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| 1930, July 30 |
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| Foundation of the National Union, a political-social party of a Fascist type. This was the only party permitted by the government and was designed to prepare the way for the Estado Novo. By 1936 the National Union had all of the trappings of a Fascist party, including the Portuguese Legion, a body of volunteers for the defense of the regime, and the Portuguese Youth, a compulsory paramilitary framework for the young. | 1 |
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| 1932, July 5 |
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| OLIVEIRA SALAZAR BECAME PREMIER and to all intents and purposes dictator. He ruled with a strong hand, but opposition to Fascism and dictatorship continued to smolder, as shown by occasional uprisings and attempts on the life of the dictator. | 2 |
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| 1933, Feb. 22 |
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| The government promulgated a NEW CONSTITUTION, which was approved by plebiscite on March 19. Provisions: a president elected for seven years; a cabinet appointed by the president and responsible to him alone; a national assembly elected by heads of families possessing a certain degree of education; a corporative chamber representing occupations (on the Italian model), but with only advisory power. | 3 |
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| 1934, Jan. 18 |
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| A revolutionary movement led by the General Confederation of Labor and by the Communists was suppressed and the leaders imprisoned. | 4 |
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| Dec. 16 |
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| In the elections the voters were allowed to choose among candidates put forward by the National Union; no others were permitted. The first national assembly of the new regime met on Jan. 10, 1935. | 5 |
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