2. History of Portugal
• Portugal has a deep-seeded Roman background.
– The Carthaginian and Cale inhabitants defended
themselves against Roman legions.
• Rome achieved victory through bribery and an internal
assassination of the Lusitanian leader.
– Rome proved to be a somewhat welcomed presence.
• Portugal was later invaded by the Germanic tribes
and became a largely Visigoth territory.
– Germanic Kings had little cultural impact as they
tended to have individualistic goals.
3. History of Portugal
• The Iberian Peninsula was then conquered by the
Islamic Moors.
– Area was reconquered by Count Vimara Peres.
• In 1139 A.D. Alfonso Henriques became the first
King of Portugal, establishing Portuguese
Independence.
– Shortly thereafter Alfonso I was recognized by the
Pope.
• Since the 13th Century, the Portuguese border
with Spain has remained largely unchanged.
4. The Portuguese Empire
• Portugal was quick to make use of the sea.
– Fishing and overseas commerce was it’s main source of
income.
• In 1386 The Treaty of Windsor established a lasting
alliance between Portugal and England.
• The Portuguese Empire found its beginning with the
acquisition of Ceuta in North Africa.
– Muslims of North Africa were involved in Civil War,
allowing Portuguese victory.
• The Empire began to expand exponentially as Spain
and Portugal divided the unknown world in half at The
Treaty of Tordesillas.
5. Portuguese Empire
• Portugal established strong trading bonds with
India.
• Explored the Americas and became the first
civilization to engage in globalization.
• In 1578, Portugal’s King Sebastian died in
Morocco without and heir.
– Created a power vacuum that resulted in the Spanish
King’s rule over both Spain and Portugal.
– Spain’s enemies became Portugal’s enemies until 1640
when the Duke of Braganza, a descendant of Manuel I,
re-established Portugal’s independence.
6. Portuguese Empire
• The Portuguese Empire would persist until
1999 when it relinquished Macau to China.
– Longest lived European colonial empire.
– Began its decline when it was subject to Spanish
rule and suffered invasions by the enemies of
Spain.
– Dutch invasion of its colonies, combined with a
loss of the trade monopoly it had enjoyed in the
Indian ocean were critical factors.
7. Colonial Brazil
• In 1534 Brazil was colonized by Portugal under King John III.
– John III granted lands to those rich enough to support colonies.
– Thirteen longitudinal territories were established.
• Only two of the thirteen succeeded, Sao Vicente and Pernambuco due
to their dedication to sugar cane and alliance with natives.
• Capitanias system was deemed ineffective.
– Centralized colonial government was established at the Bay of
All Saints.
• Salvador was built as the capital.
• Jesuit Missions were also established during this time.
• Destroyed 10 year old French colony at Guanabara Bay and
established Rio de Janeiro.
• Brazil declared its independence in 1822.
