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Portugal maintained its full military alliance with the United Kingdom throughout World War II, actively participating in combat alongside British forces from the conflict's outset.
Answer: False
While Portugal affirmed its long-standing Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, it maintained a policy of neutrality throughout World War II, as the United Kingdom did not request military assistance. Active combat participation alongside British forces from the outset did not occur.
António de Oliveira Salazar, the leader of Portugal during World War II, governed under the Estado Novo regime, which was established in 1933 and characterized as a corporatist and authoritarian system.
Answer: True
António de Oliveira Salazar led Portugal under the authoritarian and corporatist Estado Novo regime, which he established in 1933 and governed until 1974.
Salazar's foreign policy was primarily driven by a desire to align Portugal closely with the Axis powers, fearing British influence more than potential communist threats.
Answer: False
Salazar's foreign policy was characterized by a cautious neutrality, balancing relations with both the Allies and Axis powers. While he supported the Spanish Nationalists due to fears of communism, he was also wary of excessive Axis influence, and his primary goal was to preserve Portuguese sovereignty and neutrality.
Portugal's neutrality was strategically important mainly to protect its industrial centers from potential Axis bombing campaigns.
Answer: False
Portugal's neutrality was strategically important primarily to protect its underdeveloped and vulnerable colonial possessions from potential military attacks. Its industrial centers were not the main concern driving this policy.
Life magazine, in a 1940 article, praised Salazar as a 'benevolent ruler' and 'the world's best dictator,' attributing economic stabilization and improved infrastructure to his leadership.
Answer: True
A 1940 article in Life magazine described Salazar as a 'benevolent ruler' and 'the world's best dictator,' attributing national stabilization, economic improvements, and infrastructure development to his leadership.
Winston Churchill explicitly urged Salazar to abandon neutrality and join the Allied war effort immediately in September 1940.
Answer: False
In September 1940, Winston Churchill wrote to Salazar congratulating him on Portugal's neutrality, stating that British and Portuguese interests were aligned on this matter, rather than urging him to abandon neutrality.
The Anglo-Portuguese alliance, referenced by Churchill, was based on a treaty signed in the early 17th century.
Answer: False
The Anglo-Portuguese alliance, referenced by Churchill, was based on the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373, making it one of the world's oldest operational alliances, not one signed in the early 17th century.
Salazar maintained Portugal's neutrality until the war's end, even ordering flags flown at half-mast upon Hitler's death and allowing the German Ambassador to remain post-war.
Answer: True
Salazar maintained Portugal's neutrality until the war's end, adhering to strict protocols. This included ordering flags flown at half-mast upon Hitler's death and allowing the German Ambassador to remain in Lisbon post-war, reflecting a consistent diplomatic stance.
Winston Churchill expressed disappointment with Portugal's neutrality, believing it hindered the Allied war effort significantly.
Answer: False
Winston Churchill expressed appreciation for Portugal's neutrality, recognizing that it served common interests and maintained stability in the Iberian Peninsula, rather than expressing disappointment that it hindered the Allied war effort.
What was Portugal's official stance regarding the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance at the beginning of World War II?
Answer: Portugal affirmed the alliance but maintained neutrality as military assistance was not requested.
Who was the leader of Portugal during World War II, and what type of government did he establish?
Answer: António de Oliveira Salazar, a corporatist and authoritarian Estado Novo regime.
What was the primary strategic reason for Portugal maintaining neutrality concerning its colonial possessions?
Answer: To prevent military attacks on its economically underdeveloped and vulnerable colonies.
How did Life magazine describe Salazar in its 1940 article?
Answer: A 'benevolent ruler' and 'the world's best dictator' who stabilized the nation.
What message did Winston Churchill convey to Salazar in September 1940 regarding Portugal's wartime stance?
Answer: Churchill congratulated Salazar on Portugal's neutrality, noting aligned interests.
The historical treaty underpinning the Anglo-Portuguese alliance referenced by Churchill dated back to which century?
Answer: 14th Century
How did Salazar ensure Portugal maintained its neutrality until the end of the war?
Answer: By strictly adhering to a policy of 'juridical neutrality' and maintaining diplomatic ties even after the war.
How did the long-standing Anglo-Portuguese alliance influence Portugal's wartime actions?
