Cape Verdean History

I just wrote this as a journal entry that was required as part of our ´portfolio´that we need to finish before becoming actual volunteers (7 weeks to go!). Because I am working with teachers in the US and their classrooms, I thought it might be a nice addition to the blog.

Two weeks ago, our training group had the opportunity to visit Riberia Grande, or Cidade Vilha, a place rich with history and the beginning of much of Cape Verdean life and culture. The "Old City" was once the major city on the island of Santiago, before a migration in 1612 (due in large part to pirate attacks, which also provide opportunity for slaves to run away to the hillsides which now accounts for many of the mountain villages) to Praia, which became the capital in 1858. Through the city, pieces from the past are visible, including a post in the middle of town where slaves were once tied before slavery was abolished in Cape Verde in 1836. From its accidental discovery in 1460 by Diaga Gomez and Antonio da Noli, to independence in 1975 to the most recent elections and shift in power, our history and tour guides led us through Cape Verde’s unique and rich historical and cultural landscape.

The physical location of the islands has contributed greatly to the social and economic history of Cape Verde. Located at a key point between Africa, the Americas and Europe, Cape Verde offered a safer portal to access African slaves; traders who went to the continent proper faced a host of possible dangers, from leaders unwilling to bargain to slaves running aground near or in rivers and being claimed by natives as their own. After slavery was instituted in Cape Verde in 1582, it became a much safer port to trade slaves. In addition, many were trained as skilled laborers and/or baptized and were thus more highly valued. Slavery was Cape Verdes main industry at this time, with 87.5% of the population consisting of slaves. Other economic industries at this time included sugar cane and cotton trade.

Later, as slavery died, Cape Verde was used for other purposes. In 1838 Sao Vincent harbor, Porto Grande, was developed as a coaling station. In addition, Cape Verde served as a telegraph point connecting Europe, Latin America and West Africa. Industry shifted to exporting cotton, wood, fabric, leather, corn, turtles, rum, tobacco and salt.

The climate of Cape Verde, also heavily influenced by geography and geology, with it’s long dry season and short rainy season, shaped the countries history, culture and economy. It encouraged Portuguese women to "stay put" in Europe, leaving Portuguese men with the options of either celibacy or taking an African woman as a "wife." This mixing of ethnicities and cultures is evident today in the wide spectrum of Cape Verdeans skin, eye and hair color, as well as the blend of languages, known as Kriolu.

As mentioned, the rain season in Cape Verde is extremely short and also varies from island to island. In general the rains begin in July/August and end in September/October; the specifics vary depending on the source. With little rain comes little food, and the history of Cape Verde is fraught with numerous droughts leading to famine: 1901 – 1904, 1920 – 1921, 1941 – 1943 and 1947 – 1948. This pattern could have continued were it not for international aid beginning in the 1970’s which prevented an unknown number of deaths.

The combination of isolated location, Portuguese control, arid climate and general economic under development/lack of jobs have led to much of the population emigrating all over the world. Early emigration took place from the island of Brava where whaling ships would bass and pick up men to work on the ships. These vessels frequently brought men to New England in America, which partially accounts for the large number of Cape Verdeans in cities such as Boston. Other emigrants traveled to Portugal, France, the Netherlands and Italy; Brazil and Argentina; and Senegal, Angola and Sao Tome, though the "emigrants" on Sao Tome were more indentured servants than employees and were unable to leave the island due to the inability to make and save money. Emigration continues today and in many ways shapes the social realities of Cape Verde. Many men leave the country to make and send money home to their families, and return infrequently, leaving the women and younger children to run the house hold. In addition, many young adults leave Cape Verde hoping to find more opportunities abroad, which can have a damaging effect on the ability of Cape Verde to build capacity and rely on human resources that may affect change.

In 1924 in Guinea, Amilcar Cabral was born. His fathers occupation led the family to travel frequently, and Cabral received his high school education in Cape Verde, on the island of Sao Vincent. His degree in Agronomy was earned in Lisbon. In 1959, the young and politically minded Cabral formed the PAIGC, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde; having grown up in both countries and given their colonial status under Portugal, the union survived despite tensions between party members from the different countries. In 1963 he began the fight against colonial rule, and in 1973 he was killed before seeing the country win its independence.

In part because of revolution in Portugal and diminishing support in that country for fighting in Africa, Cape Verde and Guinea won independence. From 1974 to 1975 a transition government between Cape Verde and Portugal was formed, and on July 5, 1975, Cape Verde received full independence. Aristides Pereira, one of the key players in the fight for independence, replaced Cabral as leader of the ruling party and, according to the constitution, became president for life. The government from 1975 to 1990 was based on the following structure: Single party rule; Life term for the president; One Prime Minister; and Parliament. Government and industry was nationalized and Cape Verde was under a strong rule. However, after 4 to 5 years, the government became more flexible; although historically this period may not seem to have a positive summary, many excellent policies were instituted, including family planning and working with the UN for food aid, in particular for children (which both provided much needed nutrition for young people and also encouraged school attendance, contributing to the high literacy rate in Cape Verde).

Without the uniting presence of Cabral to solidify the tie between Cape Verde and Guinea, the conflict between the countries continued to grow. When, in 1980, there was a coup d’etat in Guinea, the Cape Verde official broke ties and formed a new party, PAICV (African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde). At this time the economy was state controlled and 80% of food was imported. Major industries included salt mining, ship repair, manufacturing, and exporting shoes and clothing. The economy was supported by international organizations and aid from other countries; in addition most emigrants sent money home. Employment in country consisted of high intensity manual labor.

Democracy arrived in Cape Verde in 1991 with the first free elections. Two major parties were represented: PAICV and MDP, Movement for Democracy. MDP swept the elections – presidential, parliamentary and municipal. Democratic changes were instituted, including a new constitution, a 5 year limit on presidency, and a new flat and anthem in 1993. The MDP economic approach was quite different from its predecessor, and most of this structure continues today: free market economy, expansion of the private sector and privatization of industry, efforts to attract foreign investors, tourist development and a focus on service oriented economy, and a fixed relation of the Cape Verdean Escudo to the Euro.

In the 2001 election, PAICV regained power and has been the ruling party since. However, as opposed to returning to its old platform, it continued many of previous parties policies. Today, the president of Cape Verde is Pedro Pires and the Prime Minister is Jose Maria Neyes. However, the political landscape may soon again change; in recent municipal government elections MDP regained much of its power.