Antonio Carmona was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on 24th November, 1869. A graduate of the Royal Military College in 1888, he rose to the rank of general in 1922.

Carmona led a military coup in Portugal 1926. He became prime minister with dictatorial powers. In 1928 he was elected president for life by plebiscite. However, in 1932 Carmona passed his power to Antonio Salazar.

Carmona died in Lisbon on 18th April, 1951.