Answer: It allowed Portugal to maintain autonomy while cooperating with Allies, particularly regarding the Azores.
The Azores islands were considered strategically unimportant during World War II, with neither Allied nor Axis powers showing significant interest in them.
Answer: False
The Azores islands were of immense strategic value during World War II due to their location, making them a point of interest for both Allied and Axis powers seeking to establish air bases and influence the Battle of the Atlantic.
The Luso-British agreement of August 1943 allowed the British to establish bases in the Azores, which was crucial for extending Allied aerial coverage into the Mid-Atlantic gap.
Answer: True
The Luso-British agreement of August 1943 permitted the British to establish military bases in the Azores. This was crucial for extending Allied aerial coverage into the Mid-Atlantic gap, significantly aiding anti-submarine operations during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Lajes Field in the Azores primarily served as a base for Axis reconnaissance flights over the Atlantic during the war.
Answer: False
Lajes Field in the Azores primarily served as a vital stopover and refueling base for Allied (specifically US) aircraft and supported anti-submarine operations, not for Axis reconnaissance flights.
The joint agreement between the US and Portugal in late 1943 focused solely on the transport of American military personnel via the Azores, with no mention of facility improvements.
Answer: False
The joint agreement between the US and Portugal in late 1943 concerning Lajes Field in the Azores not only facilitated the transport of American military personnel but also involved US aid in improving and expanding the facilities.
The Luso-British agreement allowing British bases in the Azores was crucial for the Battle of the Atlantic, enabling Allied aerial coverage in the Mid-Atlantic gap.
Answer: True
The Luso-British agreement of August 1943, allowing British bases in the Azores, was crucial for the Battle of the Atlantic as it enabled Allied aerial coverage in the Mid-Atlantic gap, significantly improving anti-submarine capabilities.
Which of the following was a key strategic value of the Azores islands during World War II?
Answer: Their location made them crucial for establishing air bases influencing the Battle of the Atlantic.
How did Portugal facilitate Allied operations in the Azores in August 1943?
Answer: By granting the British permission to establish military bases.
What was the primary role of Lajes Field in the Azores for the United States during the war?
Answer: A vital stopover and refueling base for transatlantic flights and anti-submarine operations.
What was the significance of the Lajes Field agreement between the US and Portugal in late 1943?
Answer: It outlined roles for US forces at Lajes Field and involved US aid in improving the facilities.
Portugal demanded payment in gold for its trade goods supplied to the United Kingdom during the war, straining British resources.
Answer: False
Portugal managed its trade relations with the United Kingdom by accepting payment in pounds sterling backed by credit, which was crucial for the UK's finances. Portugal did not demand payment exclusively in gold.
Wolfram (tungsten) was a critical trade item for Portugal, but its export was primarily directed towards the Allies due to strong Portuguese ties.
Answer: False
Wolfram (tungsten) was critical for German munitions production, leading to Allied pressure on Portugal to embargo sales. While Portugal did export wolfram, the statement that it was primarily directed towards the Allies due to strong Portuguese ties is inaccurate; the trade was complex and subject to significant diplomatic pressure.
Portugal implemented a policy of prioritizing wolfram exports to Germany based on pre-war trade levels to maintain neutrality.
Answer: False
Portugal implemented a quota system for wolfram exports in 1942, aiming for an equal division between belligerents, rather than prioritizing exports to Germany based solely on pre-war levels. This policy was a measure to maintain neutrality under pressure.
In June 1944, Portugal completely embargoed wolfram exports to both Allies and Axis under Allied pressure, leading to significant unemployment.
Answer: True
In June 1944, under Allied pressure and facing potential sanctions, Portugal imposed a complete embargo on wolfram exports to both the Allies and the Axis. This decision resulted in significant economic consequences, including the unemployment of approximately 100,000 laborers.
How did Portugal manage its trade relations with the United Kingdom during the war, particularly concerning currency?
Answer: By accepting payment in pounds sterling backed by credit, aiding the UK's finances.
Wolfram (tungsten) was a critical export for Portugal. Why was its trade particularly sensitive during the war?
Answer: It was crucial for German munitions production, leading to Allied pressure on Portugal to embargo sales.
What policy did Portugal implement regarding wolfram exports in 1942 to maintain neutrality?
