The Portuguese Colonial War By gantAR1 Feb 4, 1961 Hostilities begin in Angola Period: Feb 4, 1961 to Apr 25, 1974 Angolan War of Independence Dec 19, 1961 India annexes Goa from Portugal Jan 23, 1963 Hostilities begin in Portuguese Guinea Period: Jan 23, 1963 to Apr 25, 1974 Guinea-Bissau War of Independence Sep 25, 1964 Hostilities begin in Mozambique Period: Sep 25, 1964 to Apr 25, 1974 Mozambican War of Independence Sep 25, 1968 Antonio Salazar, founder and leader of the Estado Novo regime, leaves office of Prime Minister of Portugal Jul 6, 1970 Operation Gordion Knot begins Aug 6, 1970 Operation Gordion Knot ends Nov 22, 1970 Operation Green Sea is carried out with minimal success Sep 24, 1973 Guinea-Bissau gains de facto independence Apr 25, 1974 The Carnation Revolution Ends the Estado Novo regime, halting the war. Sep 10, 1974 Guinea-Bissau gains independence Dec 31, 1974 Portugal recognizes Indian sovereignty over Goa Jun 25, 1975 Mozambique gains independence Jul 5, 1975 Cape Verde gains independence Jul 12, 1975 São Tomé and Príncipe gains independence Nov 11, 1975 Angola gains independence Mar 2, 2017 Antonio Salazar, founder of the Estado Novo regime, leaves office as Prime Minister Mar 2, 2017 Antonio Salazar, founder and leader of the Estado Novo regime, leaves office of Prime Minister of Portugal