Bernardino Machado, Portuguese academic and politician, 3rd President of Portugal (b. 1851)

Bernardino Luís Machado Guimarães (Portuguese pronunciation: [bɨɾnaɾˈdinu mɐˈʃadu]), a towering figure in Portugal's early 20th-century political landscape, holds the unique distinction of having served twice as the nation's President. Born on March 28, 1851, and passing away on April 29, 1944, Machado's career spanned a particularly turbulent period in Portuguese history: the First Portuguese Republic. He was not only a seasoned politician but also recognized with high honors, including the Grand Cross of the Tower and Sword (GCTE) and the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty (GCL), underscoring his significant contributions.

His presidencies, first from 1915 to 1917 and then again from 1925 to 1926, occurred during an era defined by profound political instability and frequent governmental changes following the 1910 revolution that deposed the monarchy. Machado's terms were marked by intense parliamentary struggles and growing societal unrest, reflecting the inherent challenges of establishing a stable democratic republic in Portugal.

The First Presidency and the Sidonian Interlude (1915–1917)

Machado first assumed the presidency on August 6, 1915, at a time when Portugal was grappling with internal divisions and the complex decision of its involvement in World War I. His leadership during this period was crucial, as Portugal ultimately entered the war on the Allied side in 1916. However, the political climate remained highly volatile. This instability culminated in December 1917, when a military junta led by Sidónio Pais orchestrated a coup d'état. Pais, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction and the perceived ineffectiveness of the parliamentary system, dissolved the Congress and removed President Machado from office. This forced Machado into exile, ushering in the authoritarian "New Republic" (República Nova) under Sidónio Pais, a period that significantly deviated from the First Republic's democratic ideals.

A Brief Return to Power and the Fall of the Republic (1925–1926)

After Sidónio Pais's assassination in 1918 and a subsequent return to more traditional republican governance, the political landscape remained fractured. Following a period out of the country, Bernardino Machado made a remarkable return to the presidency of the Republic in 1925. His second term, however, was even shorter and proved to be the swan song for the First Portuguese Republic itself. The political and social tensions that had plagued the republic since its inception reached a breaking point.

Just a year into his second presidency, on May 28, 1926, a military revolution once again swept through Portugal. This pivotal event, known as the 28 May 1926 Revolution, saw the armed forces rise up and effectively dismantle the First Republic. Machado was again overthrown, forced into exile for a second time, and this military uprising swiftly instituted a military dictatorship. This new regime progressively curtailed civil liberties and suppressed political dissent, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the authoritarian Estado Novo (New State) under António de Oliveira Salazar, which would dominate Portuguese political life for over four decades.

Bernardino Machado, a figure who embodied both the hopes and the ultimate fragility of the First Portuguese Republic, lived through these profound transformations, passing away in 1944. His two presidencies serve as a vivid testament to the turbulent and often challenging journey of Portugal's early democratic experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bernardino Machado

Who was Bernardino Luís Machado Guimarães?

Bernardino Luís Machado Guimarães was a prominent Portuguese political figure who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Portugal (1915–1917 and 1925–1926) during the tumultuous era of the First Portuguese Republic. He was recognized with high national honors, including the Grand Cross of the Tower and Sword.

Why was Bernardino Machado overthrown from the presidency in 1917?

In December 1917, President Machado was overthrown by a military coup led by Sidónio Pais. This coup capitalized on widespread political instability, public dissatisfaction with the parliamentary system, and the challenges Portugal faced during World War I, leading to the establishment of Pais's authoritarian "New Republic."

What was the significance of Bernardino Machado's second presidency (1925–1926)?

Machado's second presidency was brief but historically significant as it marked the final year of the First Portuguese Republic. His overthrow by the military revolution of May 28, 1926, directly led to the collapse of the republic, the institution of a military dictatorship, and ultimately paved the way for the authoritarian Estado Novo regime.

What was the "28 May 1926 Revolution"?

The 28 May 1926 Revolution was a military uprising in Portugal that successfully overthrew the First Portuguese Republic, then presided over by Bernardino Machado. This event ended the period of parliamentary democracy and ushered in a military dictatorship, which subsequently transitioned into the long-standing authoritarian Estado Novo regime.

What does GCTE and GCL stand for?

GCTE stands for Grand Cross of the Military Order of the Tower and Sword (Grã-Cruz da Ordem Militar da Torre e Espada), and GCL stands for Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty (Grã-Cruz da Ordem da Liberdade). These are among the highest Portuguese civil and military honors, recognizing exceptional service to the nation.