Answer: An export quota system aiming for equal division between belligerents.
What action did Portugal take regarding wolfram exports in June 1944, and what was a direct consequence?
Answer: Imposed a complete embargo on exports to both sides; caused unemployment for 100,000 laborers.
Portugal served as a major transit point for refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, with estimates suggesting up to 1 million people passed through.
Answer: True
Portugal served as a crucial transit point for refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, with estimates suggesting that between 100,000 and 1,000,000 individuals passed through, utilizing Portuguese visas and passports as an escape route.
Salazar actively prevented European royalty fleeing Nazi persecution from obtaining Portuguese visas, viewing them as potential security risks.
Answer: False
Salazar instructed Portuguese consulates to provide passports and visas to European royalty fleeing Nazi persecution, facilitating their escape rather than preventing it.
Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux, strictly followed orders and refused visas to refugees trying to escape Nazi-occupied France.
Answer: False
Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux, defied direct orders and issued thousands of visas to refugees attempting to escape Nazi-occupied France, thereby aiding their passage.
In July 1940, the civilian population of Gibraltar was evacuated and hosted in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, due to fears of German and Italian attacks.
Answer: True
In July 1940, due to fears of German and Italian attacks, the civilian population of Gibraltar was evacuated and hosted in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, until the end of the war.
Carlos Sampaio Garrido, the Portuguese Ambassador in Budapest, actively resisted Nazi raids and provided shelter for approximately 1,000 Hungarian Jews in 1944.
Answer: True
Carlos Sampaio Garrido, the Portuguese Ambassador in Budapest, actively sheltered approximately 1,000 Hungarian Jews in 1944, resisting Nazi raids and providing them with protection.
No Portuguese citizens were victims of the Holocaust; records only show foreign nationals of Portuguese descent being targeted.
Answer: False
Records indicate that Portuguese citizens, particularly those living in France and Portuguese-Jewish individuals in the Netherlands, were among the victims of the Holocaust in Nazi concentration camps.
How did Portugal serve as a haven for refugees during World War II?
Answer: By issuing visas and passports, acting as a crucial escape route from Nazi-occupied Europe.
What actions did Salazar take to assist European royalty fleeing Nazi persecution?
Answer: He instructed consulates to provide Portuguese passports and visas.
Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese consul general in Bordeaux, is noted for:
Answer: Issuing thousands of visas to refugees, often defying direct orders.
What happened to the civilian population of Gibraltar in July 1940?
Answer: They were evacuated and hosted in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
What role did Carlos Sampaio Garrido, the Portuguese Ambassador in Budapest, play during the war?
Answer: He facilitated the escape of Hungarian Jews from Nazi persecution.
Which of the following statements about Portuguese victims of the Holocaust is accurate?
Answer: Portuguese citizens living in France and Portuguese-Jewish individuals in the Netherlands were among the victims.
German merchant ships harbored in Goa transmitted Allied shipping intelligence to U-boats until the British Special Operations Executive intervened with Operation Creek.
Answer: True
German merchant ships harbored in Goa, Portuguese India, transmitted Allied shipping intelligence to U-boats until the British Special Operations Executive intervened with Operation Creek, which involved sinking the German ship Ehrenfels.
Lisbon was known as the 'Capital of Espionage' because the Portuguese secret police actively collaborated with both Allied and Axis intelligence agencies.
Answer: False
Lisbon was known as the 'Capital of Espionage' due to the presence of both Allied and Axis intelligence agencies. However, the Portuguese secret police maintained a neutral stance, intervening only if activities disrupted internal Portuguese affairs, rather than actively collaborating with both sides.
Juan Pujol García, codenamed Garbo, operated from Lisbon as a German agent passing vital intelligence about Allied shipping to the Axis powers.
Answer: False
Juan Pujol García, known as Codename Garbo, operated from Lisbon as a double agent recruited by the British. He passed misinformation to the Germans, aiming to deceive them about Allied intentions, rather than passing vital intelligence to the Axis.
The SOE network established in Lisbon by John Beevor in 1941 was primarily intended for intelligence gathering on German naval movements.
Answer: False
The SOE network established in Lisbon by John Beevor in 1941 was primarily intended for sabotage operations in case of an invasion of Portugal, targeting infrastructure like oil refineries and bridges, rather than solely for intelligence gathering on German naval movements.
