Page 45 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

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policy led to the steady loss of its colonies to the Dutch. In
1640, Lisbon revolted and the duke of Bragança was chosen
to become King João IV. Spain retaliated and the ensuing
War of Restoration continued until 1668, when Portugal’s
independence was finally recognized.
MARQUÊS
The Age of Absolutism DE POMBAL
The 18th century was a period of mixed fortune for Portugal. Chief minister to José I,
Despite vast revenues from Brazilian gold and diamonds, João V Sebastião José de
almost bankrupted the country with his extravagance. In 1755, Carvalho e Melo (1699–
an earthquake devastated Lisbon, killing more than 10 per cent 1782) is better known as
of the city’s population. The Marquês de Pombal helped to the Marquês de Pombal.
rebuild the capital and applied the ideals of the Enlightenment, While philosophers
reforming commerce, education and the government. moralized, Pombal’s
In 1807, Napoleon’s seemingly unstoppable French army response to the 1755
invaded Portugal, bringing the country into the Peninsular War. earthquake was “bury
The royal family were forced to flee to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro the dead and feed
briefly became capital of the Portuguese empire. It was left to the living”.
British generals Beresford and Wellington to drive out Napoleon
in 1811, but the royal family did not return to Portugal until 1821.

1640 1756 1807
Duke of Bragança Douro Valley The royal family flees
crowned King becomes world’s to Brazil as Napoleon’s
João IV after an first demarcated forces invade
uprising against wine region
Spanish rule

1755
1588 The Great Earthquake
The Spanish Armada devastates Lisbon
sets sail from Lisbon and much of the south
to invade England of Portugal
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