13. The Portuguese monarchy was abolished in 1910
Lasting from 1139 until 1910, the Kingdom of Portugal enjoyed a prolonged period of imperial glory during the Age of Exploration, amassing a vast colonial empire including most notably Brazil. Transitioning from the House of Braganza to the House of Braganza-Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1668 following the Portuguese Restoration War, after the independence of Brazil – its most valuable colony – in 1825, Portugal sought to compete in Africa for further possessions. Failing in this effort, on January 11, 1890, Portugal was forced to acquiesce to the “British Ultimatum”, ordering the withdrawal of the Portuguese from certain territories in Africa desired by the British Empire.
Regarded as a national humiliation, domestic support for republicanism skyrocketed. Culminating in the Lisbon Regicide, on February 1, 1908, King Carlos I and the Prince Royal Luís Filipe were assassinated whilst returning home from the Ducal Palace. Succeeded by Manuel II, the second son of Carlos, the nineteen-year-old’s reign would fare little better. Remaining immensely unpopular, his rule was cut short by the October 5 Revolution just two years later. Resulting in the collapse of the monarchy and formation of the Republic of Portugal, with a new constitution promulgated the following year, Manuel was forced to flee into exile in Great Britain following his removal.