Por que Ninguém atacou PORTUGAL na Segunda Guerra Mundial?

Summary

This video explores Portugal's strategic neutrality during World War II, navigating diplomatic waters amidst European turmoil. It delves into how Portugal balanced its historical alliance with the UK, sympathy for Germany, and the need to protect its overseas territories, ultimately emerging unscathed from the conflict.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Portugal navigated the tumultuous waters of World War II with a strategic neutrality, influenced by its pre-war alliances and geopolitical position.
• 🏰 Salazar's leadership, starting from 1932, was crucial in maintaining Portugal's neutrality amidst the global conflict, balancing relations with both the Allies and the Axis powers.
• 🤝 Portugal's centuries-old alliance with the UK was a significant factor in its decision to remain neutral, despite the UK's and France's declaration of war on Germany.
• 🇪🇺 The Iberian Peninsula's tense atmosphere, with Spain's sympathetic government towards the Axis, added complexity to Portugal's diplomatic efforts during the war.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Salazar's support for the Nationalist cause in Spain was driven by a fear of communism spreading to Portugal, further complicating his stance on the Axis powers.
• 🤔 Portugal's neutrality was a strategic choice to preserve national sovereignty and avoid conflicts that could compromise its security and colonial interests.
• 🤝 Portugal signed a non-aggression pact with Spain in 1939, further reinforcing its commitment to neutrality and ensuring peninsular security.
• 🛠️ Portugal's possession of wolfram (tungsten) and its colonies in Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific were significant bargaining chips in its diplomatic efforts during the war.
• 🔍 The threat of German U-boats and the strategic importance of the Azores led to increased defense and British and American interest in the islands, ultimately resulting in British bases being established there.
• 🏳️󠁧󠁷 Portugal's neutrality was not without its challenges, particularly in managing the sale of wolfram to both the Axis and the Allies, which eventually led to a suspension of sales under British pressure.

Q & A

Why was Portugal's neutrality during World War II considered strategic?

Portugal's neutrality during World War II was strategic because it aimed to preserve the country's sovereignty and avoid conflicts that could compromise its security and colonial interests.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Windsor in the context of World War II?

The Treaty of Windsor, signed in 1386, was significant because it represented the oldest alliance in the world between Portugal and England, which influenced Portugal's stance during World War II and its relations with the Allies.

Why did Portugal maintain diplomatic and economic relations with both sides of the conflict during World War II?

Portugal maintained relations with both sides to preserve its neutrality and sovereignty, and because it had economic interests such as the sale of wolfram (tungsten), which was vital for armament, to both the Axis and Allied powers.

What was the role of the Azores in Portugal's strategy during World War II?

The Azores were historically vital for Atlantic control and gained more importance with the advent of aviation. Portugal increased their defense and allowed the establishment of British bases there to maintain neutrality and strategic balance.

How did Portugal manage its relations with Spain during World War II?

Portugal sought to maintain peaceful relations with Spain to ensure it would not join Hitler and Mussolini in attacking Portugal. This included the signing of the Luso-Spanish Treaty of Friendship and Non-Aggression in 1939.

What was the impact of Portugal's sale of wolfram to Germany on its neutrality?

The sale of wolfram to Germany was a delicate issue for Portugal's neutrality. While it was an important source of revenue, it also subjected Portugal to pressure from the Allies to stop the sales, which eventually led to a suspension of sales to both sides.

What was the 'Blue Division' and what was the involvement of Portuguese soldiers in it?

The 'Blue Division' was a unit composed of Spanish and Portuguese volunteers who fought alongside the German army on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. The Portuguese government did not officially sanction the participation of Portuguese soldiers in the division.

How did the United States' entry into the war influence Portugal's stance?

The United States' entry into the war increased pressure on Portugal to side with the Allies. However, Portugal continued to maintain its neutrality, eventually signing an agreement with the U.S. in 1944 that allowed the use of the Santa Maria Air Base in the Azores.

What were the challenges faced by Salazar in maintaining Portugal's neutrality?

Salazar faced challenges such as balancing relations with both the Allies and the Axis, managing the sale of strategic resources like wolfram, and ensuring the protection of Portugal's territories and colonies from potential invasion or conflict.

How did Portugal emerge from World War II?

Portugal emerged from World War II largely unscathed, with its neutrality widely seen as a strategy that protected the country from much of the conflict and allowed it to maintain its sovereignty and stability.