Antonio Bernardo Costa Cabral Portuguese statesman Date of Birth: 09.05.1803 Country: Portugal

1. Antonio Bernardo da Costa Cabral, Count of Tomar (1803-1889)
2. Early Life and Political Career
3. The Constitutional Crisis of 1843
4. Premiership and Downfall
5. Return to Power and Exile
6. Later Years

Antonio Bernardo da Costa Cabral, Count of Tomar (1803-1889)

Born in Fornos de Algodres, Portugal, on May 9, 1803, Antonio Bernardo da Costa Cabral was a Portuguese statesman who played a significant role in Portuguese history.

Early Life and Political Career

Cabral studied law and was elected to the Cortes (parliament) in 1832. Initially a leader of the radical Septembrist party, he later aligned himself with the royalist faction. In 1838, he was appointed governor of Lisbon.

The Constitutional Crisis of 1843

In 1843, Cabral instigated a rebellion in Porto to overturn the liberal constitution of 1820. His actions resulted in the suspension of the constitution, and he was rewarded with the title of Count of Tomar.

Premiership and Downfall

As Minister of the Interior and Prime Minister, Cabral's authoritarian policies and financial mismanagement alienated the public and all political factions. In 1846, a nationwide uprising forced him to resign.

Return to Power and Exile

Despite public opposition, Cabral was reinstated as Prime Minister in 1849 by the royalist party. Marshal Saldanha, leading the opposition, successfully overthrew Cabral's government in 1851, forcing him to flee to England.

Later Years

Upon his return to Portugal, Cabral served as president of the Supreme Administrative Court until his death on December 1, 1889.