{"id":3295,"date":"2022-04-25T22:25:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T22:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/restlesscoffeeholic.com\/?p=3295"},"modified":"2024-04-18T10:30:39","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T10:30:39","slug":"carnation-revolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.restlesscoffeeholic.com\/tr\/travel\/carnation-revolution\/","title":{"rendered":"Carnation Revolution in Portugal – 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Portugal's Carnation Revolution<\/u><\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Dictator that \"Falls\" from Ruling the Country to the Kitchen,
The Fearless General and the Revolution<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Captain Salgueiro Maia (left) leading the revolutionary events in Lisbon downtown (25 April 1974)<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chapter - 1<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Beginning of the Dictatorship<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Oppression, press censorship, state\u2019s close affiliation with the clergymen, restrictions to the rights and liberties of the people\u2026<\/p>

And one man in the centre of all these: Ant\u00f3nio de Oliveira Salazar<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>

As in many other countries where people regained their liberties upon rising against the long-standing tyranny, oppression and servitude, behind Portugal\u2019s road to freedom, lies a struggle that is filled with sacrifices, valour, and fearless heroes.<\/p>

A struggle that is easier said than done, memories of which are weighing on the hearts; but in the end, a rewarding one.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Everything started with a spatula.<\/p>

Yes, you’ve read it right.<\/p>

Spatula, the one that we use daily in our kitchens.<\/p>

When I entered kitchen in Portugal, I learned that what we call spatula is called “Salazar” by Portuguese.<\/b><\/span><\/p>

They had given the name of the dictator who ruled the country for almost half of a century, to this plain utensil used in the kitchen.<\/p>

Why, though?<\/p>

My curiosity got the better of me and I set after this story.<\/p>

What I discovered throughout my research, sometimes chilled me to my bones, sometimes excited me and sometimes filled me with sorrow.<\/p>

Are you ready to take this staggering travel in time with me?<\/p>

Then buckle up.<\/p>

(A quick, friendly recommendation: As you might have understood, this is not one of those classical travel articles. So, get your coffee (or any beverage of your choice), lay back and get ready to embark on a journey full of emotions, towards Portugal\u2019s fascinating story of fight for freedom.)<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Today is 25th of April. The Independence Day in Portugal.<\/strong><\/p>

Everywhere is decorated with carnations. Because with the Carnation Revolution that took place on April 25, Portuguese, paved the way to their freedom.<\/p>

But how did Portugal get drifted towards this aftermath? Why did Portuguese have to give a fight for their freedom? What sacrifices have been made throughout the road to freedom?<\/p>

And why is it called Carnation Revolution?<\/p>

I started researching the impressive story of the Revolution after stumbling into it by chance in Portugal and found out that it was something which we all could learn from.\u00a0 Therefore, to bring this story out in the best way possible, I dug into it for almost two years.<\/p>

And decided to publish it on this 25th of April, anniversary of Carnation Revolution.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lisbon Regicide <\/u>
Portugal Falls into the Hands of a Dictator<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A depiction of Lisbon regicide<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As you may know, Portugal used to be ruled as kingdom. At least until the 20th century.<\/p>

In 20th century, however, we see \u201cFirst Republic<\/span>\u201d<\/strong> period.<\/p>

Short in lifespan, the 1st Republic has been terminated with a revolution which included a regicide in 1908. During their passage through the Pra\u00e7a do Commer\u00e7io (also known as Terreiro do Pa\u00e7o) the royal family was attacked by assassins. In the course of this event, which is known as the Lisbon Regicide<\/strong><\/span>, the King of Portugal and heir Prince were killed and thus the Portuguese Monarchy was overthrown.<\/p>

Having been founded upon such a turmoil The First Republic failed to have a well-grounded structure and therefore could not last long.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pra\u00e7a do Com\u00e9rcio \/ Terreiro do Pa\u00e7o<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As mentioned above, the First Republic had a very short life.<\/p>

Indeed, the coup d\u2019etat that took place in 1926, brought a swift end to the First Republic and made the way for a period that would deeply affect Portuguese\u2019s lives and always be remembered with mostly sad and painful memories:<\/p>

The \u201cDitadura Nacional<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u201d (\u2018National Dictatorsip<\/span>\u2019<\/strong>) period.<\/p>

Thus began the difficult journey to the Revolution.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Salazar<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In 1933, upon the constitutional referendum, National Dictatorship was transformed into a regime called \u201cEstado Novo<\/strong><\/span>\u201d (\u201cNew State<\/strong><\/span>\u201d in English)<\/em> with a system developed\u00a0by Ant\u00f3nio de Oliveira Salazar<\/span>, <\/strong>back then the Minister of Finance, for which he took conservative and autocratic (where a state or society is governed by one person with absolute power) ideologies as example.<\/p>

And he assumed the posts of head of government<\/strong><\/span> and prime minister<\/strong><\/span> in this regime that would last for 41 years.<\/p>

(By the way, if the name \u201cSalazar\u201d reminded you of the villains in world-famous series such as Harry Potter<\/strong><\/span> and the Pirates of the Caribbean<\/span>,<\/strong> it is for a reason. Keep reading to find out why =))<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Is the \"Salazar Regime\"?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Although Portuguese people appreciate some of Salazar\u2019s works, the only word they mostly use to describe his rule remains the same:
<\/b><\/span><\/p>

