Portugal's Role in World Wars: Allies in WW1 and Neutrality in WW2
Portugal's participation in the World Wars has intrigued historians and scholars. Why did Portugal align with the Allies during WW1 but remain neutral during WW2? This article explores the reasons behind Portugal's strategic choices, influenced by its internal politics, foreign relations, and the global geopolitical environment.
World War I: Portugal as an Allied Power
Portugal played a significant but limited role as part of the Allied powers during World War I (1914-1918). This decision was influenced by various factors, including Portugal's historical alliance with Britain, its desire to maintain a strategic position in Europe, and its concerns about its colonial empire.
During WW1, Portugal maintained an official neutrality until 1916, when it was forced by economic pressures and public opinion to enter the war on the Allied side. The Portuguese Government saw an opportunity to enhance its international standing and protect its overseas colonies. Furthermore, the treaty signed with Britain in the 14th century, known as the Treaty of Windsor, also played a crucial role in this decision.
The British State Department's view of Salazar as a 'good' dictator, despite his authoritarian rule, contributed to the Allies' acceptance of Portugal as an ally. Portugal's support for the Allies included allowing the use of the Canary Islands to combat German U-boats, demonstrating its role in supporting the Allied war effort.
World War II: Portugal’s Neutrality Strategy
When World War II began in 1939, Portugal adopted a policy of neutrality, influenced by the political tensions and alliances of the time. The decision was primarily driven by Portugal's desire to avoid conflict and preserve its sovereignty and colonial empire.
Salazar, the dictator of Portugal, was averse to American and British liberalism, Soviet communism, and German Nazism. His geopolitical stance was different from that of Francisco Franco in Spain, who supported the Axis powers. However, Salazar was wary of provoking Germany and feared the consequences of joining the Axis powers.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Portugal assisted Germany and Italy in supplying weapons to the fascist regimes. This move, though strained, was a response to the political alliance Portugal had with Germany and Italy. In stark contrast, Spain joined the Axis, which included Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, due to Hitler's refusal to invite Spain into the Axis.
Portugal's choice to remain neutral was further emphasized by its fear of German invasion. To maintain this neutrality, Portugal played a dual game, fostering better relations with the Allies while maintaining cordial but cautious ties with the Axis. In 1943, the Iberian Pact was signed between Portugal and Spain, further solidifying their neutrality during a time of global conflict.
Portugal's Contributions: Allies vs. Axis
Despite Portugal's official neutrality, it made significant contributions to the Allied war effort. Portugal helped the Allies by providing military assistance, facilitating the escape of refugees to safety, and allowing the use of its territories, particularly the Azores, for military purposes.
During the war, Portugal sold tungsten to Germany, but it also hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees, including Allied soldiers who escaped from Nazi regimes. The use of the Azores as a crucial air base to fight against German submarines further illustrates Portugal's contributions to the Allies. Interestingly, to avoid any diplomatic issues, the American aircraft operating from the Azores were painted with British colors.
The Portuguese Government's strategic decision to avoid conflict and maintain neutrality proved beneficial. By staying out of the war, Portugal managed to achieve favorable trade agreements with both sides, thereby avoiding direct invasion and maintaining its sovereignty.
Portugal's success during this period can be attributed to the clever diplomatic maneuvers of Salazar, who managed to navigate the complex political landscape during World War II. His efforts to keep Spain from joining the Axis and to maintain Portugal's neutrality likely contributed to the country's historical legacy as a neutral yet supportive player in the global war.