Between Guinea and Cape Verde

This chapter provides the historical background for understanding not only the Cabral’s family background, but also the nature of Portuguese colonialism, particularly in relation to the formation of the two Portugal-dominated territories in West Africa, namely Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. Being born in Guinea-Bissau, from Cape Verdean parents, and growing up in Cape Verde, made Cabral a product of the conflictual relationship between these two former Portuguese colonies. For Cabral, then, forming a party that congregates Cape Verdeans and Guineans was also a way to come to terms with his own identity.