Portugal (McCarthy World)

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Commonwealth, is a country located in Europe, Africa and Asia. The capital city is Lisbon.

Portugal is part of the Mediterraneum Corridor, a group of countries, allied to the United States, which uses them as safe ports in the Mediterraneum Sea. Portugal is under the dictatorship known as "Estado Novo", a fascist-like government, which remains strong especially after the Failed Coup of '74, in which a group of rebel militars staged a coup with the help of the communists and socialists. However, after a few days the American Army invaded the country and reestablished the government. Since then, the American Army holds positions in Portugal and all



other States. It was not until the 90s when the colonies were promoted to States and the Commonwealth was founded.

State corporativism is the norm in Portugal, and imports and exports are rare as the government's aim is still autarky. The Communist and Socialist Parties are exiled in Western Europe, always conspiring against the government.

In Portugal schools and many civil organizations there is a Cult to Salazar, the first creator of the Estado Novo. Called the Salvador da Pátria (Nation's Savior), children and adults see him as a hero that ended the corruption and economic problems of the democratic yet weak First Portuguese Republic.



American-Portuguese Alliance
After World War II, as the ties between America and Western Europe were getting worse, the US were looking for new allies in Western and Southern Europe. The Prime-Minister of Portugal, Salazar, which shared with McCarthy the hate of communism and managed a dictactorship, which the other European nations weren't supportive about, decided to get better ties with America. Portugal would provide safe harbors and airports in the mainland and in the colonies and the US would protect the country from internal and external influences.

Failed Coup
In the 25th April 1974, some militars started a coup against the government of Marcello Caetano. They protested against the lack of democracy, the censorship and the lack of respect with the autonomy of the colonies. Without a single shot, the government was deposed. The Movement of Armed Forces leadered by Spinola thought that it was a victory. It was called the "Three Days Democracy". In April 28, the American Armed Forces invaded the country in order to keep the régime in place. The leaders of the revolution were either killed or arrested to be later executed. Caetano returned to power. The people were again in the darkness.

Creation of the Commonwealth
The rebellions in Guinea especially were becoming harder to mantain, and a new generation of politicians was in power now. Even with the support of the United States, the war that caused the failed coup of '74 was still causing problems to the Estado Novo. If a change wasn't made, a new, more bloody revolution would eventually rise, even with the American troops in the mainland and patrulling the streets of Lisbon.

The New Plan was made, and in January 1, 1994, the overseas provinces became States of the Commonwealth. Assemblies were made in the new States yet controlled by the single party. Yet, civilians from the African colonies were now a majoraty in the Commonwealth Assembly, protecting their rights. The leaders of Europe saw this measure as "the first step to Portugal to become a democracy again".