![Weapons and flowers: the Carnation Revolution combined the two in a peaceful upheaval.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/nelkenrevolution-titel-300x225.jpg)
The Carnation Revolution
In April 1974, one of Europe's oldest dictatorships collapsed in Portugal. In Switzerland, people were worried about the future of Portugal. Not least because of the fragile political balance in southern Europe.
TV documentary about the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. YouTube
Powder keg Southern Europe
![Francisco Franco, in the background the young Juan Carlos. Taken in October 1975.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/franco-252x300.jpg)
Fear of a left-wing regime
![Portrait of António de Spínola, October 1974.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/antonio-de-spinola-240x300.jpg)
Joint research
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This text is the result of a collaboration between the Swiss National Museum (SNM) and the Swiss Diplomatic Documents Research Centre (Dodis). The 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution was the occasion for several publications and historical events that inspired this text. The documents accessible on Dodis are available online.