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António de Oliveira Salazar (1889-1970) Politician born in Santa Comba Dão (Viseu), he began his studies to be a priest but abandoned the religious career in 1910 to study Law at Coimbra University, where he would later pursue a teaching career (1917-1926). After the 28th of May 1926 "coup" that put an end to the First Republic, he accepted the office of Minister of Finance, but only for a scarce 13 days. Back in Coimbra, he continued his academic career only to be, shortly after, requested to return to office for, without him, the government felt unable to cope with the severe economic crisis that affected the country. Salazar was made to appear as a godsend rescuer. He accepted the position but imposed conditions and, before long, he was not only in control of the finances, but also of the government's policies. In 1932 he became President of the Council only leaving the office on the 6th of September 1968 due to his disabling illness. Originally from a poor peasant catholic family, Salazar revealed himself to be extremely conservative and authoritarian in politics. He energetically fought against all forms of opposition and liberalization. He did yield to pressures made by the colonies' liberation movements and by the United Nations to force Portugal to change its policies and accompany the evolution of international politics by putting an end to its colonial empire.

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