Pombal, a controversial figure ...
A controversial figure, Pombal was the Secretary of State and Chief Minister from 1750 to 1777. During those years he centralized power and reformed education, commerce and industry while supressing religious authority and promoting the scientific views of the enlightenment. He also established what would now be called a police state with networks of spies and informants helping him to deal ruthlessly with political rivals. It was a natural disaster early in Pombal's administration that provided him with the opportunity to establish control over the government and consolidate his power.
On May 13, 1999, Portugal issued a stamp and souvenir sheet to
mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de Pombal.
Sculptures at the base of the Pombal monument make a special tribute to his contributions
to the development of education, commerce and agriculture with an emphasis on science.
| 
