António de Oliveira Salazar

Lore & Background

Salazar was born in Vimieiro, near Santa Comba Dão, to a family of modest income. He became a professor of economic policy and finance at the university. Salazar enforced strict separation of the armed forces from politics and aimed at de-politicization of society, opposing democracy, communism, socialism, syndicalism, liberalism, and capitalism. His regime's motto was "Deus, Pátria e Família" (God, Fatherland and Family).

Reader's Guide

His regime was conservative, corporatist, and nationalist, rejecting both liberal democracy and fascist mass mobilization. Salazar kept Portugal neutral in World War II while aiding the Allies, and supported Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Despite its dictatorial nature, Portugal under Salazar joined NATO, the European Payments Union, EFTA, the OECD, the UN, and GATT.

Did You Know?

• Salazar balanced Portugal's budget and stabilized its currency within one year of becoming finance minister.
• He described his National Union as a 'non-party' and the antithesis of a political party.