The Transcontinental Vision
An exploration of the geopolitical concept that defined Portugal as a unitary nation-state spanning multiple continents.
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The Concept
Defining Pluricontinentalism
Pluricontinentalism was a geopolitical doctrine that framed Portugal not merely as a European nation, but as a transcontinental country. It posited Portugal as a singular, unitary nation-state composed of both its continental territory and its numerous overseas provinces, effectively asserting that the nation's identity and sovereignty extended across multiple continents.
Unitary State Across Continents
This concept was instrumental in maintaining the integrity of Portugal's vast colonial holdings under a unified political structure. It presented the overseas territories not as colonies in the traditional sense, but as integral parts of a single, indivisible Portuguese nation, thereby challenging the notion of Portugal as a typical colonial empire and instead emphasizing its status as a pluricontinental state.
Historical Trajectory
Ancient Roots and Early Manifestations
The conceptual underpinnings of pluricontinentalism can be traced as far back as the 14th century. However, its most concrete manifestation occurred during the reign of Queen Maria I of Portugal. With the establishment of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves, and the subsequent relocation of the royal court to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil effectively served as the de facto capital of this transcontinental monarchy.
Estado Novo and Colonial Justification
Later, under the authoritarian Estado Novo regime, pluricontinentalism was actively promoted. It served as a crucial ideological tool, a final strategic attempt to legitimize Portugal's continued control over its remaining colonies in the face of rising decolonization movements. By framing the empire as a single, multi-continental nation, the regime sought to resist international pressure for independence.
Dissolution and Legacy
The concept of pluricontinentalism ultimately collapsed following the Carnation Revolution in 1974. This pivotal event ushered in an era of democratic reform and led to the swift independence of Portugal's remaining overseas territories. The formal dissolution of the Portuguese Empire concluded with the handover of Macau in 1999, marking the definitive end of Portugal's transcontinental statehood.
Key Figures
Proponents and Monarchs
Several influential figures and historical entities were associated with the concept or its practical implementation:
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References
References
- Dicionรยกrio Priberam da Lรยญngua Portuguesa: Pluricontinental
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