History of António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar, one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Portuguese politics, was born on April 28, 1889, in Vimieiro, Portugal. As a political leader, he left an indelible mark on Portugal's history, having served as Prime Minister for an extended period during which he established a regime known as the Estado Novo — or New State — that would shape the country's social, economic, and political contours for decades.

Salazar’s early life was marked by his education at a seminary followed by the University of Coimbra, where he studied law and became deeply involved in academic life, eventually becoming a professor of political economy. His academic career allowed him to delve into economic theories, which influenced his later policies. He became known for his conservative and nationalist views, advocating for a balance between individual freedoms and state authority, which laid the groundwork for his future political ideology.

He entered the political arena at a time of significant turmoil in Portugal. The country was reeling from the effects of World War I, economic instability, and fragile republican governments. Salazar first made his mark in politics in 1926, when the Portuguese military overthrew the unstable First Republic, paving the way for a military-dominated government. This coup eventually led to Salazar’s appointment as the Minister of Finance in 1928, a position through which he gained significant influence.

As Minister of Finance, Salazar implemented rigorous fiscal policies aimed at stabilizing the economy. His approach was characterized by reducing public expenditure and increasing tax revenues, quickly achieving a balanced budget, which gained him respect and a reputation for efficiency. Salazar’s successful financial control bolstered his standing and led to his appointment as Prime Minister in 1932.

Once in power, Salazar worked to consolidate his control and introduce his vision for Portugal, which culminated in the establishment of the Estado Novo in 1933. This regime was a corporatist authoritarian government that placed a strong emphasis on traditional values, nationalism, and Catholicism, aligning closely with Salazar’s conservative principles. The Estado Novo was marked by a centralized state apparatus, limited political freedoms, censorship, and propaganda, with Salazar cultivating a paternalistic image as the savior of the nation.

One of the regime's defining characteristics was its political repression. Opponents of Salazar’s rule, including communists, socialists, and liberals, faced censorship, imprisonment, or exile. The PIDE, Portugal’s secret police, played a key role in maintaining Salazar’s grip on power by suppressing dissent and curtailing civil liberties. Nevertheless, Salazar's government maintained a degree of stability in Portugal, especially compared to the instability that characterized earlier years.

Economically, Salazar pursued policies of autarky, aiming for a self-sufficient economy. He encouraged agriculture and industrial development, though these efforts were often criticized for being outdated and insufficient to drive real modernization. Nonetheless, Salazar ensured that Portugal remained relatively insulated from the Great Depression's worst effects, strengthening his domestic standing.

Salazar navigated Portugal through the complex geopolitics of the mid-20th century, particularly during World War II. Despite his regime’s sympathies towards fascist governments, Portugal managed a delicate neutrality, providing support where necessary to both Axis and Allied powers while maintaining national interests. This included allowing the British use of airbases in the Azores, which proved strategic during the war. Post-war, his anti-communist stance aligned with Western interests during the Cold War, securing Portugal's position as a founding member of NATO.

Despite his successes in maintaining sovereignty and stability, Salazar faced challenges, especially regarding Portugal's colonial policies. His regime steadfastly held onto Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia, despite international pressure for decolonization. This obstinance led to protracted colonial wars throughout the 1960s and early 1970s in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, which stretched Portuguese resources and garnered widespread criticism.

In 1968, Salazar suffered a stroke, which incapacitated him and led to his replacement by Marcelo Caetano. Despite his departure from office, Salazar is said to have lived his final years under the belief that he was still in command. He passed away on July 27, 1970, leaving a legacy marked by both admiration for his governance skills and criticism for his oppressive policies.

Salazar’s regime remained in place until 1974 when the Carnation Revolution, a nearly bloodless military coup, dismantled the Estado Novo, ushering in a democratic era for Portugal. Today, Salazar's legacy is a topic of contentious debate, as he is remembered both for the stability and order he brought to Portugal and for the oppressive, outdated system he maintained. His complex legacy continues to provoke discussions about authoritarianism, economic policy, and human rights, echoing into Portugal’s contemporary political landscape.