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Afonso Costa: Portugal's Maker of the Modern World

Salman Rushdie

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Afonso Costa was a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1913 to 1917. He was a leading figure in the Portuguese First Republic and played a key role in the establishment of the Portuguese Constitution of 1911. Costa was a strong advocate for democracy and social justice, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Portuguese history.

Afonso Costa: Portugal (Makers of the Modern World)

by Cristiana Sogno

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Career

Afonso Costa was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on September 18, 1871. He studied law at the University of Coimbra and began his political career as a member of the Portuguese Socialist Party. In 1901, he was elected to the Portuguese Parliament, where he quickly became a leading voice for the Republican cause.

In 1910, Costa was one of the leaders of the Portuguese Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy and established the Portuguese First Republic. He served as Minister of Justice in the provisional government and was elected Prime Minister in 1913.

Prime Minister of Portugal

As Prime Minister, Costa introduced a number of important reforms, including the establishment of a national education system, the creation of a social security system, and the of women's suffrage. He also played a key role in Portugal's entry into World War I on the side of the Allies.

Costa's government was overthrown in 1917 by a military coup. He was arrested and imprisoned, but was released after a few months. He continued to be active in politics until his death in 1937.

Legacy

Afonso Costa is considered one of the most important figures in Portuguese history. He was a leading advocate for democracy and social justice, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic. His reforms helped to modernize Portugal and lay the foundation for the country's future development.

Additional Information

Afonso Costa was a Freemason and a member of the Grand Orient of Portugal.
He was a close friend of the French Prime Minister, Aristide Briand.
Costa was a keen sportsman and enjoyed playing tennis and football.
He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ by the Portuguese government in 1919.

Afonso Costa: Portugal (Makers of the Modern World)

by Cristiana Sogno

4.1 out of 5