In the political turmoil following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which overthrew Portugal's authoritarian Estado Novo regime, various factions within the military and political landscape began vying for control of the country's future. By November 1975, extreme left-wing factions, comprising mainly military officers and political radicals, felt that the ongoing transition to democracy was too gradual and that their revolutionary aspirations were being stifled. As dissatisfaction brewed, a faction led by Captain Salgueiro Maia attempted a coup d'état on November 25, seizing pivotal locations in Lisbon, including military barracks and police stations.

However, the coup quickly encountered opposition from moderate military leaders and political parties, who were keen on maintaining a democratic path. The response from the political establishment and the wider military was decisive, with masses rallying to maintain order. The coup ultimately failed within a few hours, leading to arrests and a reassessment of strategy among far-left groups. This attempt revealed significant fractures within the military and illustrated the ongoing struggle between competing ideologies in post-revolutionary Portugal.

The aftermath of the coup was pivotal for Portuguese politics, representing a clear rejection of radicalism in favor of democratic governance. It led to a more robust consolidation of power among moderate socialists and the eventual establishment of a stable democratic regime. The events of the coup highlighted the precarious balance of power in a society transitioning from dictatorship to democracy, as well as the internal conflicts that can arise within revolutionary movements.