Portugal Under Salazar

In 1926 the army seized control of the government. Antonio de Oliveira Salazar became minister of finance in 1928, and was soon dominant. He strengthened the economy and established a fascist type of government. In 1932 he became premier, with the powers of a dictator. A new constitution went into effect in 1933. Salazar supported Erancisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War, and signed a nonaggression pact with Spain in 1939.

Portugal observed neutrality in World War II, but permitted Allied bases in the Azores and in 1949 joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It was refused admission to the United Nations by Soviet veto until 1955, when it became a member.

In Portugal, strong opposition developed against Salazar and his regime. To keep opposition candidates from coming to power, in 1959 the government abolished direct election of presidents in favor of election by an electoral college. In the 1960's revolts began in Portugal's African possessions of Angola, Portuguese Guinea, and Mozambique. In 1961 India seized the territories of Goa, Damo, and Diu.