DICTATORSHIP<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>

Before moving on to why people consider him a dictator, let\u2019s give the credit where it\u2019s due and address some of his remarkable works, shall we?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1- His Success In Financial Matters<\/u><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Salazar, ever since his school years, shows the signs of his brilliance in financial matters. And when he was eventually appointed as Minister of Finance, he had some significant accomplishments for Portuguese economy, such as raising the GDP per capita. (Although it was not enough and Portugal still remains to have the lowest average of salary in Western Europe.)<\/em><\/p>

Of course, when Salazar\u2019s educational background is considered, his success in financial politics is not a surprise. He graduated from the Coimbra University Faculty of Law<\/span> with honours<\/strong>, specialising in Finance and Economic Policy.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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{Coimbra University is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the World. Visit the city of wisdom: HERE<\/strong><\/em>}<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2- Literacy Rate Goes Up In Portugal<\/u><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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During his rule, education has been handled as a priority matter.\u00a0<\/p>

Many schools were built, many universities opened (not only in Portugal but also in the old colonies like Mozambique and Angola) and literacy rates of the children at the primary school age had reached to 100%. (Here again, Portugal still remained to have the lowest literacy rate in Western Europe.)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3- He Kept Portugal Harmless -If Not Profited- During the WWII <\/u><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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One accomplishment that Portuguese people mention mostly about Salazar was Portugal\u2019s attitude during the WWII.<\/p>

As you might notice, Salazar\u2019s rule coincides with the breakout of the 2. World War.<\/p>

They say that Salazar kept Portugal neutral during the WWII and he used the occasion to the Portugal\u2019s benefit instead.<\/p>

How?<\/p>

By selling materials -such as tungsten- that are important in the war time to the state-parties; which contributed highly as an income to the Portuguese economy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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There Is A Controversy, Though, About Portugal\u2019s Neutrality.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Portugal\u2019s neutrality bears some controversies, though.<\/p>\n

Some scholars say that Portugal\u2019s neutrality had actually been in favour of some certain countries such as the UK and the USA. (Let me remind you that Portugal and UK are the oldest allies in the World<\/u><\/strong>.<\/span>)<\/p>\n

The scholars who assert the foregoing opinion emphasize that Portugal allowed U.S. to use the Azores as airbase. For the US aircrafts that passed Atlantic and needed fuel charge to continue their mission, these islands in the middle of the Atlantic were of a big help, which naturally provided significant upper hand to the allies. But let\u2019s leave this discussion to the academicians.)<\/p>\n

Then, despite all these, why do people consider his rule a dictatorship?<\/p>\n

Let’s check up on that.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why Salazar Regime Is Considered a Dictatorship?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Because the other side of the medal is not so bright.<\/p>

During his rule, fundamental and political rights and freedoms were restricted to a large extent. Such as those of the press, thought and expression, assembly and demonstrate, thought and faith\u2026 and many more.<\/p>

A secret and political police agency was established,<\/strong> which later became an armed special force of the Estado Novo <\/strong>and the government implemented a strict censorship policy throughout the country:<\/p>

\u201cPIDE\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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P.I.D.E.; \u2018Pol\u00edcia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado<\/u><\/em>\u2019(The \u201cInternational and State Defence Police) <\/em>was actually formed to maintain the security of the country.
<\/p>

It is, however, used for controlling the society and reinforce the oppressive regime upon people. <\/strong>Those who raised voice against the government said to have been detained, some of them were tortured and killed. As a result of which, eventually, the community became afraid to talk.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Emblem of \"PIDE\"<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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(If you want to take a shuddery time travel to these years, I highly recommend you visit Aljube Museum of Resistance and Liberty<\/strong><\/a> in Lisbon. To visit now: HERE.)<\/p>\n

You may question: \u201cBut wasn\u2019t Salazar just the prime minister? Did not Portugal have a president? Why was he so capitulated?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Because Salazar was a highly regnant political figure and, as the phrase goes, able to “pull the strings” at his will.<\/p>\n

Before steering towards the faculty of law, Salazar wanted to be a cleric and finished Seminary of Viseu<\/strong>. And not so surprisingly, after he went into politics, remained in close proximity to clergymen and Catholic institutions. (One of his closest friends was Cardinal-Patriarch Cerejeira, who later had become the head of the Catholic church<\/b> and been involved in many important political decisions).<\/p>\n

Though Meneses stresses out that Salazar left behind his earlier political Catholicism later on and he governed not in accordance with Church’s interest but with what was “national” according to him.<\/p>\n

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In Portugal, a country that considers itself the castle of Christianity, this, naturally was a great factor for the support he received.<\/div>\n
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(According to the biography of Salazar by historian-academician Filipe de Meneses<\/a>,<\/strong> upon negotiations with the Church, (the head of the church was Cardinal Cerejeira, his old friend<\/b>) State accepted establishment of religious orders and congregations.<\/p>\n

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One of them was Ac\u00e7\u00e3o Catolica Portuguesa, which had a very complex structure, having many different sub-divisions structured according to age (adults, youth, childhood); sex (men, women separately); working class, universities\u2026) and so on.<\/p>

Also, through \u201cChristianization\u201d of education<\/b>, and later through an agreement with the Church (the \u201cConcordat of 1940\u201d), <\/b>Salazar provided necessary conditions for the Church to act freely upon the social, cultural and moral matters and have a hold upon <\/b>the society.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>