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Manuel de Oliveira Gomes da CostaPortuguese political and military figure
Date of Birth: 14.01.1863
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Colonial Service
- Return to Portugal
- Political Involvement
- Later Life
Early Life and Education
Manuel de Oliveira Gomes da Costa was born on January 14, 1863, in Lisbon, Portugal, into a lower-income family. His father, Carlos Dias da Costa, was a junior officer in the army. Gomes da Costa spent his childhood in various Portuguese colonies, including East Timor and Macau, where his father was stationed. He received his primary education at the Seminary of St. Joseph in Macau.
Military Career
In 1873, Gomes da Costa enrolled in the Military College. Upon graduating in 1880, he volunteered as a soldier in the 4th Artillery Company. In 1884, he completed infantry courses at the General Army School, earning the rank of sergeant first class and becoming a candidate for post-graduate studies.
Gomes da Costa served in various infantry regiments, rising through the ranks with exceptional abilities and dedication. In 1887, he joined the Financial Guard, where he served for several years.
Colonial Service
In 1893, Gomes da Costa was appointed as adjutant to the Governor-General of Portuguese India. He distinguished himself in military operations against Indian rebels and was appointed administrator of the municipality of Goa. He also held various other positions, including deputy chief of staff and commander of a battalion during the conquest of Mozambique against the Gaza Empire.
Return to Portugal
Gomes da Costa returned to Lisbon in 1898. He continued to hold various commands in the Portuguese army and was appointed chief of staff of the Portuguese armed forces in Mozambique in 1896.
Political Involvement
In 1926, Gomes da Costa became one of the leaders of the National Revolution, a military coup that overthrew the First Portuguese Republic. He was appointed President and Prime Minister of Portugal, but his tenure was short-lived. He was forced to resign in 1927 due to growing opposition from within the military and the populace.
Later Life
Gomes da Costa retired from politics and spent his later years in obscurity. He passed away in Lisbon on December 17, 1929.
