by African nationalist government in Zambia and Malawi in the 1960s). In 1959 the Portuguese University Association pledged to assist the newly independent country Guinea Boke in establishing a university in their capital. In meantime room was created for Guinea Boke students to attend Portuguese universities.

It would not be till mid 1960s and 1970s that Portuguese college/university program was large enough that international students were being recruited and accepted from both Portuguese aligned and other countries.

 

[TheKutKu]

Goddamn the health system reforms and expansion must be a tremendous task, bringing the colonies - which IRL represented 5 of the 10 regions with the lowest life expectancy ( below 30 years! ) in 1950 - to a decent level will be a money sink, but probably worth it.


All these efforts will be worth it eventually, their plausibility is dubious from OTL’s perspective since this Portugal is much more progressive than our, but really at this point this isn’t even colonialism anymore, just development of impoverished regions, not different han what Brazil or the USSR or China could have done

 

[Lusitania]

Goddamn the health system reforms and expansion must be a tremendous task, bringing the colonies - which IRL represented 5 of the 10 regions with the lowest life expectancy ( below 30 years! ) in 1950 - to a decent level will be a money sink, but probably worth it.


All these efforts will be worth it eventually, their plausibility is dubious from OTL’s perspective since this Portugal is much more progressive than our, but really at this point this isn’t even colonialism anymore, just development of impoverished regions, not different han what Brazil or the USSR or China could have done

Education and health reforms in the 1950s are a continuation of the reforms started in the 1930s and accelerated in the 1940s. Then it was the big cities and towns with white population now we moving to the rural areas.

You are right colonialism as we define it stopped in the late 1930s and 1940s for large parts of the overseas provinces. What we have now is a change in mindset. Is it done in a decade no it will take decades to bring running water to whole country but electricity be it integrated grid or isolated does happen during the decade. So too with education and health starting with youth and then continuing with adults.
Portugal iotl was only able to bring electricity to the whole country by the 1980s. I still remember in the early 1970s them coming out to my grand parents village and installing electricity to the whole village. It was a life changer along with free education and free health care for kids.

 

[Lusitania]

1950 – 1959 (cont)

Security​

Starting in 1950 the GNR and PSP forces moved into the newly acquired former Spanish territories as well as the East Indies provinces as they were turned over to civilian control from military control. During the 50s, continued population growth and demands on police resources required the Minister of Interior to increase the forces regularly. Like the 1948 recruitment program the emphasis on the 1951 to 1957 recruitments for both forces were on increasing African, Indian and Asian members. The training centers located on the Iberian Peninsula proved insufficient for a country spread over such a long distance and six new training centers were built in Africa, India and Asia. Command was restructured to provide regional command of all forces that would report to central command in Lisbon. Four regional commands were established, Iberia (also included Morocco), West Africa (included all provinces in Africa facing Atlantic), East Africa (included Portuguese India) and Asia.

The DGS expanded its network both in Portuguese Federation and outside. The Indian Civil War and Indonesia War of Independence taxed the organization as it used its agents in covert operations as well as influencing and communicating with leaders and governments. The experience was essential to its future success in Africa, Americas, Europe and Asia.

When the Portuguese took over Spanish Sahara and Morocco the DGS was suddenly cast in a brand-new environment, one that took years develop a network meanwhile it along with GNR and PSP took any little disturbance as a threat and responded with a very heavy hand. It was only in the mid-50s that Portuguese intelligence started receiving reliable intelligence it could use to protect Portuguese interests. The one thing the Portuguese did not have in North Africa that it had in all other areas was time. Morocco was moving very fast towards independence and Portuguese Morocco needed additional time to be developed and integrated. The poisoning and death of the Sultan while he was under French “protection” in Madagascar provided the Portuguese with additional time to consolidate themselves. The Portuguese were fortunate that the French afraid of the political ramification of Sultan’s death at first hid the death then postponed the Moroccan independence as much as possible. By time Morocco became independent the DGS had a better understanding of the goings on in the country than the new Moroccan government did. Moroccan unit movements were relayed to Portuguese Federation in almost real time and when Morocco launched its attacks, they were ineffective due to Portuguese forces preparedness.

