He led the Frelimo War against the Portuguese (1964–74) and became the first President (1975–86) of the People’s Republic of Mozambique. A Marxist, he nationalized multinational companies; he also allowed his country to be used as a base for nationalist guerrilla forces operating in Rhodesia and South Africa. Nevertheless, his politics became increasingly pragmatic, accepting Portuguese aid and contact with South Africa. He died in an air crash, which some believe to have been deliberately caused.