History of Cape Verde: From Origins to Independence
The islands of Cape Verde remained unexplored until the 15th century. In 1456, Venetian explorer Alvise Cadamosto and Genoese navigator Antonio da Noli, along with Portuguese sailors, described them as uninhabited lands. However, some historians suggest that African fishermen or Arab and Phoenician traders may have visited them earlier.
Colonization and the Slave Trade
In 1462, Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha) was founded on the island of Santiago, marking the beginning of colonization. Thanks to its strategic location in the Atlantic, Cape Verde became a stopover point for ships traveling to the Americas and a key center for the African slave trade.
Agriculture, based on imported crops, struggled due to the arid climate. As a result, the local economy focused on supplying ships and participating in the transatlantic slave trade, which remained the archipelago's primary economic activity throughout the 16th century. The trade extended to other African goods such as ivory, cotton, rubber, and honey.
An Archipelago Marked by Slavery and Discrimination
The abolition of slavery in 1870 did not immediately improve the lives of the population. Former slaves were forced into labor for decades. The Portuguese colonial administration imposed a racial hierarchy, categorizing the population into 17 different classifications, ranging from "dark black" to "almost white." This system also led to internal discrimination among Cape Verdeans themselves.
Economic Crisis, Emigration, and Famines
At the beginning of the 20th century, São Vicente replaced Santiago as the main economic center, attracting migrants from other islands in search of work. However, a decline in maritime trade and repeated droughts triggered severe crises. In 1921, famine claimed the lives of 17,000 people.
As early as the 19th century, many Cape Verdeans emigrated to the United States, particularly to New England, initially working on whaling ships. Emigration continued in the following decades, becoming a key element in the country’s history.
The Independence Movement and the End of One-Party Rule
Between the 1930s and 1950s, a nationalist movement emerged, supported by the newspaper Claridade. After years of struggle, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975, with Aristides Maria Pereira as president and Pedro Pires as prime minister.
The PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) took power, but the project of unification with Guinea-Bissau collapsed in 1980, leading to the formation of the PAICV. In the following decades, Cape Verde aligned itself with Soviet bloc countries such as the USSR and Cuba.
In 1990, public protests led to the end of one-party rule. Carlos Veiga founded the MpD (Movimento para Democracia), transforming Cape Verde into a democratic state. In 1991, the MpD won the elections and governed for the next decade, promoting foreign investment and the development of tourism, fishing, and the service industry.
As early as the 19th century, many Cape Verdeans emigrated to the United States, particularly to New England, initially working on whaling ships. Emigration continued in the following decades, becoming a key element in the country’s history.
The Return of the PAICV and Modern Development
In 2001, the PAICV returned to power with Pedro Pires as president, marking a new phase in Cape Verdean politics. The country continued to grow, focusing on tourism and attracting foreign investment.
