Salazar

Definition

Salazar refers to António de Oliveira Salazar, a Portuguese statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. He is best known for establishing an authoritarian regime that emphasized nationalism, corporatism, and conservative social policies during a time when Europe was grappling with the rise of extremist movements and totalitarian regimes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salazar initially served as Minister of Finance before becoming Prime Minister, implementing strict economic policies that aimed to stabilize Portugal's economy.
2. His regime was marked by censorship of the press, suppression of political opposition, and a secret police force known as PIDE (Polícia Internacional e de Defesa do Estado) to maintain control.
3. Salazar's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality during World War II, which allowed Portugal to maintain its colonial possessions while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.
4. He promoted a vision of a 'New State' that sought to revive traditional Portuguese values and restore national pride, which resonated with segments of the population during times of crisis.
5. Despite his authoritarian methods, Salazar's regime remained relatively stable for decades, although it faced growing dissent and challenges in the late 1960s leading up to the Carnation Revolution in 1974.

Review Questions

• How did Salazar's economic policies influence Portugal's stability during his time in power?
  • Salazar's economic policies were focused on fiscal conservatism and stabilization. By prioritizing austerity measures and controlling inflation, he aimed to create a stable economic environment which was crucial for maintaining social order. This stability allowed his authoritarian regime to thrive for many years, despite the lack of democratic processes and political freedoms.
• Discuss the relationship between Salazar's Estado Novo regime and other contemporary European authoritarian movements.
  • Salazar's Estado Novo regime shared characteristics with other authoritarian movements in Europe during the early to mid-20th century, particularly fascist ideologies in Italy and Spain. Like these regimes, Salazar's government emphasized nationalism and centralized power while suppressing dissent. However, it also maintained a distinct identity focused on Catholic values and conservatism that differentiated it from more aggressive fascist states.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Salazar's rule on Portugal's political landscape following his resignation.
  • Salazar's rule left a complex legacy that shaped Portugal's political landscape long after his resignation. The authoritarian traditions established during his regime contributed to difficulties in transitioning to democracy after the Carnation Revolution in 1974. The resistance to change and the remnants of state control were evident in post-revolutionary politics, highlighting how deeply entrenched Salazar's policies were within Portuguese society. This legacy also impacted Portugal's colonial relationships as the country moved towards decolonization in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Estado Novo: The Estado Novo was the authoritarian regime established by Salazar in Portugal, characterized by state control over various aspects of life, suppression of dissent, and an emphasis on traditional values.

Fascism: Fascism is a far-right political ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe, advocating for a centralized government led by a dictatorial leader, often accompanied by strong nationalist sentiments and the suppression of opposition.

Corporatism: Corporatism is an economic and political system where various interest groups, such as businesses and labor organizations, are integrated into the state, often leading to reduced political pluralism and the dominance of state-sanctioned entities.