Proclamation of the Second Republic – November 11

The Proclamation of the Second Republic, also known as the November 11 Revolution, was a pivotal moment in the history of Portugal. It marked the end of the First Portuguese Republic and the beginning of the Estado Novo, a military dictatorship that would last for over four decades. The events of November 11, 1926, were the result of growing political instability and economic turmoil in Portugal.

On this day, a small group of military officers led by General António de Oliveira Salazar, staged a coup d’état and overthrew the democratic government. Salazar established himself as the leader of the new regime and ruled with an iron fist until 1968.

The Proclamation of the Second Republic marked a radical change in the political landscape of Portugal. It would have far-reaching implications for the country and its people, shaping the future of Portugal for many years to come.

The First Portuguese Republic was established in 1910, following a revolution that deposed the monarchy.

However, the new government struggled to maintain stability and faced constant political and economic challenges.

This led to a period of political chaos known as the ‘First Republic era’.

In the early 1920s, growing discontent among the military and conservative groups fueled calls for a change in government.

General António de Oliveira Salazar, a former professor and economist, emerged as a strong and influential figure within the military.

He believed that the only way to restore order and stability in Portugal was through a military dictatorship.

On November 11, 1926, Salazar and his supporters carried out a successful coup and effectively ended the First Portuguese Republic.

Following the coup, Salazar was appointed Minister of Finance and soon consolidated his power in the government.

He immediately began to implement his economic policies, which would later become known as the ‘Estado Novo’ (New State).

The Estado Novo was characterized by a centralized and authoritarian government, strict censorship, and suppression of all political opposition.

Under Salazar’s rule, Portugal experienced a period of economic growth and modernization, but at the cost of political freedom and human rights.

His regime would last until 1968 when Salazar was incapacitated by a stroke and replaced by Marcello Caetano.

However, the Estado Novo continued until 1974 when a democratic revolution overthrew the dictatorship.

The Proclamation of the Second Republic on November 11, 1926, marked the beginning of a new era in Portugal’s history, with significant consequences for the country and its people.

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