‘Carnation Revolution’

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Context:

• Thousands gathered on April 25, to commemorate the half-century mark of Portugal’s historic ‘Carnation Revolution’.
• It was a pivotal event that saw the collapse of Europe’s longest-standing fascist dictatorship and the dawn of democracy in the nation.

The Carnation Revolution: A Turning Point in Portuguese History

• The Carnation Revolution also known as the 25 April marked a watershed moment in Portugal's history.
• On April 25, 1974, a military coup orchestrated by the Armed Forces Movement successfully overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo government in Lisbon.
• This pivotal event triggered profound social, economic, territorial, demographic, and political transformations in Portugal.

From Authoritarianism to Democracy

• The revolution not only ended decades of dictatorship but also catalyzed Portugal's transition to democracy. The overthrow of the regime by military officers aligned with civilian resistance movements paved the way for democratic reforms and the establishment of political freedoms.

The Revolution and Decolonization

• The Carnation Revolution, executed by a group of junior army officers on April 25, 1974, sought not only democracy but also an end to Portugal’s protracted colonial wars in Africa.
• This bloodless coup precipitated rapid decolonization, culminating in the end of Portuguese colonial rule in Africa after more than five centuries.

Decolonization and International Impact

• One of the most significant consequences of the Carnation Revolution was the end of the Portuguese Colonial War and the subsequent decolonization process.
• Negotiations with African independence movements swiftly followed, leading to the independence of Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, and East Timor.
• These events not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Africa and Southeast Asia but also contributed to a mass exodus of Portuguese citizens from the former colonies, known as the

Symbolism of Peace and Freedom

• The Carnation Revolution earned its name from the peaceful nature of the uprising.
• The absence of significant violence contrasted starkly with other revolutionary movements, with restaurant worker Celeste Caeiro famously offering carnations to soldiers in the streets.
• This gesture of peace and solidarity resonated deeply, with carnations adorning the muzzles of guns and the uniforms of soldiers.

Commemoration and National Identity

• In Portugal, April 25 holds special significance as a national holiday known as Freedom.
• This day commemorates not only the liberation from dictatorship but also the enduring values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
• As Portugal reflects on the legacy of the Carnation Revolution, it acknowledges both the challenges overcome and the ongoing journey towards a more just and inclusive society.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In what ways did the Carnation Revolution shape Portugal's transition to democracy? Evaluate its impact on Portuguese society, economy, and foreign relations, and assess its lasting effects on the country's political landscape.