Portugal during World War I

The Kingdom of Portugal had been allied with England since 1373, so when World War I began, Portugal was expected to support the United Kingdom. But at first, Portugal stayed out of the fighting, choosing to remain neutral from 1914 until early 1916. During this time, there were fights between Portuguese forces and Germany over Portugal's colonies in Africa.

As the war continued, Germany used submarines called U-boats to attack ships near the United Kingdom. This created more problems between Germany and Portugal. In March 1916, Germany declared war on Portugal after Portugal took control of German ships in its ports. From 1916 to 1918, German U-boats sank about 91 Portuguese ships and damaged 5 more.

Many people from Portugal were affected by the war. About 12,000 Portuguese soldiers died, including some from Africa. In addition, civilian deaths were very high, with some estimates saying more than 220,000 people died because of food shortages and the Spanish flu.

1914

In 1914, Portugal faced some difficult times because of World War I. In July, Germany and Britain had problems discussing changes to an old agreement about Portuguese colonies in Africa. Germany even formed a group called the "Angola League" to try to take over these lands.

From August to September, small fights happened between German and Portuguese soldiers in Africa. The Germans also tried to cause trouble by encouraging local tribes to revolt. On August 24, a small German group attacked a Portuguese post at Maziua in Mozambique, which led to the first Portuguese soldiers being hurt in the war. The German government later said they were sorry for this attack. In September, Portugal sent more soldiers to protect the borders of Angola and tried to stop any trade between Germany and its colonies. In October, more Portuguese troops arrived in Angola and Mozambique, helped by British ships.

1915

In November, 1,527 soldiers arrived in Mozambique, led by Moura Mendes. Their mission was to take back the Kionga Triangle from the Germans.

1916

In early 1916, Portugal agreed to a request from Britain to take control of German ships stuck in Portuguese ports. This action led Germany to declare war on Portugal, pulling the country into World War I.

After Germany declared war, Portugal began organizing its soldiers to fight on the Western Front. The country also sent troops to protect its colonies in Africa. Despite these efforts, some Portuguese and French ships were attacked by German submarines during this time.

1917

In 1917, Portugal joined World War I on the side of the British Army. Portuguese troops were sent to help with timber needs in Britain and later to fight on the Western Front. They arrived in France and took positions near the battle lines.

During this time, German ships attacked some Portuguese areas, including places in the Azores. Despite these challenges, Portuguese soldiers worked together with British and French forces to support the war effort.

1918

In early 1918, Portugal was still fighting in World War I. German submarines sank several Portuguese ships, including the Estrella de Bissao, the Gloria, and the Gaia. Portuguese soldiers faced tough battles, especially during the Battle of La Lys in April. Despite having fewer soldiers and weapons, they fought bravely. One soldier, Aníbal Milhais, used his machine gun to protect retreating allies until he ran out of bullets.

In July, General Tomás António Garcia Rosado took command of the Portuguese forces. German troops also captured supplies in Portuguese East Africa. By the end of the war in November, Portugal had lost many soldiers and ships, but the fighting helped bring the war to an end.

After the war

1919

On January 19, Professor Egas Moniz led Portugal’s team at the peace meeting in Versailles, France. Through the Treaty of Versailles, Germany gave the port of Kionga to Portugal. This was the only land Portugal gained for fighting on the side of the winning Allies in World War I.

1921

On November 19, Charles I, the last emperor of Austria-Hungary, went to live in exile on the Portuguese island of Madeira. He stayed there until he passed away in 1922.