Carnation Revolution: Portugal's Transition to Democracy

• The Carnation Revolution was a military coup in Portugal on April 25, 1974, that overthrew the Estado Novo regime
• It led to Portugal's transition to democracy, the end of the Portuguese Colonial War, and the independence of Portugal's former colonies in Africa
• The revolution got its name from civilians placing carnations in the muzzles of soldiers' rifles

Background and Causes

• The Estado Novo was an authoritarian regime installed in 1933, led for many years by António de Oliveira Salazar
• By the early 1970s, Portugal was facing significant challenges
• Portugal was one of the poorest countries in Europe, with high levels of poverty and inequality
• Deeply unpopular colonial war was ongoing in Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau)
• The war consumed a large portion of the national budget and resulted in significant casualties
• The regime restricted political freedoms and suppressed dissent
• Censorship was pervasive, and political opposition was not tolerated
• Many junior officers in the military became disillusioned with the regime and the war
• They formed clandestine groups to discuss political change and plan a coup

The Coup

• The coup was planned and executed by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), composed of middle-ranking officers
• The signal to initiate the coup was given at 10:55 PM on April 24, with the broadcast of the song "E depois do adeus"
• At 12:20 AM on April 25, the song "Grândola, Vila Morena" was broadcast, confirming the coup was underway
• Military forces, led by MFA, took control of strategic locations in Lisbon and other cities
• The MFA issued communiqués to the population, calling for calm and promising democratic reforms
• Unlike many coups, the Carnation Revolution did not involve widespread violence
• Civilians took to the streets to support the military, offering carnations to the soldiers
• Marcelo Caetano, who had succeeded Salazar as Prime Minister, surrendered to the MFA

Key Figures

• António de Spínola: A general who became President after the revolution
• Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho: The chief strategist of the MFA
• Salgueiro Maia: A captain who led the troops that surrounded the government buildings in Lisbon
• Marcelo Caetano: The Prime Minister who was overthrown

Immediate Aftermath

• The MFA formed a provisional government to oversee the transition to democracy
• Political prisoners were released, and censorship was abolished
• Political parties were legalized, and preparations were made for free elections
• The process of decolonization began, leading to the independence of Portugal's African colonies
• There was a period of political instability and social unrest

Decolonization

• The Carnation Revolution led to the rapid decolonization of Portuguese Africa
• Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe all gained independence in 1975
• The decolonization process was often chaotic and led to civil wars in some of the newly independent countries
• A large influx of Portuguese refugees (retornados) returned to Portugal from the former colonies

Transition to Democracy

• A constituent assembly was elected in 1975 to draft a new democratic constitution
• The constitution was approved in 1976, establishing a parliamentary democracy
• The first free elections were held in 1976
• Portugal joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1986

Political and Social Changes

• The revolution brought about significant political and social changes in Portugal
• It ended decades of authoritarian rule and established a democratic government
• It led to greater social and economic equality
• It changed Portugal's relationship with the rest of the world, especially with its former colonies

Legacy

• The Carnation Revolution is remembered as a peaceful revolution that brought democracy to Portugal
• It is celebrated annually on April 25 as a national holiday
• The revolution remains an important symbol of resistance against authoritarianism
• It's a reminder of the power of collective action in achieving political change
• The Carnation Revolution had a significant impact on Portugal and the world
• It marked the end of Portuguese colonialism
• It ushered in a new era of democracy and freedom in Portugal
• It inspired movements for democracy and social justice in other parts of the world

The Carnation Revolution was a military coup in Portugal on April 25, 1974, that overthrew the Estado Novo regime. It led to Portugal's transition to democracy and the end of the Portuguese Colonial War. The revolution got its name from civilians placing carnations in the muzzles of soldiers' rifles.