Founding of the Republic

During the rest of the 19th century Portugal's government was in the hands of professional politicians who had little concern for the wishes of the people. Discontent was widespread by the early 20th century, and in 1908 King Carlos I and the crown prince were assassinated. A younger son, Manuel II, came to the throne and restored the constitution, but in 1910 he was forced to leave the country and a republic was declared.

A liberal constitution was adopted in 1911, and Manoel d'Arriaga was elected president. Church and state were made separate, and property of the religious orders was confiscated. In 1916 Portugal entered World War I on the side of the Allies.