The DGS was extensively involved in the Guinean Civil War and was instrumental in the creation of the Guinea Boke (See 1950 - 1959 World, Guinea and De-Colonization section).

Internally the DGS kept a very close watch on communists and other agitators including African independence supporters. Raids and arrests as well as infiltration of the movements allowed the DGS to keep a very close tab on the groups. In the spring of 1952 several hundred communists and independent agitators were arrested for their continued attempts to disrupt the upcoming elections. In 1957 and 1958 several groups in the midst of planning armed resistance against Portuguese government were arrested. Weapons, plans and more importantly evidence of foreign support was uncovered. Special trials were held to show both the Portuguese the arrests but more importantly foreign intervention. Several defendants took plea deals for reduced sentences and named South African, Soviet and American agents. Newspapers and panelists commented that in some cases the attacks were being prodded by the foreign agents who took an active part in the plots and the Portuguese citizens seemed to be reluctant participants. All three countries denied any involvement in armed attempt against Portuguese Federation. Half the defendants were sentenced to death while the remaining were given jail terms of between 15 and 30 years.

By the mid-1950s conservative opposition to the Federation and reforms became more pronounced. Those that worked for the government were forced to participate in compulsory education and those who failed to adhere to government policies were fired and / or arrested. The DGS was tasked with keeping tabs on the conservative backlash and several of the more militant or disturbing people either disappeared or were arrested and imprisoned.

Internal Migration​

In 1950 of the 1,465,000 Europeans living in Portuguese provinces outside Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands 766,000 lived in West Africa, 392,000 in East Africa, 121,000 lived in North Africa, 83,000 in Guinea, 42,000 in Portuguese India, 34,000 in Portuguese East Indies with remaining 27,000 spread out over the various other provinces. By 1959 the number of Europeans living outside Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands reached 2,684,000 with West Africa continuing to be the destination of choice with 1,266,000 Europeans while East Africa had the second largest number at 577,000. The continued industrialization in Portuguese Morocco would see the number of Europeans in those provinces jump to 421,000. Europeans continued to move to all provinces and in 1959 99,000 lived in Guinea, 63,000 in Portuguese India, 211,000 in Portuguese East Indies with remaining 47,000 spread out over the various other provinces.

In 1950 the number of Africans living in the Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands reached 973,000, Portuguese Morocco also became a popular destination with a population of 96,500. In addition, Africans also continued to move into Portuguese India and East Indies and by 1950 they numbered over 156,000 in those regions. In 1959 the number of Africans in Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands had reached 1,202,000. Portuguese Morocco though showed the highest increase with the African population growing to 216,500 while Africans living in Portuguese India and East Indies by 1959 numbered over 209,000.

The largest internal migration though was Indians, Chinese and East Indians as the countries surrounding the Portuguese provinces in Portuguese India, Portuguese East Indies and Macau were affected by Civil wars. In 1950 over 549,000 Indians lived outside Portuguese India provinces, while Sundanese (people from Timor, Flores and Sumbawa islands) living outside the Portuguese East Indies had grown to 159,000 of which 80% lived in Portuguese African provinces. From Macau, the other Portuguese provinces had already accepted 145,000 Macanese and Chinese refugees. By 1959 the number of Portuguese Indians living outside Indian Subcontinent reached 1,303,000, meanwhile the Portuguese government was able to mount a successful migration campaign with the Sundanese and over 602,000 lived outside Portuguese East Indies provinces. As for the Chinese refugees in Macau, Portuguese government moved over 80% of them to the other provinces so that by 1959 over 600,000 Chinese/Macanese lived throughout Portuguese Federation outside Macau.

Portuguese Immigration​

From 1951 to 1955 the number of Spanish legally emigrating to Portuguese Federation was fixed at 45,000 a year (with 10,000 per year allowed to settle in the Iberian Peninsula while the remaining 35,000 per year allowed to settle to other provinces), but it was estimated that 40% of all Galician males worked at least part of the year in the Portuguese Federation. Starting in 1956 Portuguese Federation and the Republic of Galicia signed Free trade agreement which included free movement of people between the two countries. Tens of thousands of Galicians migrated to Portuguese Federation each year seeking a better life. After the Spanish Crises of 1955 Spanish migration to the Portuguese Federation slowed down dramatically due to negative opinion of Portuguese Federation by majority of Spanish. This gradually wore off and by 1959 the economic disparity between the two countries was so great that Spanish immigration had grown to 20,000 a year with majority of emigrants coming from Leon and Andalusia regions.

