In 1851, the Portuguese Governor of Timor, José Joaquim Lopes de Lima, sold Flores to the Netherlands for a large sum of money. Although he was not allowed to do so, his sale was confirmed not long after.
Flores, as evidenced by its name which is Portuguese in origin, has much evidence of Portuguese culture, brought by Catholic missionaries. It seems natural to include it in a "Portuguese East Indies" realm.
So what happens with Portugal's colonial empire in the East Indies? How much of a change does Flores remaining Portuguese have on history? If decolonisation still happens, does Flores gain independence alongside (East) Timor as one nation, or does East Timor and Flores separate?
For reference, this is Portugal's sphere of influence in the East Indies.
Flores, as evidenced by its name which is Portuguese in origin, has much evidence of Portuguese culture, brought by Catholic missionaries. It seems natural to include it in a "Portuguese East Indies" realm.
So what happens with Portugal's colonial empire in the East Indies? How much of a change does Flores remaining Portuguese have on history? If decolonisation still happens, does Flores gain independence alongside (East) Timor as one nation, or does East Timor and Flores separate?
For reference, this is Portugal's sphere of influence in the East Indies.