Earthquake, Dictatorship & Carnation Revolution
The Earthquake of 1755
On November 1, 1755 (All Saints' Day), one of the worst natural disasters in European history struck Lisbon: An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5–9.0, followed by a tsunami and days-long fires, destroyed 85% of the city. Between 30,000 and 60,000 people died. Churches, palaces, libraries, and the entire archive of discoveries — lost.
The Prime Minister Marquis of Pombal organized the reconstruction with an efficiency that amazed Europe: The Baixa was rebuilt as the first earthquake-resistant urban planning in the world in the Pombaline style — a strict grid pattern with wooden frame construction (gaiola pombalina) designed to withstand earthquakes. The earthquake changed Europe: It sparked a philosophical debate about God, nature, and optimism (Voltaire, Kant, Rousseau).
Republic & Dictatorship
In 1910, the monarchy was overthrown, and the First Republic was proclaimed. Political instability ended in 1933 with the Estado Novo dictatorship under António de Oliveira Salazar — an authoritarian, conservative dictatorship that lasted until 1974. Portugal remained neutral in World War II, but the dictatorship suppressed political opposition, clung to the colonies (bloody colonial wars in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau), and isolated the country.
The Carnation Revolution (April 25, 1974)
On April 25, 1974, a military coup overthrew the dictatorship — largely bloodless. Soldiers placed red carnations in their rifle barrels, the population took to the streets, and the dictatorship ended after 48 years. April 25 is Portugal's National Day (Day of Freedom). The Ponte 25 de Abril (Lisbon's Golden Gate-like bridge) was renamed in honor of this day — previously it was called Ponte Salazar.
European Integration
In 1986, Portugal joined the EU, in 1998 the Expo 98 took place in Lisbon (the district Parque das Nações on the Tagus was created), and in 2002 the Euro was introduced. The financial crisis of 2008–2014 hit Portugal hard, but Lisbon has since reinvented itself as a start-up capital (Web Summit), tourism hotspot, and creative metropolis.
