The republican revolution of 1910 — History, 11–13
Why the monarchy fell, how the 5th of October happened and what the 1911 Constitution changed.
From the end of the monarchy to the Republic
Until 1910 Portugal was a constitutional monarchy: there was a king, but also a constitution and a parliament. In the late 19th century discontent grew: the British Ultimatum of 1890 humiliated the country, the state's finances were in crisis and governments kept changing. In 1908 King Carlos was assassinated. On 5 October 1910 the republican revolution overthrew the monarchy.
Why the country lost faith in the king
Many Portuguese felt the monarchy no longer solved the country's problems: Portugal seemed weak before Britain, the state spent more than it collected, and political choice was limited. The Republican Party won support in the cities, among soldiers, teachers and shopkeepers, and promised more freedom, education for all and an elected government.
A case: the 5th of October 1910
Step 1: on 3 October, republican soldiers rise up in Lisbon. Step 2: over the next two days there is fighting and the monarchy loses support. Step 3: on 5 October, from the balcony of the City Hall, the Republic is proclaimed. Step 4: King Manuel II leaves for exile and a Provisional Government prepares a constitution.
The trap: thinking the Republic was stable and for everyone
The 1911 Constitution created a parliamentary regime, but the Republic did not solve everything at once. Only men who could read and write could vote, and women were left out. There were strikes, coups and constant changes of government — more than forty in about sixteen years. That instability paved the way for the military coup of 1926.
Where you can still see this today
5 October is a national holiday because of this revolution. The green and red flag and the anthem, “A Portuguesa”, were adopted by the Republic in 1911 and are still Portugal's symbols. In many towns you will find streets and squares with names like “5 de Outubro” or “da República”.
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