History of António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar was a significant figure in the political landscape of 20th-century Europe, primarily as the Prime Minister of Portugal, a position he held for 36 years from 1932 to 1968. Salazar's rule is indispensable to understanding the nature of authoritarian governance in Europe, as he developed and solidified a regime known as the Estado Novo, or the "New State," characterized by corporatism, nationalism, and authoritarianism.

Salazar was born on April 28, 1889, in Vimieiro, near Santa Comba Dão, Portugal. He hailed from a modest rural background, which instilled in him traditional Catholic and conservative values that would later shape his political ideology. Salazar pursued an academic career, earning a degree in Law from the University of Coimbra, where he also became a professor specializing in economics. During his tenure at Coimbra, Salazar became involved in Catholic student groups, which nurtured his interest in politics and economics.

The Portuguese political scene in the early 20th century was marked by instability and turmoil, particularly under the First Portuguese Republic established in 1910. The period was fraught with frequent governmental changes, economic struggles, and social unrest. It was against this backdrop that Salazar emerged as a political figure. His expertise in economics garnered him recognition, and he was appointed as the Minister of Finance in 1928 under the military dictatorship that came to power after the 1926 coup d'état. Salazar proved to be an effective manager, introducing stringent fiscal policies that stabilized the Portuguese economy and brought the national budget under control. His success in this role elevated his status, making him a key player in the government.

When Salazar became Prime Minister in 1932, he set out to create a new political order founded on authoritarian principles. The Estado Novo was officially implemented in 1933, institutionalizing Salazar's vision of a corporatist state. Under his regime, political freedoms were severely curtailed, and dissent was systematically suppressed through censorship and police action. The secret police, known as PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado), played a crucial role in maintaining the regime's grip on power.

Salazar's Estado Novo was characterized by its emphasis on Catholicism, nationalism, and anti-communism. He viewed the family as the foundation of society and promoted traditional Catholic values, which found support from the Church. Education and media were strictly controlled to propagate these ideals and ensure loyalty to the regime. Economically, the Estado Novo pursued an inward-looking approach, focusing on agricultural development and industrialization within a framework of national self-sufficiency.

Portugal under Salazar remained officially neutral during World War II, though it maintained economic ties with both the Axis and Allied powers. This neutrality, coupled with Salazar's diplomatic skills, ensured the regime's survival and stability during a tumultuous period in European history. After the war, however, Portugal's isolation became more pronounced as decolonization movements swept across Africa and Asia. Salazar steadfastly refused to decolonize, insisting on retaining Portugal's overseas territories, including Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. This stance led to protracted colonial wars from the 1960s onward, placing a substantial burden on Portugal's economy and military.

Salazar's health began to decline in the late 1960s, and in 1968, he suffered a cerebral stroke that incapacitated him. He was replaced by Marcello Caetano, who initiated some limited reforms but largely maintained the Estado Novo's fundamental principles. Salazar passed away on July 27, 1970, unable to witness the unraveling of his regime's legacy.

The Estado Novo finally collapsed in 1974 during the Carnation Revolution, a peaceful military coup that signaled the end of nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule and initiated a transition to democracy. The revolution also marked the beginning of decolonization, as Portugal withdrew from its African colonies.

Salazar's legacy remains contentious. Supporters praise him for bringing stability to Portugal and stabilizing its economy during a period of potential collapse. Critics, however, highlight the repressive nature of his regime, the curtailment of political freedoms, and the detrimental effects of his archaic colonial policies. The Estado Novo left a lasting impact on Portugal, with ongoing debates about the balance between order and freedom, the role of authoritarian states, and the scars of imperial ambition.

In recent years, assessments of Salazar's impact have continued to spark debate within Portugal and abroad. While Salazarism has few direct proponents today, its echoes are evident in discussions around national identity, governance, and Portugal's role in the broader European and global context. His era serves as a case study in authoritarianism, illustrating the complexities and contradictions of strongman rule in a rapidly changing world.