Overview of Recent Times

In 1910 a revolution brought about the First Republic, overturning the monarchy. The republic proved was a time of turmoil. In 1912, it separated into three factions, though the Democrats were mainly in control. However, in 1915 there was a short-lived dictatorship when the president put General Pimenta de Castro in control of the government. In less than a year, a popular uprising in Lisbon ended the dictatorship and returned the Democrats to power. The First Republic was overturned by a military coup in 1926, which brought a military dictatorship led by Salazar that lasted through 1933. These years were repressive, but brought reasonable economic and social stability. After several violent uprisings, the New State, a government led by organized workers, was in power until 1939. During World War II, Portugal decided to maintain neutrality, though they sided cooperatively with the Allies. The war was extremely taxing on the economy, and led to strikes across the country. During the 1950s, Portugal was recognized as one of Europe's powers, and was a founding member of NATO. However, the Cold War caused a new wave of ultra-conservatism in the country, which prompted more liberal uprisings. The 1960s were a time of collapse within Portugal. Its colonies began independence movements, which included violent guerrilla attacks and sabotage on NATO and military posts. In 1974, the Carnation Revolution, a mostly bloodless leftist military coup, prompted Portugal to release all of its overseas colonies. In 1975, independence was granted to its African colonies. Portugal retained control of Macau until 1999, when it was returned to the People's Republic of China. In 1976, Indonesia invaded East Timor, though it was still recognized as Portuguese territory by the United Nations. Portugal acknowledged East Timor's independence in 2002, three years after East Timor voted for independence. Portugal joined the European Union in 1986. This, along with the returning citizens from the now free colonies, prompted economic growth for Portugal. Portugal's eighteen-district mainland and several islands now are home 10.5 million people. Ten percent of these are immigrants, from former colonies and poorer parts of Europe. Portugal was long a country of emigration, but is now one with more immigration.

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