The early 20th century was a period of political unrest in Portugal, marked by discontent against the authoritarian regime established by Prime Minister João Franco. As Franco's administration attempted to consolidate power and suppress opposition, dissatisfaction among members of the Portuguese Republican Party grew, leading to the planning of a coup d'état aimed at replacing Franco's government. On January 28, an attempt was made to overthrow this administrative dictatorship. The conspirators devised a plan that involved coordinated actions; however, the execution lacked strategic precision and support within the armed forces, rendering their initiative ineffective.

Despite their initial preparations, the republicans faced immediate setbacks, including leaks of their plans, which led to a crack down by Franco's administration. Key figures involved in the coup attempt were arrested swiftly, sending a strong message about the repressive nature of Franco's regime. The failure of the coup not only cemented Franco's hold on power but also illustrated the fragmentation and challenges faced by the republican opposition. Many republicans, disheartened by the failed attempt, reassessed their strategies and began to consider different means of resistance against the authoritarian government.

In the aftermath of this failed coup, the political landscape continued to shift in Portugal. The incident highlighted the tensions between monarchists and republicans, fueling the republicans' resolve to continue their struggle against a regime they viewed as a threat to democratic principles. The growing discontent ultimately contributed to significant political changes in Portugal in the following years, including the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic in 1910. The events leading up to and following this coup attempt underscored the turmoil that characterized Portugal's transition from monarchy to a republican system in the early 20th century.