In the 1950s the Portuguese Federation became a destination of thousands of European refugees fleeing Communism. In 1950 the western world was still trying to process the 1 million plus refugees from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary still living in camps after the Iron Curtain Crises. At the end of the fighting Portuguese Federation had agreed to accept 20% of the refugees and by time the refugee camps were emptied it had accepted over 262,000 refugees with 90% being Catholic. In 1955 a new exodus appeared first from Hungary but soon from every Eastern European country under communist rule. The 1954-1955 Warsaw Pack Uprising against communism and the poor living conditions was brutally suppressed by Soviet forces resulting in over 2 million people fleeing to the west and Portuguese Federation taking in over 10% of them.[1]

From 1950 to 1959 the Portuguese Federation continued to be a destination for Germans seeking a better life. For the decade, approximately 50,000 per year on average arrived in Portuguese Federation.[2] The immigration of Southern Italians, Sicilians, Greeks, Irish and other Europeans to Portuguese Federation continued to average 60,000 per year during the decade. While immigration from UK continued at about 5,000 per year.

In 1952 Portuguese Federation started documenting a new migrant the Brazilians; for centuries immigration between Portugal and Brazil had always been Portuguese migrating to Brazil. Till the early 1920s approximately 15,000 Portuguese were migrating to Brazil a year. The strong economic development of the 30s and 40s had seen that amount drop to less than 2,000 per year with about 1,000 migrating a year in the 50s. In the late 1940s a small but growing Brazilian migration to Portugal had started, at first it was returnees or their direct descendants, but in 1950 Italians, Germans migrants and Brazilians began migrating to Portuguese Federation in search for better life. In 1952 the number of Brazilian migrating to Portuguese Federation surpassed 2,000 which was double the number of Portuguese migrating to Brazil. For the next decade, the numbers continued to increase reaching 11,000 a year by 1959.

During the 1950s several regional conflicts in Africa, India and Asia contributed to close to 3 million refugees seeking asylum in the Portuguese Federation.

In 1950 the population of Macau soared as hundreds of thousands of Chinese desperate to escape the communist takeover over mainland China sought shelter in the newly promoted province. Over the next two years 400,000 Chinese migrated to other parts of Portuguese Federation creating “China towns” in many of Portuguese Federation’s Asian, African and European cities. The major difference from other countries’ “China town” was the required assimilation including language and cultural training to facilitate greater assimilation into mainstream Portuguese society. Even as the original deluge was cleared, Macau continued to receive thousands of refugees each year. The province’s close proximity to Communist China provided Catholic Chinese fleeing religious persecution to seek safety in the Portuguese province, although not always successful. Drowning in the waters around the province claimed thousands of lives every year. In addition, communist officials and security forces captured thousands of fleeing Chinese, but for every Chinese who drowned or was captured three made it to the province. Portuguese government policy towards the Chinese refugees was that all had to accept being relocated to other provinces or leave the country. Approximately 50% of all refugees chose to stay in the Portuguese Federation with remainder moving to Nationalist China.

In the East Indies, the Portuguese faced two different issues, hundreds of thousands of reluctant citizen / residents and an equal number of refugees who had fled fighting in surrounding Dutch East Indies Islands. The Portuguese relocated tens of thousands of reluctant residents each year. Meanwhile the refugees were kept in camps apart from locals till end of war when all were either returned to their respective islands or allowed to move to other provinces outside Portuguese East Indies. Over the course of the decade 550,000 Sundanese were relocated to other Portuguese provinces for security, economic and integration reasons.

In Portuguese India, the Indian Civil War resulted in hundreds of thousands of Indian refugees seeking refuge in Portuguese India. Portuguese India refugee camps overwhelmed the local resources forcing the Portuguese government to make an urgent appeal to Portuguese Catholic church and other humanitarian organizations in help dealing with the over 1.5 million refugees. From 1950 to 1955 when the war ended over 700,000 had been relocated to Africa, East Indies and Europe but still over 1 million remained in the camps. From 1956 to 1959 when the last camps were closed, and all residents of Portuguese India were properly documented and cleared to live in the provinces an additional 200,000 Indians were moved to other provinces while the remainder returned to their homes in neighboring Indian states.

