Salazar and the Estado Novo (1933–1974)

The Estado Novo (New State) was Europe’s longest-lived right-wing authoritarian regime, founded by economics professor António de Oliveira Salazar.

1. The Rise of Salazar (1926–1933)

The First Republic collapsed in a 1926 military coup. Salazar was appointed Finance Minister in 1928 with absolute control over the budget. After balancing the books, he became Prime Minister in 1932.

2. The 1933 Constitution

The new constitution established a corporatist state:

• Corporatism: The economy was organized into state-controlled "guilds" (employers) and "unions" (workers). Strikes and independent unions were illegal.
• Ideology: Defined by the motto "Deus, Pátria e Família" (God, Fatherland, and Family).
• Repression: The PIDE (secret police) used a vast network of informers (bufos) to monitor dissent. The Tarrafal concentration camp in Cape Verde was used for political prisoners.

3. World War II and the "English Alliance"

Salazar maintained Portuguese neutrality while providing tungsten to both sides and allowing the Allies to use airbases in the Azores (1943). This pragmatic diplomacy ensured the regime's survival into the post-war era as a founding member of NATO (1949).

4. The Colonial Wars (1961–1974)

Salazar refused to decolonize, viewing the African territories as "Overseas Provinces."

• 1961: Simultaneous uprisings in Angola.
• 1963: Conflict begins in Guinea-Bissau.
• 1964: Conflict begins in Mozambique. By the early 1970s, the wars consumed 40% of the national budget and necessitated a four-year compulsory military service, leading to massive youth emigration (largely to France).

5. The End of the Era

• 1968: Salazar suffered a stroke. He was replaced by Marcello Caetano. Salazar died in 1970, reportedly still believing he was in power.
• The "Marcellist Spring": Caetano's brief attempt at liberalization failed to end the wars or curb inflation.
• April 25, 1974: The regime was overthrown in the Carnation Revolution.

Key Figures and Organs

• PIDE/DGS: The secret police.
• Mocidade Portuguesa: State youth organization (compulsory 1936–1974).
• Tarrafal: "The Camp of Slow Death" in Cape Verde.
• Censorship: Exame Prévio (Prior Examination) for all publications.