Liberal Revolution of 1820

Quick Facts: Who was Liberal Revolution of 1820?

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Liberal Revolution of 1820

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Portuguese political revolution establishing a constitutional monarchy in 1820.

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Origins & Early Life

The Liberal Revolution of 1820 (Portuguese: Revolução Liberal) was a Portuguese political revolution that erupted in 1820. It began with a military insurrection in the city of Porto, in northern Portugal, that quickly and peacefully spread to the rest of the country. The Revolution resulted in the return in 1821 of the Portuguese court to Portugal from Brazil, where it had fled during the Peninsular War, and initiated a constitutional period in which the 1822 Constitution was ratified and implemented. The movement's liberal ideas had an important influence on Portuguese society and political organization in the nineteenth century. From 1807 to 1811 French forces invaded Portugal thrice.

Career & Major Achievements

As a result, the Portuguese royal family was transferred to the Portuguese colony of Brazil, where it remained until 1821. From Brazil, the Portuguese King John VI ruled his transcontinental empire for thirteen years. Following the defeat of the French forces in 1814, Portugal experienced a prolonged period of political turmoil, in which many sought greater self-rule for the Portuguese people. Eventually, this unrest put an end to the King's long stay in Brazil, when his return to Portugal was demanded by the revolutionaries. During and after the Peninsular War, the Portuguese people found themselves being ruled from Brazil and being subject to extensive control by Britain.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Much of the Portuguese Army's officer corps were angered that the army was subject to British control and commanded by an Englishman, William Beresford. The 1808 Decree of the Opening of Ports to Friendly Nations opened Brazilian markets to foreign trade, while the 1810 Strangford Treaty guaranteed favored status to British goods in Portugal and resulted in Portuguese goods, in particular those produced in Lisbon and Porto, being unable to compete with them and setting off an economic crisis which deeply affected Portugal's bourgeoisie. Porto, with a prosperous and influential bourgeoisie who had maintained a rich liberal tradition, was the place where the Liberal Revolution began. After Napoleon's final defeat in 1815, a clandestine Supreme Regenerative Council of Portugal and the Algarve was formed in Lisbon by Portuguese army officers and freemasons, headed by General Gomes Freire de Andrade—Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Portugal and former general under Napoleon until his defeat in 1814—with the objective to end British control over Portugal, aiming to promote "the salvation and independence" of the pátria. In its brief existence the movement attempted to introduce liberalism in Portugal, although it ultimately failed to do so.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1807: 1807 Milestone — From 1807 to 1811 French forces invaded Portugal thrice.
2. 1808: 1808 Milestone — The 1808 Decree of the Opening of Ports to Friendly Nations opened Brazilian markets to foreign trade, while the 1810 Strangford Treaty guaranteed favored status to British goods in Portugal and resulted in Portuguese goods, in particular those produced in Lisbon and Porto, being unable to compete with them and setting off an economic crisis which deeply affected Portugal's bourgeoisie.
3. 1814: 1814 Milestone — Following the defeat of the French forces in 1814, Portugal experienced a prolonged period of political turmoil, in which many sought greater self-rule for the Portuguese people.
4. 1815: 1815 Milestone — After Napoleon's final defeat in 1815, a clandestine Supreme Regenerative Council of Portugal and the Algarve was formed in Lisbon by Portuguese army officers and freemasons, headed by General Gomes Freire de Andrade—Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Portugal and former general under Napoleon until his defeat in 1814—with the objective to end British control over Portugal, aiming to promote "the salvation and independence" of the pátria.
5. 1820: 1820 Milestone — The Liberal Revolution of 1820 (Portuguese: Revolução Liberal) was a Portuguese political revolution that erupted in 1820.
6. 1821: 1821 Milestone — The Revolution resulted in the return in 1821 of the Portuguese court to Portugal from Brazil, where it had fled during the Peninsular War, and initiated a constitutional period in which the 1822 Constitution was ratified and implemented.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Liberal Revolution of 1820

True or False: “The Liberal Revolution of 1820 immediately resulted in the establishment of a fully independent Portuguese republic.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The revolution aimed for a constitutional monarchy and ultimately led to the ratification of the 1822 Constitution.

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