Tag: Portugal

John II was the great continuer of Henry the Navigator’s policy of maritime and commercial expansion. At the same time that he strengthened the royal authority and organized the centralization of public administration, he promoted the continuation of the exploration of the African coast, the commerce of Guinea, shipbuilding and nautical knowledge. His dominant idea […]

The revolution of 1640 and Portuguese independence. – The Count Duke of Olivares, the minister and favorite of Philip IV, had sent the Duchess of Mantua, Margherita of Savoy, as regent to Portugal, and, through her and a Portuguese secretary of state entirely loyal to Spain, Miguel de Vasconcelos, exercised his oppressive rule. In 1637 […]

War of Independence. – During 24 years (1641-1665) the Portuguese nation defended its autonomy, both by repelling enemy attacks, by going on the offensive and invading Spanish territory, and finally by carrying out diplomatic action in foreign courts. He had France and England as allies: the Richelieu favored the Portuguese movement, as it tended to […]

The events of Portuguese musical art over the centuries do not appear to be characterized by constant properties capable of distinguishing a national school within the vast framework of European music. However, Portugal knows how to welcome and encourage the strongest stylistic tendencies of the various peoples, from Arabic to Italian, with whom it comes […]

South-western European state, which includes most of the Atlantic coastal region of the Iberian Peninsula. The name derives from that of the ancient Portus Cale (today’s Vila Nova de Gaia) located on the left bank of the Duero (in port. Douro) a few kilometers from the mouth of this river and already mentioned in the Itinerarium Antonini. Boundaries. […]