Why is it in the News?

Recently, Portugal commemorated its 50th anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution – the peaceful uprising that toppled a dictatorship and ended a decade of colonial war.

About the Carnation Revolution:

• The Carnation Revolution, also known as the 25th of April, was a pivotal event in Portugal's history that marked the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic government.
  • On April 25, 1974, a group of military officers orchestrated a nearly bloodless military coup, overthrowing the Estado Novo dictatorship that had ruled Portugal for over four decades.
• The revolution aimed to accelerate decolonization, end ongoing wars through negotiations, and improve socio-economic conditions within Portugal.
  • This event not only transformed Portugal's political landscape but also had significant implications for the nation's African colonies.
• Several factors contributed to the success of the Carnation Revolution, including widespread discontent with the authoritarian regime, a costly and unpopular colonial war, and the growing desire for democracy and improved living conditions.
  • The coup leaders, known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), garnered support from various factions, including the Communist Party, socialists, and moderate democrats.
• The Carnation Revolution was named after a Lisbon flower seller who offered red carnations to soldiers, which were then placed in the barrels of their rifles.
  • This iconic gesture symbolized the peaceful nature of the coup and solidified the carnation as a symbol of Portugal's democratic movement.
• The 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution celebrated on April 25, 2024, signifies the enduring impact of this historic event on Portugal's political trajectory and its relationship with its former colonies.