On (the Absence of) Madeira in Portuguese Historiography: The Case of the 19th and 20th Centuries. A Perspective

Abstract

Assessing the presence or absence of Madeira History in the History of Portugal is the main object of this text, with reference to several pivotal periods or themes, which we know to have been important in the construction of Modern Times. The analysis focused on a set of historiographical works that can be considered of reference and synthesis, both of History of Portugal of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, or of specific thematic areas. Madeiran historiographical production will always be underlying our interpretation, exemplification, appreciation and respective conclusions. Although this is a research in progress, we had the concern to present those that are the guidelines of the project, both with regard to the factors considered for the critical study developed, and in the characterisation of the selected corpus. Finally, we present some suggestions in order to overcome the identified problems and, above all, with the purpose of better building, consolidating, defending and disseminating collective memories.

Keywords

Madeira; Historiography; Portugal; 19^th-20^th Centuries; Autonomy.