The Carnation Revolution – Portugal and Democracy
If you have ever been to Portugal in the Spring, you have probably heard about the 25th of April or 25 de Abril. This Portuguese holiday is observed across the country. Businesses and schools close, the population organizes festivities, and political leaders mark it with official speeches and celebrations.
But why is the 25th of April such an important day? How did it impact Portuguese history? And what does it mean to Portugal today?
Take a trip down memory lane to explore what happened on Thursday, April 25, 1974. Learn how Portugal experienced an almost bloodless coup. Understand how this event changed the course of history and impacted other countries.
The History Behind The Carnation Revolution in Portugal
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There have been many famous revolutions and protests throughout the world’s history. The Boston Tea Party in 1733 sparked the American Revolutionary War. Similarly, the French Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries originated the First and Second Coalition Wars.
More recently, in 1974, Portugal saw a revolution of its own. However, not only was this an unusually bloodless event, but it also ended a war. These two aspects make it a unique happening in history. Start by learning about what led to such an atypical revolution, including the impact of the colonial wars.
The End of The Monarchy in Portugal
Portugal was still governed by a royal family at the beginning of the 20th century. Following a regicide that killed his father and older brother, King Manuel II of Portugal reached the throne in 1908. However, political tension was ever too strong and led to a coup in 1910.
The king went into exile in England, and Portugal saw the birth of its Republic. Less than one year later, in 1911, the country had its first constitutional government, with Manuel de Arriaga as its President. Nevertheless, the rule was still unstable.
There were protests and uprisings, dozens of people died, and ministers left the offices at staggering rates. Consequently, another coup in 1926 led by Portuguese army General Gomes da Costa brought a new government.
The Estado Novo Regime – The Portuguese Dictatorship
The most famous character of the Portuguese authoritarian regime is António de Oliveira Salazar. He became prime minister in 1933, after entering the government in 1928 as the Finance Minister. Armed with a new constitution, he established a regime based on censorship and the impression of civil liberties. Thus, Portuguese scholars call him the most consequential individual of national politics in the 20th century.
His motto was Deus, Pátria e Família (God, Fatherland, and Family) and he was obsessed with order. Hence, he used his power to repress and control the Portuguese citizens and the African colonies. For example, in 1945, he formed the PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado).
This secret police hunted anyone who might support other political parties. Anyone considered a threat to the national dictatorship was persecuted, arrested, or killed. It also censored books, newspapers, and music. Because of it, there was a constant fear and sense of distrust.
Salazar had a stroke that left him disabled and forced him to leave political life. He died two years later in 1970. His replacement, Marcello Caetano appeared more progressive. However, he ended up carrying on the same politics.
The Colonial War
In the meantime, independence movements started arising in the Portuguese colonies. The country lost its territories in India in 1961. At the same time, what is known today as the Portuguese colonial war also started.
This period of history refers to the years in which Portuguese armed forces fought in the colonial wars to maintain overseas territory. It especially affected Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique, where most of the combats happened. Thus, despite the obvious signs that Portuguese colonialism was doomed to end, Salazar decided to go to war.
Also known collectively as Guerra do Ultramar, Portugal’s African wars left the population at an all-time low. Families were losing their husbands and sons. There was widespread suffering and economic hardship. In total, over ten thousand soldiers lost their lives fighting for Portuguese Africa.
Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar, Lisboa, by Jan de Boer, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
The war for Portuguese rule in African territories was senseless for the general population. Besides, other European countries had already abandoned their colonies. For example, England formed the Commonwealth in 1949. Through it, it recognized the freedom of its former territories and formed a strong international community. Seeing this, the people became even more unhappy with the Portuguese government.
The Carnation Revolution of April 1974
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Now that you have all the historical context, learn what happened during the Carnation Revolution. You will discover how it was planned and carried out. Plus, you will understand its impact on Portuguese society and how it is still marking the country’s reality today.
Portugal in 1974
In 1974, Portugal was trapped under the oppressive regime of Marcello Caetano’s fascist dictatorship. The colonial war in Africa had become an unbearable burden for the Portuguese population. Military discontent was growing among the ranks of the armed forces. Besides, the government was growing progressively weaker.
The Armed Forces Movement (MFA), a group of left-wing Portuguese military officers, began plotting to overthrow the government. Their goal was to end the costly and destructive colonial conflicts. On the 16th of March, a military coup attempt failed to materialize.
