Duration of Movement: April 24, 1974 – April 30, 1974
Location: Portugal
Causes:
Political repression by Estado Novo regime
Backlash against Portuguese Colonial War
Poor leadership under Marcelo Caetano
Method
The revolution was primarily a military coup (Coup d'état) led by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA).
Results
Successful coup leading to:
Dissolution of Estado Novo regime
President Américo Tomás and Marcelo Caetano dismissed and exiled
Dissolution of National Assembly and other government entities
Independence for Portuguese colonies: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe
End of Portuguese Colonial War
Portuguese transition to democracy
Independence declaration of East Timor followed by invasion by Indonesia
Key Players
Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho
Salgueiro Maia
Américo Tomás
Marcelo Caetano
Casualties
Deaths: 6
Injuries: 45
Arrests: Hundreds of General Directorate of Security agents
Background
Estado Novo regime was authoritarian, with limited political freedom and repression by political police, PIDE.
General Humberto Delgado's opposition led to fraudulent elections.
Salazar’s era was followed by Marcelo Caetano’s "Marcelist Spring," which saw limited reforms.
Economic Conditions
Corporatism led to the dominance of large conglomerates in Portugal.
Key families controlled industries in agriculture, textiles, and resource extraction from colonies.
High military spending on colonial wars caused isolation and economic strain.
Colonial War
Independence movements in African colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea) escalated.
Military overextension and international isolation pressured Portugal.
UN resolutions called for Portugal's withdrawal from colonies.
The Revolution
Trigger: Removal of General António de Spínola and publication of his book advocating different colonial policies.
The MFA, aided by supporters from different military factions, initiated the coup labeled Operation Historic Turn.
Civilian populations supported the soldiers, growing the military coup into a popular revolution.
Symbolism: Carnations were used by the public and soldiers as a symbol of peace in the revolution.
Aftermath
Transition to democracy with national elections in 1975.
Decolonization of African territories resulted in civil wars in Angola and Mozambique.
Economic obstacles due to return of Portuguese expatriates and loss of colonial resources.
Portugal had to align with European economic standards after joining the European Economic Community.
Legacy
April 25 is celebrated as Freedom Day in Portugal, commemorating the revolution.
Numerous films and documentaries have captured the events and impacts of the revolution.
Conclusion
The Carnation Revolution represents a significant transition in Portuguese history from authoritarian rule to democracy and decolonization, marked by its relatively bloodless nature and widespread civil support.