JAV151 6.1

Commemoration and Propaganda in Salazar’s Portugal: The Mundo Português Exposition of 1940

Abstract

  • Salazar’s Portugal often viewed as a bland imitation of European fascist dictatorships.

  • The regime embraced ‘festival state’ concept leading to commemorative events.

  • The Mundo Português Exposition of 1940 was central in promoting a new cultural identity for the Portuguese people.

  • Key functions of the Exposition:

    • Legitimizing the regime.

    • Propagating a nationalist history.

    • Shaping national consciousness to eliminate ‘anti-national’ elements.

Keywords

  • commemoration, empire, exposition, Portugal, propaganda

Overview of the Exposition

  • The Exposição do Mundo Português in Lisbon (June - December 1940) marked the Estado Novo dictatorship's cultural peak.

  • Celebrated the foundation of Portugal (1140) and independence from Spain (1640).

  • The Exposition served as a vehicle for the dictatorship's ideology through images, myths, and symbols.

Utilization of the Exposition by the Regime

  • The Salazar dictatorship used the event to project a specific historical narrative and national identity.

  • Despite minimal mobilization reputation, festivities were integral to the cultural policy of the Estado Novo.

  • Salazar rejected emotional mass events (like those of Hitler and Mussolini) but acknowledged their legitimizing power.

  • The regime favored passive spectacles over active mass mobilization.

  • Key themes of the Exposition included:

    • God, nation, family, work, authority, rurality, unity, empire, civilization, and multi-racialism.

Understanding Interwar Authoritarianism

  • Recent studies highlight the cultural and aesthetic roles in constructing interwar authoritarian regimes.

  • Roger Griffin noted that culture was used to generate consensus and maintain power without ceding it.

  • Major public works and rituals contributed to national regeneration efforts.

Salazar’s Celebration of the National Revolution

  • The tenth anniversary of Salazar's military coup in 1936 marked the start of a new era.

  • Reflections on a ‘tremendous year of resurgence’ in 1940 linked to themes of national revival.

  • Strong symbolism associated with national heritage restoration during this period.

Commemorative Events of the Era

  • The Salazar regime organized numerous anniversaries providing vehicles to transmit their historical vision:

    • Celebrations of historical battles and national milestones.

Table 1: Historical Commemoration Events, 1930–40

  • 1930: National Colonial Congress

  • 1931: Exhibition during the First Congress of União Nacional

  • 1934: Porto Colonial Exhibition

  • 1936: National Revolution Celebration

  • 1937: Congress of Portuguese Expansion

  • 1940: Portuguese World Exhibition

Comparison with Contemporary Events

  • Contrasts between the Lisbon Exposition and the New York World's Fair (1939–40):

    • Lisbon focused on historical themes; New York on progress and future prospects.

  • Salazar emphasized a return to simplicity and traditional values linked to national history.

Cultural Policy and Propaganda

  • The regime sought to cultivate a ‘true Portuguese culture’ anchored in conservative values.

  • António Ferro led the Secretaria da Propaganda Nacional (SPN) to instill national pride and cultural identity.

  • History was used to re-educate an illiterate population, affirming ethnic identity and civilizing capacity.

  • The ‘politics of the spirit’ aimed at moral regeneration, influencing all classes and communities.

Public Works and Heritage Restoration

  • Significant public works to restore historical buildings across Portugal symbolized national renewal:

    • Major projects included St. George’s Castle, the Sé cathedral, and other national monuments.

  • A focus on the ‘trinity’ of castle, church, and monastery underscored historical sacredness and national unity.

The Role of Youth in National Identity

  • Youth-targeted initiatives promoted national pride through play and education (e.g., Coimbra’s theme park, Portugal dos Pequenitos).

  • The state's commitment to preserving traditional culture via folklore and competitions.

Education through Cultural Exhibits

  • Museums opened nationwide to convey cultural heritage and encourage nationalism.

  • State-sponsored films and newsreels supplemented historical education and state propaganda dissemination.

Historical Narrative and National Identity

  • The regime used history as a legitimizing tool, emphasizing pride in Portugal’s past under Salazar's regime.

  • Specific historical narratives culminated in the Exposition, lauding Portuguese achievements globally.

Exposition Details and Themes

  • The Exposition featured numerous displays reflecting the glories of the Portuguese Empire and its colonial impact.

  • The key narrative: Portugal as a major power with a moral imperative to civilize and integrate its colonies.

Exhibition Highlights

  • Showcased the nation’s foundation, discoveries, independence, and global Portuguese impact.

Lasting Impact of the Mundo Português Exposition

  • The Exposition was regarded as a pivotal cultural and ideological building event for the New State.

  • Represented the culmination of a ‘festival state’ approach, with subsequent events suffering constricted scale post-WWII.

  • Emphasized the collective cultural identity harnessing empire discourse.

Conclusion

  • The Exposition served as a significant mechanism in shaping national identity while obscuring the regime's authoritarian nature.

  • Cultural events rose as tools for education, pride, and maintaining the political regime, reflecting Salazar's vision.