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Portugal is one of the first modern frontiers, becoming an independent state in 1140.  Portugal's extensive history dating from 1140 to the present has helped defined the culture, religious history, and worldview.  Many internal struggles with the Muslims and then outwardly struggles with Spain and other countries in Europe helped shape Portugal as we know it today.  It should be noted that the historical information below was summarized from a government based website.

Portugal-A Country Study. Library of Congress. Jan. 1993: 
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/pttoc.html.

In 1140 Afonso Henriques declared himself king of Portugal, creating an independent state.  Afonso used his military power to conquer the Muslims, capturing Lisbon in 1147, the now present day capital of Portugal.  These efforts finally paid off in 1185 when Portugal became an official Christian Kingdom.  By capturing the Muslims and declaring Christianity the national religion, Portugal was able to expand their territories to the sea, setting the boundaries to date.

At this time the Roman Catholic Church moved in to resettle their territory.  They began building churches and monasteries, using the land as a source of growth for food and eventually as a use for trade.  A hierarchical system was established consisting of the clergy (the predominate, wealthy class), nobility (the social class), and the commoners (the lowest class, slaves).  The North of Portugal was divided into estates and the Roman Catholic Church divided into bishopries and parishes.  The king owned the town’s land.

Afonso II found the Roman Catholic Church to a problem in land ownership, leading to the confiscation of all church property.  The problem was finally solved during the reign of King Dinis who regulated the control of royal land.  Dinis regulation was opportune for him, creating the most powerful and wealthy military-religious orders.

Many colonists were settled on Muslim territory, creating markets to boost the national economy, which was basically nonexistent.  The Law of Sesmaria was created in 1375, boosting the economy by forcing all land owners to cultivate and work their own land.  Turning attention to the trade world, Portugal began an extensive expansion via sea in 1415.  Joao I captured Ceuta, Morocco, a huge industry for the spice trade.  By 1460 Portugal had explored the coast of Africa.

In 1495 Manuel obtained the throne and discovered the route to India.  He sent a fleet to India in hopes to gain alliances with Indian rulers, set up camp and build industries there.  Their efforts did not stop short of India, proving power, to extend and gain alliance with Japan.  By 1557 the Portuguese had founded factories in Japan. 

There was a slow period in exploration creating an interest in the Brazilian sugar industry.  Portugal began to cultivate the land with wheat, rice, grapes, oranges, and sugarcane in Brazil. This settlement showed important, sugar becoming Brazil’s most economic based export. 

During this same period the Roman Catholic Church began what they called a “Counter-Reformation,” hoping to strengthen their power and create a unity in Europe based on their religion.  Their efforts reached Portugal with the reign of Joao III, establishing a “Court of Inquisition” in 1536.  This court was established to discredit those who were not of the true Christian faith.  Once the Muslims were captured the Portuguese empire still feared that many Christians were secretly practicing Judaism.  

In 1580 Spain invaded Lisbon and declared Philip of Spain king of Portugal.  He tried to unify Spain and Portugal, but the Portuguese revolted and found John IV to march on Lisbon in 1640 taking control back into their hands.  This lead to a Commonwealth Treaty of 1654 declaring peach with Spain.

Interests were brought back to Brazil and the economy, exploring the Americas to find gold and diamonds.  England now saw Portugal as an opportunity for commercial trade.  Portugal and England made and agreement for wine to be shipped to Portugal as long as the Portuguese removed their restriction of English goods to be imported into Portugal.  Spain did not like this alliance, attacking Portugal and forcing them to close all ports with England in 1801.

By 1820 Brazil declared themselves independent from Portugal; Portugal declaring a new monarchy. By 1911 Portugal did away with their monarchy altogether de-emphasizing the Church.  The colors of the flag changed from blue and white, to red and green.  Portugal is now run today as a republic and a president who serves for five years.

E-mail questions or comments to mkfinney@depauw.edu
  February 16, 2001