Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Transport > Steam Trains
The Portuguese Army attempts to seize a railway train, South
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Portuguese Army attempts to seize a railway train, South
Engraving showing the encounter between a British operated steam train and a detachment of the Portuguese army, Delagoa Bay, South East Africa, 1889. Relations between Great Britain and Portugal were tense in the summer of 1889, due to disagreements over their colonies in Africa. This image shows the scene as the Portuguese attempted to take control of the British run railway and the train driver beat them off using the engines steam valves
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4385903
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10217666
1889 Attempted Attempts Beat Colonies Control D River Detachment Encounter Operated Portugal Portuguese Relations Seize Tense Valves
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Europe
> Portugal
> Railways
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Steam Trains
> Transportation
> Trains
EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving, titled 'The Portuguese Army Attempts to Seize a Railway Train: An Episode of the Delagoa Bay Disturbances, South East Africa, 1889,' depicts a pivotal moment in the tense relations between Great Britain and Portugal over their African colonies. In the summer of 1889, disagreements between the two European powers reached a boiling point, with Portugal attempting to seize control of the British-operated railway in Delagoa Bay. The image shows the Portuguese army, led by soldiers brandishing rifles, attempting to board a British steam train. The train driver, however, was not about to give up his post without a fight. With the steam valves of the engine, he unleashed a powerful blast of steam, forcing the Portuguese soldiers back. The scene is chaotic, with smoke billowing from the engine and soldiers scrambling to retreat. The Delagoa Bay Disturbances, as this incident came to be known, were a significant moment in the scramble for Africa. The British and Portuguese powers were jostling for control of the region, with each side determined to expand its colonial holdings. The railway was a crucial strategic asset, and the Portuguese saw seizing it as a way to assert their dominance. Despite the tensions, the incident ultimately ended without bloodshed, and the two sides reached a diplomatic resolution. However, it served as a reminder of the volatile nature of colonial expansion and the potential for conflict between European powers in Africa. This historical engraving, published in the Illustrated London News on July 21, 1890, offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of European colonialism in Africa. It is a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationships between European powers and the people and territories they sought to control.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
