Salazar, António de Oliveira

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Salazar, António de Oliveira (1889–1970) Dictator of Portugal (1932–68). In 1932 he became prime minister and assumed dictatorial powers. Imposing a semi-fascist constitution (1933), Salazar held power through the army and secret police, enforcing law and order at the cost of economic progress. He was sympathetic to Franco in Spain, remained neutral in World War 2, and subsequently sought good relations with the West.

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