Friction arose between the Portuguese authorities and the SOE because Salazar suspected the British were attempting to undermine his regime by recruiting Portuguese members into the SOE network.
Answer: True
Friction arose between Portuguese authorities and the SOE because Salazar suspected the British were attempting to undermine his regime by recruiting Portuguese members into the SOE network, potentially fostering opposition.
Operation Creek involved the sinking of the German ship Ehrenfels in Goa by British forces to stop the transmission of Allied shipping intelligence.
Answer: True
Operation Creek involved the sinking of the German ship Ehrenfels in Goa by British forces to halt the transmission of Allied shipping intelligence to German U-boats operating in the Indian Ocean.
Lisbon's reputation as the 'Capital of Espionage' during the war was largely due to:
Answer: The presence and activities of both Allied and Axis intelligence agencies operating within the city.
Juan Pujol García, codenamed Garbo, played a significant role from Lisbon primarily as:
Answer: A double agent recruited by the British, passing misinformation to the Germans.
What was the primary objective of the SOE network established in Lisbon in 1941?
Answer: To sabotage key infrastructure in case of an invasion of Portugal.
What was the outcome of Operation Creek?
Answer: It led to the sinking of the German ship Ehrenfels, ending intelligence transmissions from Goa.
What was the nature of the Portuguese secret police (PVDE) stance towards foreign espionage activities in Lisbon?
Answer: They maintained a neutral stance as long as activities did not interfere with Portuguese internal affairs.
In December 1941, Portuguese forces preemptively occupied Portuguese Timor to prevent a Japanese invasion, a move strongly supported by Salazar.
Answer: False
In December 1941, Australian and Dutch forces occupied Portuguese Timor, anticipating a Japanese invasion. Salazar strongly protested this violation of Portuguese sovereignty and neutrality, and the Portuguese garrison arrived too late to prevent the subsequent Japanese landing.
The Iberian Pact, signed between Portugal and Spain in 1939, was a military alliance aimed at jointly confronting potential Allied aggression.
Answer: False
The Iberian Pact, signed between Portugal and Spain in 1939, was primarily a non-aggression treaty designed to maintain Iberian neutrality, not a military alliance aimed at confronting Allied aggression.
The British ambassador in Lisbon believed that if Portugal had been less strict in its neutrality and more favorable to the Allies, Spain would have likely sided fully with Germany.
Answer: True
The British ambassador in Lisbon noted that if Portugal had been less strict in its neutrality and more favorable to the Allies, Spain would likely have fully aligned with Germany, potentially leading to Axis control of the Iberian Peninsula.
An estimated 159 Portuguese volunteers fought for the Axis powers, many motivated by adventure or anti-communist sentiment, including veterans of the Spanish Civil War.
Answer: True
An estimated 159 Portuguese volunteers fought for the Axis powers, many motivated by adventure or anti-communist sentiment, including veterans of the Spanish Civil War who served primarily on the Eastern Front.
During the Pacific War, Portugal's colony of Macau was invaded by Japanese forces, leading to its direct administration by Japan.
Answer: False
Portugal's colony of Macau was not invaded by Japanese forces during the Pacific War. However, it faced severe isolation, food shortages, and pressure from Japan, including the acceptance of Japanese 'advisers' and trade of aviation fuel.
In January 1945, US Navy aircraft attacked Macau, targeting aviation fuel stores and a radio station, causing damage for which the US later paid compensation.
Answer: True
In January 1945, US Navy aircraft attacked Macau, targeting aviation fuel stores intended for Japan and a radio station. The US later paid compensation for damage caused to urban areas and the harbor.
The violation of Portuguese sovereignty in Portuguese Timor in December 1941 involved a Japanese landing that Portugal actively supported.
Answer: False
The violation of Portuguese sovereignty in Portuguese Timor in December 1941 involved an occupation by Australian and Dutch forces, which Portugal protested. It was not a landing that Portugal actively supported.
Operation Felix was a planned Allied invasion of Portugal aimed at securing bases before the Germans could.
Answer: False
Operation Felix was a planned German operation concerning Gibraltar and potentially Portugal, not an Allied invasion of Portugal. Its objective was to secure Gibraltar and possibly establish bases in Portugal if circumstances allowed.
