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The Carnation Revolution or 25th of April Movement was a largely bloodless military coup that overthrew Portugal's long-standing Estado Novo regime (April 25, 1974). It ended over 40 years of dictatorial rule in Portugal. It was the beginning of significant political and social changes in the country. The Esado Novo's censorship, political repression, and a colonial war in Africa that was increasingly unpopular among the Portuguese populace influenced by overall trends in Western Europe. Unlike the Soviet Iron Curtain there was no way of isolating Portugal from Western Europe. And the Estdo Novo regime's refused to decolonize and ed the colonial wars. This was an expense that a poor county like Portugal could not sustain. This and military conscription added to the the growing discontent. And it was not just the civilians, the military increasingly turned against the colonial wars. Left-wing military officers organized the Armed Forces Movement (Movimento das Forças Armadas, MFA) which launched the coup (April 24, 1974). It was a turning point in Portuguese history, leading to today's democratic society and the adoption of the civil liberties prevalent in Western Europe. The signal for the coup was playing the song "Grandola, Vila Morena" on the radio at night. The next day Portuguese citizens took to the streets to support the military rebels. There was almost no fighting which is what the name Carnation Revolution appeared. Civilians began placing carnations in the muzzles of guns and on the soldiers' uniforms. The carnation became a symbol of peace and non-violence. The result was the overthrow of the Estado Novo regime and the creation of a provisional government. It meant the end of the Portuguese Colonial Wars and the independence of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. The Revolution began the transition to democracy which after an extended transitional period eventually led to democracy. The period immediately following thge Carnation Revolution (1974) is known as the Ongoing Revolutionary Process (Processo Revolucionário em Curso - PREC). This period was marked by significant political instability (figure 1). The first free elections were held (1975) and the ratification of a new constitution. The Portuguese now celebrate April 25 as Liberation Day (Dia da Liberdade). The constitution adopted was a socialist document (1976). The radical leftist revolutionary Government's effort caused considerable problems, including a severe recession. There were 16 governments formed (1974-87). More moderate governments eventually came to power and reversed some of the actions of the previous Socialist governments, especially the nationalizations of large industries and banks (1980). The economy responded and Portugal has made great progress in joining Europe. Income levels are still below the European average, but considerable progress has been made toward closing the gap.
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