Américo Tomás was born on November 19, 1894, in Portugal. He attended the Faculty of Sciences and later enlisted in the Naval Academy as a midshipman. This marked the beginning of his career in the Portuguese Navy, where he would eventually rise to the rank of Admiral.
Tomás ventured into politics, becoming a prominent figure in the Estado Novo regime established by Prime Minister António Salazar. In 1958, he was elected as the 13th President of Portugal, a position he would hold for 16 years. Despite his seemingly questionable election, Tomás was largely seen as a figurehead who was under the control of Salazar.
In 1922, Tomás married Gertrudes Ribeiro da Costa, with whom he had two children. The couple raised their family while Tomás navigated his political and naval career.
Tomás' presidency came to an end in 1974 with the Carnation Revolution, where he was deposed from power. He then lived in exile in Brazil for six years before finally being allowed to return to Portugal, his home country.
Throughout his life, Américo Tomás left behind a complex legacy. While he was a respected Admiral and dedicated politician, his time as President of Portugal was overshadowed by the perception of him being a puppet of Prime Minister Salazar. Despite this, he played a significant role in the history of Portugal during a tumultuous period.
Américo Tomás' life was a blend of military service, political maneuvering, and personal relationships. His tenure as President may be remembered for the power dynamics at play, but his contributions to Portugal's history are undeniable.