Hitler's Führer Directive No. 18 (November 1940) outlined plans for the potential invasion of Portugal and occupation of the Azores.
Answer: True
Führer Directive No. 18, issued by Hitler in November 1940, outlined plans for the potential invasion of Portugal and the occupation of the Azores and Madeira, contingent on strategic assessments.
Operation Isabella was a British plan to seize the Azores to prevent German U-boat activity.
Answer: False
Operation Isabella was a Nazi German plan conceived in June 1941 to secure bases in Spain and Portugal after the Soviet Union's collapse, not a British plan to seize the Azores.
Operation Alacrity was an executed Allied plan to establish bases in the Azores, leading to Portugal's formal entry into the war.
Answer: False
Operation Alacrity was a proposed Allied plan concerning the Azores but was never executed. Instead, Britain negotiated an agreement with Portugal in 1943 allowing Allied bases in the Azores, without Portugal formally entering the war.
War Plan Gray, developed by the US, was a contingency for the potential occupation of the Azores Islands involving Marines and Army troops.
Answer: True
War Plan Gray was a contingency plan developed by the US for the potential occupation of the Azores Islands, involving a landing force composed of Marines and Army troops.
Portuguese volunteers fighting for the Axis were primarily involved in naval operations against British shipping lanes.
Answer: False
Portuguese volunteers fighting for the Axis primarily served on the Eastern Front as part of the Spanish Blue Division, motivated by anti-communist sentiment, rather than being involved in naval operations against British shipping lanes.
Why did Salazar support the Spanish nationalists during the Spanish Civil War?
Answer: Due to a fear of communist invasion and potential Axis influence in Spain.
What event occurred in Portuguese Timor in December 1941, and what was Salazar's reaction?
Answer: Australian and Dutch forces occupied the territory, violating sovereignty, which Salazar protested.
The Iberian Pact, signed between Portugal and Spain in March 1939, served primarily as:
Answer: A non-aggression treaty crucial for maintaining Iberian neutrality.
According to the British ambassador in Lisbon, what was the likely consequence if Portugal had abandoned its strict neutrality in favor of the Allies?
Answer: Spain would likely have fully aligned with Germany, potentially leading to Axis control of the peninsula.
Approximately how many Portuguese volunteers reportedly fought for the Axis powers during World War II?
Answer: Around 159
What challenges did Portugal's colony of Macau face during the Pacific War?
Answer: Severe food shortages and high mortality rates due to isolation.
What was the purpose of Operation Felix, a planned German operation related to the Iberian Peninsula?
Answer: To plan a German attack on Gibraltar and potentially invade Portugal.
Hitler's Führer Directive No. 18 (November 1940) included considerations for which actions regarding Portugal?
Answer: Planning the invasion of Portugal and occupation of Madeira and the Azores.
What was Operation Isabella, a Nazi German plan conceived in June 1941?
Answer: A plan to secure bases in Spain and Portugal after the Soviet Union's collapse to continue strangling Britain.
Operation Alacrity was a proposed Allied plan concerning which strategically important location?
Answer: The Azores islands
What was War Plan Gray?
Answer: A US contingency plan for the potential occupation of the Azores Islands.
In 1940, the University of Oxford awarded Salazar a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in maintaining European stability during the war.
Answer: False
In May 1940, the University of Oxford awarded Salazar an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Law, not a Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition acknowledged his role during the war.
Portugal was excluded from the Marshall Plan after the war due to its authoritarian regime, unlike democratic Spain.
Answer: False
Portugal was accepted into the Marshall Plan after the war due to its wartime aid to the Allies and its strategic importance in the emerging Cold War context. Unlike Francoist Spain, Portugal received significant post-war US aid.
The Cristo Rei monument, built in 1959, commemorates Portugal's significant military contributions during World War II.
Answer: False
The Cristo Rei monument, built in 1959, commemorates Portugal's escape from the destruction of World War II and its survival, not its significant military contributions during the conflict.
What was Portugal's post-war standing regarding the Marshall Plan and NATO?
Answer: Accepted into the Marshall Plan and became a founding member of NATO.
The Cristo Rei monument, built in 1959, commemorates what aspect of Portugal's wartime experience?
Answer: Its escape from the destruction of World War II and survival.