March of Time: Portugal

This film explores the political, social, and economic landscape of Portugal under the authoritarian regime of Prime Minister Antonio de Oliveira Salazar during the mid-20th century. Aligned with Roman Catholic social teachings and Vatican ideals of order, progress, and justice, Salazar’s corporate state organizes society around families, guilds, and traditional industries such as wine, cork, and wartime tungsten mining. Despite maintaining a low standard of living and limited political freedoms, the nation achieved economic stability, abundant agriculture, and neutrality through World War II. The documentary examines Portugal's education system, historic universities, extensive public works, and the vibrant culture of Lisbon, illustrating how the country sought to restore its national dignity by blending medieval traditions with modern authoritarian governance.

Keywords:
Portugal, Salazar, Vatican, Roman Catholic Church, corporate state, World War II, Lisbon, economy, agriculture, cork, tungsten, education, history, politics, dictatorship