Behind the Bastards Part Two: Antonio Salazar: The Smartest Fascist Dictator
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Jul 17, 2025 In this engaging conversation, guest Jeff May, a podcast host and YouTube personality, dives into the fraught legacy of Antonio Salazar, the Portuguese dictator. They explore Salazar's economic policies that favored the wealthy while oppressing the poor, his strategic neutrality during WWII, and his brutal repression tactics supported by the CIA. The discussion reveals the absurdities of his regime, the strained colonial efforts in Africa, and the eventual collapse of his dictatorship during the Carnation Revolution, all laced with dark humor and sharp insights.
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Salazar's Unique Dictator Style
- Salazar maintained direct, strict control over Portugal's economy, unlike many dictators who delegated power.
- He avoided showy fascist rituals, creating a dictatorship without a cult of personality but with firm governance.
Salazar Supports Franco's Fascists
- Salazar supported Franco in Spain's civil war with troops and resources to prevent a left-wing victory.
- He adopted fascist-like youth and paramilitary groups to combat communism at home.
Catholicism Shapes Salazar's Regime
- Salazar distinguished his regime by embracing Catholicism and rejecting fascist paganism.
- He allied with the Church to support social services, unlike the anti-Catholic Nazi regime.