The army during the first liberal regime (1820-1823)

Abstract

The first liberal experience in Portugal was the result of a military revolution, and although it did not result in a military-type regime, the army remained as the effective assurer of the new situation that prevailed. In this article the various dimensions of the armed force are identified in the political system and in society during that period. The prospect of resizing the state called for a smaller army. Recruitment was avoided due to its unpopularity. The first months of 1823 reveal that the army officers were not willing to follow their orders to intervene in the crisis created by the invasion of liberal Spain by French forces of the Restoration.