Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1640
When Catalonia rebels against the oppressive monarchy, Felipe III sends Portuguese troops to quell
the uprising. Portuguese noblemen stage a coup and overthrow Spain. Dom João IV is crowned.
1690
With the economy in tatters and the empire fading, the Portuguese pray for a miracle. The prayer is
answered when gold is discovered in Brazil; incredible riches soon flow into the royal coffers.
1703
France and Britain are at war. Facing (disastrous!) wine shortages, the English sign a new treaty
with Portugal, and become a major player in the Portuguese economy, with port production growing
exponentially.
1717
Brazilian gold production nears its peak, with over 600,000oz imported annually. Dom João V be-
comes Europe's richest monarch, lavishing wealth on ostentatious projects like Mafra Palace.
1755
Lisbon suffers Europe's biggest natural disaster in recorded history. On All Saint's Day, three massive
earthquakes destroy the city, followed by a tsunami and ravaging fires that kill tens of thousands.
1770
The king's powerful prime minister, the Marquês de Pombal, rebuilds Lisbon following a modern
grid. He abolishes slavery, builds schools and develops the economy, crushing those in his way.
1803
Britain and France are again at war. Portugal sides with Britain and refuses Napoleon's call to close
its ports to the British. French troops are on the march across Iberia.
1807
Napoleon invades Portugal. The Portuguese royal family and several thousand in their retinue pack
up their belongings and set sail for Brazil. British warships guard their passage.
1815
Having fallen hard for Brazil, Dom João VI declares Rio the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal
and Brazil and the Algarves, relegating Lisbon to second-class status.
1822
In Brazil - after his father, Dom João VI, returns to Portugal, to reclaim his crown - Prince Regent
Pedro leads a coup d'état and declares Brazilian independence with himself the new 'emperor'.
