The book outlines the history of the revolutionary process at the national level and as it was experienced in one major Portuguese city. While generally little known, the achievements of grassroots organizations in Portugal far exceeded those of other developed countries, and their examination provides insights, poses important questions and suggests unexpected answers relevant far beyond Portugal.
The Portuguese revolution provides a unique window through which to examine, not only the role of community organizations in a time of revolutionary change, but also the dynamics, potential, and limitations of majority participation. Over a period of nineteen months -- beginning with a military coup which ended the longest lasting European dictatorship (the period brought to a close 500 years of colonialism in Africa) and ending with another military coup -- the Portuguese society and political debate were significantly transformed, largely by the unanticipated development of mass movements advocating direct democracy and social, economic, and political change.
