Ditadura Nacional

Quick Facts: Who was Ditadura Nacional?

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Ditadura Nacional

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The Portuguese regime governing from the 1926 coup until the Estado Novo in 1933.

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Origins & Early Life

The Ditadura Nacional (Portuguese pronunciation: [ditɐˈðuɾɐ nɐsiuˈnal], National Dictatorship) was the regime that governed Portugal from the end of the First Portuguese Republic with the 28 May 1926 coup d'état, until the adoption of a new constitution in 1933 that ushered in the so-called Estado Novo. The term Ditadura Militar is also used by some to describe the first stages of the dictatorship, while other authors use it for the entire period. The Ditadura Nacional and Estado Novo together constitute the historiographical period known as the Second Portuguese Republic, which lasted until 25 April 1974. The military easily seized power in a 28 May coup. Soon afterward, the new regime dissolved parliament, banned all political parties and instituted censorship.

Career & Major Achievements

This process was plagued by instability as hardline military officers purged liberals and democrats from the institutions of the Republic. During this time no one clear leader emerged, as the dictatorship was led by a coalition of lower-rank military officers, some of whom were Integralists. After the republican Prime Minister and President resigned on 30 May, naval officer José Mendes Cabeçadas Júnior assumed both posts, but after conflicts with other coup leaders, he was forced to resign on 17 June. He was replaced by General Gomes da Costa, the leader of the 28 May coup, who became Prime Minister as well as President. Gomes da Costa was not devoted to the establishment of a permanent military dictatorship, and as a result he was forced out on 9 July in a coup led by the unshakably authoritarian General António Óscar de Fragoso Carmona who assumed both of the highest offices of the state and seized dictatorial powers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Carmona continued as Prime Minister until 18 April 1928 but retained the post of President of the Republic until his death on 18 April 1951. In 1927 there were several failed coup attempts from both left- and right-wing movements. On 12 August 1927 junior officers forced their way into a cabinet meeting and started shooting. The Carmona government regained control of the government and imposed stronger military discipline. However, the attackers were not severely punished and were sent to posts in Portuguese Angola.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1926: 1926 Milestone — The Ditadura Nacional (Portuguese pronunciation: [ditɐˈðuɾɐ nɐsiuˈnal], National Dictatorship) was the regime that governed Portugal from the end of the First Portuguese Republic with the 28 May 1926 coup d'état, until the adoption of a new constitution in 1933 that ushered in the so-called Estado Novo.
2. 1927: 1927 Milestone — In 1927 there were several failed coup attempts from both left- and right-wing movements.
3. 1928: 1928 Milestone — Carmona continued as Prime Minister until 18 April 1928 but retained the post of President of the Republic until his death on 18 April 1951.
4. 1974: 1974 Milestone — The Ditadura Nacional and Estado Novo together constitute the historiographical period known as the Second Portuguese Republic, which lasted until 25 April 1974.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ditadura Nacional

True or False: “The Ditadura Nacional immediately established a stable, single-party corporative republic upon taking power in 1926.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The initial period was marked by extreme instability, purges, and leadership changes among various military factions before Salazar's consolidation of power.

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