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The government divided when the duke of Palmela, who was its prime minister,
called for new elections in October, hoping to unite the moderates, themselves
divided into two factions. This sparked a reaction by the Septemberists, who
were particularly strong in Porto, where they rebelled and set up a provisional
junta. The duke of Saldanha, Palmela's replacement, attempted without success to
suppress the Septemberist rebellion, which by now had spread beyond Porto to
other areas. With the country on the brink of a second civil war, Queen Maria
sought help from the Quadruple Alliance, consisting of Britain and France, as
well as Spanish and Portuguese liberal elements. After the alliance imposed a
naval blockade and sent troops, the Septemberists capitulated, Saldanha
resigned, and a peace agreement was signed on June 29, 1847. Costa Cabral
returned to power.
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