Portuguese Empire

The Habsburg kings (1580-1640)

From 1580 to 1640, the throne of Portugal was held by the Habsburg kings of Spain. In 1583 Philip II of Spain as king of Portugal sent his combined Iberian fleet to clear the French traders from the Azores, decisively hanging his prisoners-of-war from the yardarms and contributing to the "Black Legend". The Azores were the last part of Portugal to resist Philip's reign over Portugal.

Related Topics:
1580 - 1640 - Portugal - Habsburg - Spain - 1583 - Philip II of Spain - Prisoners-of-war - Black Legend

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In the Americas, the Portuguese expansion continue beyond the west side by the Tordesilhas meridiant. Portugal was able to mount a military expedition, which defeated and expelled the French colonists of France Équinoxiale in 1615, less than four years after their arrival in the land.

Related Topics:
France Équinoxiale - 1615

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1627 saw the collapse of the Castilian economy. The Dutch, who during the Twelve Years? Truce had made their navy a priority, devastated Spanish maritime trade after the resumption of war, on which Spain was wholly dependent after the economic collapse. Even with a seemingly endless roll call of victories Spanish resources were now fully stretched across Europe and also at sea protecting their vital shipping against the greatly improved Dutch fleet. Spain's enemies, such as the Netherlands and England, coveted its overseas wealth, and in many cases found it easier to attack poorly-defended Portuguese outposts than Spanish ones. The Spanish were simply no longer able to cope with naval threats.

Related Topics:
1627 - Dutch - Twelve Years? Truce - England

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Between 1638 and 1640 the Netherlands came to control part of Brazil's Northeast region, with their capital in Recife. The Portuguese and Spanish won a significant victory in the Second Battle of Guararapes in 1649. By 1654, the Netherlands had surrendered and returned control of all Brazilian land to the Portuguese.

Related Topics:
1638 - 1640 - Netherlands - Recife - Second Battle of Guararapes - 1649 - 1654

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Although Dutch colonies in Brazil were wiped out, during the course of the 17th century the Dutch were able to occupy Ceylon, the Cape of Good Hope, and the East Indies, and to take over the trade with Japan at Nagasaki. Portugal's Far Eastern territories were reduced to bases at Macau and East Timor.

Related Topics:
Dutch colonies - 17th century - Ceylon - Cape of Good Hope - East Indies - Nagasaki - Far East - Macau - East Timor

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