Portugal has a short democratic story, that began 25 April 1974. Until then, the country had Marcelo Caetano as its Prime Minister, following the footsteps of António Salazar, who had suffered a cerebrovascular accident.

Despite his pro misses of reforms, Marcelo Caetano really did nothing more than continue the repressive policies of Salazar... and this would have great consequences on both overseas and internal politics.

After many army difficulties against African liberation movements (Angola, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe), Portugal was risking a severe economics crisis.

Fortunately, Caetano was overthrown by a group of Portuguese army officers, led by António Spinola. However, the return of many portuguese people who lived at the former colonies, and the integration of troops back to a civil life, did no good to the country's health. Spinola would resign on 30 September 1974, replaced by Francisco Gomes.

In 1975, the MFA (Movimento das Forças Armadas) became a provisional government, that would engage deep reforms, like the reorganization of the Armed Forces, and the Land Reform (Reforma Agrária).

In April 1976, the people voted and Mário Soares would become Prime Minister. It can be said that a new Portugal was being born.

In more recent times, the most important person in Portuguese History is Cavaco Silva, Prime Minister from 1985 to 1995. He is behind sound reforms and an economic growth that was healthier than nowadays' numbers. It can be said that Cavaco Silva followed that rare path where popularity statistics weren't as important, as measures to keep the growth.

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