The
history of Portugal is filled with tales of conquest, exploration,
and political instability. Portugal was established as an independent
kingdom in 1143 after being taken from the Muslims. Prior to that the
history of Portugal was inhabited by many different peoples, with the
Romans making the most lasting impact on the culture in the country.
Portugal’s
boundaries have remained unchanged since the 13th century.
In 1415, the
portuguese history began with exploring the oceans, and the west
coast of Africa. During this period of Portugal’s history,
the island areas of Madeira and Azores were discovered and
populated, a passage to India around Africa was routed, and colonies
were established in Asia and Brazil.
An alliance with Britain during the French Revolution and Napoleonic
invasions resulted in conflict with Spain and invasion and occupation
by French armies and their allies. These invaders were eventually
turned back, but the country entered into civil unrest in 1820, led
by revolutionaries in Porto who demanded the overthrow of the monarchy
in favor of a constitutional form of government, which was approved
the following year.
Historical
Decades of Internal Unrest
As the country’s capital, the history of Lisbon in interwoven
with the history of Portugal as a whole. In 1911, Portugal’s
first republican government was established. This event was
followed by a period of military overthrows, including a coup
in May of 1926, led by General Gomes da Costa that brought
about the end of the First Republic.
A state of military
dictatorship and the creation of the New State, a form of corporate
government, by António de Oliveira
Salazar followed. Salazar dominated Portuguese politics for
the next 40 years, leading the country to membership in the UN
and NATO, while technically remaining neutral through periods of
world conflict.
Salazar’s death in 1970 led to a period of political unrest,
and in 1974, members of the Armed Forces Movement overthrew the government
and opened the door for General António de Spínola
to take command of the Portuguese Republic. Unrest continued
for more than a year, with revolutions breaking out in the
countrysides and a Maxist message circulating. In 1976, order
was restored and a democratic constitution was adopted.
It was also around
this time that Portugal began granting independence to its overseas
provinces, concluding with the recognition of East Timor in 2002.
Important
part of Portugals History - Our
Lady of Fatima
Portugal has
long been comprised almost entirely of Roman Catholics. The village
of Fatima is viewed as a holy site due to claims that the Virgin
Mary appeared on several occasions and prophesized to three young
children in the early 1900s. These visits were said to be followed
by a predicted astronomical event that was witnessed by thousands
in 1917 and declared a miracle. The history of Portugal over the
past century is closely interwoven with the growth of Fatima as
a spiritual movement and the town of Fatima has become a pilgrimage
destination.
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