The Lisbon Revolution, also known as the Carnation Revolution, occurred on April 25, 1974, in Portugal. It was a peaceful coup that ended nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule under the Estado Novo regime. The revolution was characterized by the widespread use of red carnations, symbolizing peace and resistance, which were placed in the barrels of soldiers' guns. The movement was largely driven by military officers known as the Armed Forces Movement (Movimento das Forças Armadas), who sought to restore democracy and end colonial wars in Africa. The revolution led to significant political changes, including the establishment of a democratic government and the decolonization of Portuguese Africa.