Social Conflicts in the Portuguese Revolution, 1974-1975

Abstract

The Portuguese Revolution, the process popularly known as the "Carnation Revolution" that lasted from 25 April 1974 to 25 November 1975, took place against a backdrop of military humiliation in defeat by peasant guerilla movements in the Portuguese colonies of Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique. However, an analysis of four distinct types of social conflicts - strikes; demonstrations; occupations of factories, other workplaces, and public services; and occupations of vacant houses suggests that class struggle within Portugal was the essential dynamic of the Revolution. Revolution came to Portugal through an active workers' movement against fascism within the context of a global economic crisis. Working people had decided it was time for democratic change.