Myths of Decolonization; Britain, France, and Portugal Compared

Abstract

This chapter considers the construction of the notion of decolonization in the context of national political cultures. It seeks to explore the question: What was the role of cultural prejudices and preferences in the end of the three biggest European colonial empires in Africa? Answers will be provided by tracing the impact of some explicit and recurrent cultural prejudices at the level of senior decision makers and officials in comparing British, French, and Portuguese decolonization. It is not possible to show unequivocally here the decisive role of political culture in decolonization. My aim is simply to present arguments and evidence from some relevant sources that it did play an important role in both setting the pace and helping define the shape of decolonization.