Still, this setback did not deter the determined military officers from their revolutionary mission. The stage was set for a dramatic transformation of Portuguese society.
25 April 1974
The revolution that took place on Thursday, April 25th, 1974, was a swift military takeover that undertook the dictatorship in less than 24 hours. The MFA organized its operations using songs and secret signs transmitted via national radio stations. The troops, consisting of 160 men and 25 vehicles, reunited overnight in Santarém and arrived in Lisbon at dawn.
They were confronted with the National Republican Guard (GNR), which initially remained loyal to the prime minister. However, it eventually surrendered to the rebel troops. The MFA gained control of military installations, political chambers, and broadcasting facilities.
After taking control of Terreiro do Paço, it advanced toward Quartel do Carmo, where Prime Minister Marcello Caetano was hiding. On the way, the crowds gathered outside and started handing out red carnations. The soldiers who were not using their guns put the flowers in the barrels.
The Transition to Democracy and the Armed Forces Movement
The Carnation Revolution marked the beginning of a transition to democracy in Portugal. When the military junta, called Junta de Salvação Nacional, took power, Caetano resigned. He was later sent to exile in Brazil, where he died in 1980.
Radical elements within the Armed Forces Movement, alongside their leftist civilian allies in the Portuguese Communist Party, gained significant control over the government. The new government promised to restore civil liberties, hold free elections, and clean up state institutions.
However, the first two years after the revolution were highly unstable. Between 1974 and 1975, Portugal recognized the independence of its newly formed colonies. The elections for the national assembly marked the first anniversary of the revolution, and the socialist party earned the most votes.
Impact on Portuguese Politics and Society
As you already understand, the Carnation Revolution profoundly impacted Portuguese politics and society. It led to the establishment of a democratic government and the end of authoritarian rule. Curiously, it was the last social revolution of the 20th century in Western Europe.
The new democratic government implemented significant reforms. It constituted a socialist economy and recognized civil liberties. Consequently, the Portuguese armed forces, which were once instruments of repression, became symbols of liberation.
The Celebrations Today
In 2025, Portugal will mark 51 years after the revolution. The festivities continue on the anniversary of the 25th of April. Every year, there are speeches, parades, and other events that remember and commemorate it throughout the country.
In Lisbon, the streets are decorated with red carnations. The current political leaders organize marches and encourage the people to remember this historic event. When you visit Portugal, you will find many monuments and memorials related to it.
They serve as reminders of the struggle for freedom and the current value of democracy. For example, the 25 de Abril Bridge was built during the dictatorship. Its original name was Ponte Salazar, but it was renamed after the revolution. It is one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to this historic event.
The Portuguese Republic Today
The Carnation Revolution brought many changes. Still, the treatment of immigrants and refugees remains a contentious issue in Portuguese society. National sentiment is increasing, leading some experts to argue that past lessons have been forgotten.
As with other European countries, far-right politics has been rising in Portugal. While it is considered a democratic country, many advocate for alternative political solutions. Additionally, the national situation is becoming increasingly unstable due to constant governmental changes and conflicting opinions among its population.
The current President is Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. His mandate will end in 2026, and the next Presidential elections will be held in January. However, the country has experienced several political crises in recent years. Until recently, the Portuguese Prime Minister was Luís Montenegro. The President recently called for early elections, which will establish a new government and bring on a new Prime Minister.
The Carnation Revolution – Portugal’s Freedom Day
The Carnation Revolution was a significant event in Portuguese history. Today, it still resonates in modern society and politics. It marked the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. Then and now, the people made it a symbol of freedom and social justice. As such, the revolution had a lasting impact on Portuguese politics and society.
The principles that fueled the revolution prevailed. They inspire ongoing efforts to address social inequalities and defend civil liberties. The revolution’s legacy is a testament to the resilience and determination of oppressed peoples.
We live in a world where different forms of government have been tried and failed. The fight for human rights and civilian rule continues in many places. Besides, the ever-changing political landscape brings a permanent sense of instability.
Despite all of these challenges, the Carnation Revolution is often remembered as one of the most impactful events in Portuguese history. Through it, the population regained its civil liberties, and the Portuguese territories in Africa earned their freedom.
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