In Africa, the takeover of Spanish Morocco by Portugal created two different issues, in 1950 when the Portuguese arrived and severely dealt with local uprisings over 200,000 Moroccans fled Portuguese Morocco, Ifni and Portuguese Sahara, the Portuguese government responded by offering free passage to Portuguese citizens to these newly acquired territories. The response was greater than Portuguese Federation anticipated and over 200,000 arrived in the first two years. This number continued to increase over the years as Portuguese companies setup factories and businesses especially in Morocco and Ifni. The continued repression of the locals continued, with thousands being arrested for disturbances or disobeying government orders. Faced with imprisonment and confiscation of property without compensation many took the government offer to buy them out and they move to other parts of country. Those that fled in the first year lived in most cases as refugees within Morocco and in 1957 following independence of Morocco, the Moroccan government closed the refugee camps and forced them at gunpoint back to Portuguese territory hoping to destabilize the Portuguese provinces. The Portuguese gathered these refugees and placed them in camps in the Federation. They were given a chance of accepting Portuguese rule in other provinces or staying in the camps, but the process was suddenly interrupted by Morocco attacking the Portuguese provinces in 1958. The swift Portuguese victory provided the Portuguese with a second alternative to the refugees, they were allowed to move to the demilitarized zones or move to Portuguese provinces. In all 50,000 chose to live in Portuguese Federation with the majority deciding to live in the demilitarized zones.

Justice​

In 1950 the Department of Justice was separated from the Department of Interior. The new Minister was Marcelo Caetano. The new department became responsible for administering GNR, PSP and judiciary as well as customs and immigrations. There was a second reason to separate the regular policing from both internal and external surveillance as well suppression of dissidents both internal and external, namely public image. The government wanted to provide an alternative face to the policing, one that protected the public and dealt with criminals and was always in the public’s face.

In 1951 the Portuguese League (PL) was reformed to include all citizens of the Federation including naturalized citizens, and citizens of African, India and Asian ancestry. All the existing PL members were interviewed and required to show their adherence to the reforms and expanded inclusiveness of the PL, those that could or would not were forced to retire. The reformed PL then began recruiting Portuguese citizens of all ethnic groups, religions and colors. Included in the revised charter was the allowance for naturalized Portuguese who had completed military service or were part of reserves for period of five years be allowed to join. By 1959 the PL had grown tenfold and was present in every province with members from all ethnic backgrounds and religions.

[1] See 1950 -1959 Foreign Affairs – Soviet Union & Warsaw Pack.
[2] German emigration was strongest from 1950 to 1955 but after 1955 with German rebuilding and economy growing the number of Germans began gradually reducing till by 1959 the number of Germans who applied to emigrate to Federation had dropped to less than 10,000 a year.

Both the immigration of people into the Federation and resettlement of people played a huge part into the integration and development of the country. It provided both the ability of industry and government to guide people to areas in need of people but more importantly cohesion of various ethnic and national groups into the overall molding of national "New Portuguese" nationality. The emigration to the Federation did not happen in a vacuum as South America was the region most impacted by the divergence of emigrants. Questions/ Comments?

We now will return in two weeks July 5 as we post Culture & Sports.

 

[Boneheaded_Bookkeeper]

Portugal has really swelled up in population over a few short years lol. The Federation has territory in many location adjacent to major national disasters so they must be getting skilled at accepting and relocating large groups of refugees.

 

[TimTurner]

Eastern Europeans will be a major group in the Portuguese social fabric it seems. It is stuff like this that elevates timelines.

 

[SealTheRealDeal]

Portugese people and Eastern Europeans, with a healthy serving of Africans and south Asians? Is the Federation just a supersized GTA?

 

[Deleted member 84726]

Portugese people and Eastern Europeans, with a healthy serving of Africans and south Asians? Is the Federation just a supersized GTA?

What is a "GTA" in this context?