“Collaborating neutrality” and propaganda in Portugal during World War II

Abstract

This article aims to present and understand the dimension and the involvement that war propaganda had in Portugal during World War II. Despite the declaration of neutrality, the presence of war propaganda led Portugal to become a cooperating State with the belligerents who, through their actions, formed groups of influence: Anglophiles and Germanophiles. This article intends, firstly, to make known how Portuguese neutrality dealt with the specific case of the propaganda agents of each belligerent sides, giving prominence to their movements and strategies. Then, taking the case of two magazines of propaganda character published and distributed, in Portugal since 1940 – A Esfera (pro-Axis) and Mundo Gráfico (pro-Allies) – where the messages and ideas that were sought to base on the analysis of photographic records published there. Between 1940 and 1945 were several moments of “cooperative neutrality” held on various aspects, including war propaganda, allowing its publication. The magazines A Esfera and Mundo Gráfico defend specific and distinct interests. However, this article will show that they present the same means to get their message across.