2019Figures in Portuguese History and Culture - Set

Fontes Pereira de Melo was instrumental in the modernisation of Portugal in the 19th century, stimulating, during his time in o ce,construction, communications and the economy. His actions, as Minister of Public Works, Trade and Industry, are to thank for kilometres of roads and railways, bridges, shipping routes, the introduction of the electrical telegraph and the creation of industrial and agriculturaleducation. His e orts were immortalised by the name of Fontismo. He died aged 67 in Lisbon, the same city where he was born, in 1819.