Everything Everywhere Daily: The Lisbon Regicide – A Detailed Summary
Episode Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
Introduction to the Lisbon Regicide
On February 1, 1908, Portugal witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape that reverberates even today. The royal family's public return to Lisbon in an open horse-drawn carriage was brutally interrupted by an assassination that would plunge the Portuguese monarchy into turmoil. This episode delves deep into the events leading up to the Lisbon Regicide, the assassination itself, and its far-reaching consequences.
Portugal's Political and Economic Turmoil
At the dawn of the 20th century, Portugal was grappling with severe economic distress and political instability. Once a formidable maritime empire, the nation found itself ensnared in crippling debt, primarily owed to foreign creditors like the United Kingdom. In 1892, the financial crisis was so dire that Portugal had to partially declare bankruptcy, signaling the decline of its once-mighty economy.
“Portugal had been living beyond its means for decades, borrowing heavily from foreign creditors,” explains Charles Daniel, the episode's narrator.
King Carlos I, reigning since 1889, was caught in a precarious position. He had to balance the demands of creditors advocating for fiscal responsibility against the mounting opposition from republicans and various political factions who blamed the monarchy for the country's decline.
Rise of João Franco and Authoritarian Governance
The political situation further deteriorated in 1906 when King Carlos appointed João Franco as Prime Minister. Franco, advocating for a strong centralized authority, effectively established a dictatorship with the king's endorsement. This shift marked a departure from the constitutional monarchy dictated by the 1826 charter, which had ostensibly provided a balanced bicameral legislature and defined monarchical powers.
However, Franco's reign was characterized by:
- Dissolution of Parliament: Eliminating legislative oversight.
- Press Censorship: Suppressing dissenting voices.
- Rule by Decree: Bypassing traditional governmental processes.
Despite some sound financial reforms, Franco's authoritarian methods ignited widespread opposition. Various factions, including republicans, progressive liberals, and even some conservatives, unified in their resistance against what they perceived as royal despotism.
The Carbonaria and Republican Opposition
A pivotal force in the opposition was the Carbonaria, a secret society revived in 1896, inspired by its Italian predecessor. This group was not merely a debating society but operated as a clandestine organization with a hierarchical structure and military training, akin to a guerrilla or terrorist group today.
Key members included:
- Alfredo Luis da Costa (24): A publicist and journalist deeply versed in Portugal's financial woes.
- Manuel Buis (Former Soldier and Teacher): Motivated by deep philosophical and idealistic beliefs in republicanism.
“The Carbonaria was dedicated to achieving political reform through clandestine means,” Daniel narrates, highlighting the group's role in channeling republican dissatisfaction into direct action.
The Assassination: February 1, 1908
The culmination of rising tensions occurred on a cold afternoon in February 1908. As King Carlos I and his heir apparent, Crown Prince Luis Philippe, returned to Lisbon from their residence at Vila Visosa, they traveled in an open carriage through Commerce Square (then Tiero do Passu), making them vulnerable to the crowd's scrutiny.
Key Events of the Assassination:
- Assassins' Positioning: Buisa, a former sniper, concealed a rifle under his coat, while Da Costa carried a pistol.
- Execution: At approximately 5 PM, Buisa fired fatal shots at the king from a kneeling position, killing him instantly. Da Costa then shot the already deceased king again.
“King Carlos was shot and killed instantly with shots striking his neck and face” (10:45).
- Crown Prince's Response: The heir attempted to retaliate, firing four shots at Da Costa but was ultimately killed in the ensuing chaos.
- Aftermath: Queen Amélie survived, as did Prince Manuel, who would ascend the throne as King Manuel II.
Immediate Consequences and Impact on the Monarchy
The regicide sent shockwaves throughout Portugal and Europe, undermining the monarchy's image of invincibility. King Manuel II, at just 18, was thrust into leadership without the necessary political experience. The immediate dismissal of Prime Minister João Franco did little to stabilize the situation, as the underlying issues remained unresolved.
“The assassination didn’t occur in a vacuum. It followed a failed republican uprising just days earlier,” highlights Daniel, emphasizing the event's immediate backdrop.
Path to the First Portuguese Republic
In the wake of the regicide, the monarchy's legitimacy crumbled. The Republicans, emboldened by their bold strike, intensified their efforts to dismantle the monarchical system. Key factors leading to the fall of the monarchy included:
- Economic Stagnation: Continued reliance on foreign loans without effective modernization.
- Loss of Legitimacy: The monarchy became synonymous with despotism and national decline.
- Republican Strength: Control over urban media, military support, and middle-class backing.
The mounting pressures culminated in the October 5, 1910, revolution, where Republican forces orchestrated a coordinated military uprising in Lisbon. Faced with overwhelming opposition, King Manuel II fled to Britain, marking the end of over 750 years of monarchical rule in Portugal.
The First Portuguese Republic and Its Instability
The inception of the First Portuguese Republic did not herald the stability or progress the Republicans had envisioned. Instead, the new republic was marred by incessant political instability:
- Frequent Government Changes: In just 16 years, Portugal saw 45 governments and eight presidents.
- Military Influence: The army became a dominant political force, undermining democratic institutions.
- Anti-Clerical Policies: The republicans pursued aggressive secularization, alienating rural populations.
“The regicide had demonstrated that political violence could be effective, and various factions continued to use or threaten violence to achieve their goals,” notes Daniel, underscoring the pervasive climate of unrest.
Long-term Consequences: Rise of Salazar
The persistent instability and failure to address economic issues set the stage for another upheaval in 1926. A military coup ousted the First Republic, paving the way for Antonio Salazar's authoritarian Estado Novo regime in 1932. Salazar leveraged the chaos of the republican period to justify his rule, promoting the idea that Portugal was not yet ready for genuine democracy.
“The regicide of 1908 set in motion a chain of events that led... to one of Europe’s longest-lasting dictatorships,” Daniel concludes, reflecting on the unintended consequences of the assassination.
Conclusion and Lessons Learned
The Lisbon Regicide serves as a poignant lesson in the complexities of political violence. While the Portuguese Republicans had legitimate grievances, the assassination of King Carlos I and Crown Prince Luis Philippe ultimately derailed the path toward democracy, leading instead to prolonged authoritarianism under Salazar.
“The lesson of the Lisbon regicide is that violence doesn't often achieve the result that you think it will,” Daniel asserts, highlighting the unpredictable outcomes of revolutionary actions.
Notable Quotes:
- “Portugal had been living beyond its means for decades, borrowing heavily from foreign creditors.” (02:15)
- “The Carbonaria was dedicated to achieving political reform through clandestine means.” (10:30)
- “King Carlos was shot and killed instantly with shots striking his neck and face.” (10:45)
- “The lesson of the Lisbon regicide is that violence doesn't often achieve the result that you think it will.” (45:20)
Production Credits:
- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
- Associate Producers: Austin Oakton and Cameron Kieffer
Community and Support:
Gary extends gratitude to Patreon supporters and invites listeners to join the discussions on the Everything Everywhere Facebook group and Discord server. Engaging with the community is encouraged through show notes and interactive platforms.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical events and lasting impacts of the Lisbon Regicide, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of this pivotal moment in Portuguese history.