From Monarchy to Republic (1807–1910)

The 19th century was a period of systemic crisis for the Portuguese monarchy, beginning with the flight of the court to Brazil and ending with the 1910 republican revolution.

1. The Napoleonic Era and the Flight to Brazil (1807)

In November 1807, as Junot’s French forces approached Lisbon, the entire Portuguese court (15,000 people) fled to Rio de Janeiro under British naval protection.

• Impact: Rio became the capital of the empire for 14 years. This was the only instance of a European colony serving as the seat of government for its mother country.
• 1808: Opening of Brazilian ports to friendly nations, ending Lisbon’s trade monopoly.

2. The Liberal Wars (1828–1834)

Following the return of João VI to Lisbon in 1821, a civil war erupted between:

• Absolutists: Led by Dom Miguel.
• Liberals: Led by Dom Pedro (who abdicated the Brazilian throne to fight for his daughter Maria II).
• Outcome: The liberals won, establishing a constitutional monarchy, but the war left the country in massive debt.

3. The 1890 British Ultimatum

The defining moment of the monarchy's decline occurred on January 11, 1890.

• The Dispute: Portugal claimed the territory between Angola and Mozambique (the "Pink Map"). Britain, seeking a Cape-to-Cairo railway, demanded an immediate withdrawal.
• The Capitulation: King Carlos I yielded to the ultimatum.
• Result: Widespread nationalist outrage. The republican movement seized on this "betrayal" as proof of the monarchy's impotence.

4. The Regicide (1908)

On February 1, 1908, members of the Carbonária (a secret republican society) assassinated King Carlos I and Crown Prince Luís Filipe in Lisbon's Terreiro do Paço. The 18-year-old Manuel II became the final King of Portugal.

5. The Republican Revolution (1910)

On October 4, 1910, a republican uprising supported by the Navy (the cruisers Adamastor and São Rafael) began in Lisbon.

• October 5, 1910: The Portuguese Republic was proclaimed from the balcony of the Lisbon City Hall (Paços do Concelho).
• Aftermath: The new regime separated church and state, introduced a new flag and currency (the Escudo), and established a highly unstable parliamentary system (45 governments in 16 years).

Key Timeline Data

• 1807: Court moves to Brazil.
• 1822: Brazil declares independence.
• 1890: British Ultimatum (turning point for Republicans).
• 1908: Assassination of King Carlos I.
• 1910 (Oct 5): Proclamation of the Republic.