During the World Wars, some European countries decided it was best to stay neutral, avoiding the fighting and keeping their citizens safe from the dangers of war. Neutral countries don’t take sides or get involved in military conflicts. However, sometimes a country might not fight directly but still support one side, which can blur the lines of neutrality. This was the case with Portugal during World War II.
Officially, Portugal was neutral during World War II. However, there is some debate about whether it was truly non-belligerent because of its long-standing alliance with Britain. Interestingly, at times, Portugal seemed to favor Germany, showing that it wasn’t completely biased toward one side. This raises the question of why Portugal chose to remain neutral.
Portugal and Britain had a historical alliance called the Treaty of Windsor, signed way back in 1387. This friendship pact influenced Portugal’s decision not to join the Axis powers, which included Germany. Portugal’s leader during the war, Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, talked with the British before declaring neutrality. They agreed that while the treaty would stop Portugal from joining the Axis, it didn’t mean Portugal had to fight with the Allies either.
The British respected Portugal’s choice and didn’t push for military support. However, they wanted to use the Azores, a group of islands, for airfields. Salazar was initially against this because he feared Germany or Spain might retaliate. Eventually, he allowed it but made sure that American forces couldn’t enter the Azores without his permission. This was a smart move to keep Portugal’s independence and avoid angering Germany.
Salazar was worried about the possibility of an Axis invasion, which added pressure to stay neutral. Even though Portugal was close to Spain, there was a fear that Spain might side with Germany, leading to conflict. There was also concern that Germany could invade Portugal directly.
Portugal’s neutrality made it a safe place for refugees from countries involved in the war. Lisbon, the capital, became a key destination for those trying to reach the United States or Palestine. It’s estimated that up to 1 million refugees passed through Portugal during the war.
Economically, staying neutral allowed Portugal to trade with both sides. Salazar, who had a background in economics, saw that the war could benefit Portugal’s economy. By not taking sides, Portugal could sell goods to both the Allies and the Axis, which was profitable until embargoes were put in place.
In summary, Portugal’s decision to remain neutral during World War II was influenced by several factors, including its alliance with Britain, pressure from the Axis, potential actions by Spain, and economic benefits. This neutrality was advantageous for both Portugal and the warring nations, as it allowed for trade and provided a refuge for those fleeing the conflict. Ultimately, Salazar’s choice to maintain neutrality was the best decision for the Portuguese people.
Research the concept of neutrality in international conflicts. Create a presentation that explains why some countries choose to remain neutral during wars. Include examples of other neutral countries during World War II and discuss the benefits and challenges of neutrality.
Participate in a class debate on whether Portugal was truly neutral during World War II. Divide into two groups: one arguing that Portugal maintained true neutrality, and the other arguing that its actions favored one side. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments.
Create a timeline that outlines key events related to Portugal’s neutrality during World War II. Include important dates, such as the signing of the Treaty of Windsor, and significant decisions made by Salazar. Use visuals and brief descriptions to make your timeline engaging.
Engage in a role-playing activity where you simulate diplomatic negotiations between Portugal, Britain, and Germany. Assign roles to different students and discuss the strategic decisions Portugal had to make to maintain its neutrality. Focus on the use of the Azores and economic trade agreements.
Write a reflective essay on the impact of Portugal’s neutrality on its citizens and the broader war effort. Consider the social, economic, and political implications of staying neutral. Reflect on how this decision might have shaped Portugal’s post-war future.
During each World War, a handful of countries throughout Europe decided that it would be best to remain neutral and non-belligerent, staying out of the fighting and thereby saving their citizens from the dangers of the battlefield. Neutral nations are those that not only stay out of military conflict but also show no bias toward one side or the other. A non-belligerent nation does not engage in battles directly but may support one side or specific belligerent nations. Nonetheless, the distinction is often debated, as seen in the case of Portugal during World War II.
Officially, Portugal was neutral during World War II, although some debate whether it was truly non-belligerent due to a previously formed alliance with Britain. Ironically, at certain points during the conflict, Portugal showed favor to Germany, indicating that it was not entirely biased toward one side. This also demonstrated that Portugal maintained relationships with multiple belligerent countries, raising the question of why it remained neutral.
First, let’s examine the alliance between Portugal and Britain. The Treaty of Windsor was a friendship pact and peace treaty signed in 1387, establishing a long-standing alliance. This historical relationship influenced Portugal’s decision to refrain from joining the Axis powers. Portugal’s leader at the time, Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, communicated with the British before announcing neutrality and established an agreement that while the Treaty of Windsor would prevent Portugal from joining the Axis, it did not require Portugal to fight alongside the Allies.
The British respected this decision and did not feel they needed Portuguese military support. However, they sought to use the Azores for airfields, which Salazar initially opposed due to fears of retaliation from Germany or Spain. Eventually, Salazar agreed but insisted that American forces could not enter the Azores without his permission. This was a strategic decision to maintain Portugal’s sovereignty and avoid provoking Germany.
Salazar was concerned about a potential invasion from the Axis powers, which further pressured him to maintain neutrality. Despite Portugal’s close ties with Spain, there was a fear that Spain might align with Germany, leading to potential conflict. Additionally, there was concern that Germany itself could invade Portugal.
Portugal’s neutrality also allowed it to serve as a safe haven for refugees from belligerent nations. Lisbon became a crucial destination for those hoping to reach the United States or Palestine, with estimates suggesting that up to 1 million refugees found their way to Portugal.
Economically, neutrality provided Portugal with opportunities to trade with both sides during the war. Salazar, who had a background in economics, recognized that wartime could benefit Portugal’s economy. By remaining neutral, Portugal could sell goods to both the Allies and the Axis, which was advantageous until embargoes were imposed.
In summary, Portugal’s decision to remain neutral during World War II was influenced by a combination of factors, including the Treaty of Windsor, pressure from the Axis, the potential actions of Spain, and economic considerations. The neutrality was beneficial for both Portugal and the warring nations, as it allowed for trade and provided a safe haven for refugees. Ultimately, Salazar’s choice to maintain neutrality proved to be the wisest option for the Portuguese people.
Neutrality – The policy or status of a nation that does not participate in a war between other nations – During World War II, Switzerland maintained its neutrality, avoiding involvement in the conflict.
Alliance – A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations – The Triple Entente was an alliance between France, Russia, and Britain before World War I.
Portugal – A country in Southern Europe, known for its maritime history and exploration during the Age of Discovery – Portugal was a leading nation in the exploration of new trade routes during the 15th century.
Britain – A country in Western Europe, historically known for its colonial empire and influence in global affairs – During the 19th century, Britain was often referred to as “the empire on which the sun never sets” due to its vast territories around the world.
Axis – The coalition of countries led by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II – The Axis powers were eventually defeated by the Allied forces in 1945.
Refugees – People who are forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster – After the war broke out, thousands of refugees fled their homes in search of safety.
Invasion – An instance of invading a country or region with an armed force – The invasion of Normandy in 1944 was a pivotal moment in World War II, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Economy – The system of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in a particular geographic region – The Great Depression had a profound impact on the global economy during the 1930s.
Salazar – António de Oliveira Salazar, the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968, known for his authoritarian regime – Salazar’s policies kept Portugal neutral during World War II, despite pressure from both Axis and Allied powers.
Trade – The action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services between people or countries – The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.
