António de Oliveira Salazar was the dictator of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. Salazar was a conservative statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal for over three decades. He is best known for his authoritarian regime, known as the Estado Novo, which lasted from 1933 to 1974.

During his time in power, Salazar implemented strict censorship laws and suppressed political opposition. He also promoted a policy of economic self-sufficiency and isolationism, leading to Portugal being one of the most economically backward countries in Western Europe during his rule.

Despite his controversial policies, Salazar was able to maintain a firm grip on power for over thirty years. His regime was marked by political repression, censorship, and the suppression of civil liberties. Salazar's authoritarian rule was characterized by a strong centralized government, a secret police force, and a cult of personality around the dictator himself.

Salazar's regime came to an end in 1968 when he suffered a stroke and was forced to resign as Prime Minister. He was succeeded by Marcelo Caetano, who continued many of Salazar's policies until the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which led to the downfall of the Estado Novo regime.

Today, Salazar remains a controversial figure in Portuguese history. While some view him as a strong leader who modernized Portugal and maintained stability during a tumultuous period, others see him as a repressive dictator who stifled dissent and held the country back economically and socially.

For more information on António de Oliveira Salazar and his regime, you can visit History.com or Britannica.com.

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