The Azores' long-held strategic importance as a stopover point for the Atlantic connections, initially serving as a vital refueling and resupply station for ships navigating between Europe, Africa, and the Americas - including those involved in whaling and those carrying immigrants from Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries - was later expanded with mid-20th century aviation advancements. The construction of major airports of Terceira and Santa Maria Islands by the British and Americans in the 1940s transformed the islands into essential hubs for transatlantic air travel. The enhanced transportation links made it easier, after the 1950s, for Azorean emigrants to embark on their journeys, thereby contributing to the migratory flow to countries such as the United States and Canada. Its geographical location also rendered the Azores a crucial point of interest during pivotal moments in history, such as World War II and the Cold War. In contemporary times, the archipelago remains a significant player in international relations and assumes a vital role in extending Portugal's domain in Atlantic security.

Bruma Publications; Associação LPAZ

Historical Geopolitics,Transatlantic Relations,European Union and NATO,Cold War,Portugal

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