The Torres Novas revolt - 1844

Abstract

In February 1844 the cabinet of Cabral completed two years of life. This was a record: since the arrival of the liberal regime a decade previously, only the Bonfim government (which also had included Costa Cabral) lasted more than 12 months. However, the promise of stability and progress that «Cabralism» promised from the start was accompanied by unusual political rigidity, in which only followers could take part. For most politicians this was like being sent into a desert for an indeterminate period. They were used to constant deals with the government of the time, which allowed them to influence power or participate in it. The opposition formed by these sectors of various political colours, brought together by the circumstances, decided to act. One of the manifestations of this was the Torres Novas revolt of the 4^th of February 1844, conducted by some of the prominent members of these sectors. Initially we follow the conspirators' preparations for the revolt, and in parallel assess the knowledge that the government had of these movements. Then we analyse the political backdrop to the germination of the insurrection, the behaviour of the military regiments that were present, and the rebel forces' march to Almeida, the last stronghold of their prolonged resistance against encirclement by government troops. Finally we look at the outcome of the rising (for some, always doomed to disaster), and at the reasons for its failure.