The First Atlantic Exploration Subsidies and the Political Shift Under Afonso V (1448)

During the mid-15th century, Portugal was making its first major investments in Atlantic exploration, largely driven by Prince Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, a political power struggle unfolded between Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra, and Afonso, Duke of Braganza, as King Afonso V came of age.

The First Subsidies for Atlantic Exploration (1440s)

• Prince Henry the Navigator, another half-brother of Afonso of Braganza, supervised the first state-sponsored voyages of exploration in the Atlantic.
• The Portuguese Crown began officially financing expeditions, recognizing the economic and strategic potential of overseas expansion.
• These funds supported:
  • Explorations of the West African coast to access gold, ivory, and slaves.
  • The continued search for a route around Africa to Asia.
  • The discovery and settlement of Atlantic islands, such as Madeira and the Azores.

Henry’s vision of maritime expansion was strongly supported by Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra, who had served as regent for the young Afonso V since 1439.

Afonso V Comes of Age and the Fall of Peter (1448–1449)

• On June 9, 1448, Afonso V turned 16 and officially assumed the throne.
• Following tradition, Peter handed over full control of the country to the king.
• However, Afonso of Braganza, who had long opposed Peter, quickly gained influence over the young king.
• Under Braganza’s influence, Afonso V nullified all of Peter’s edicts, reversing his reforms and weakening the power of the middle class and royal bureaucracy.
• This move deepened the division between the two noble factions, setting the stage for the Battle of Alfarrobeira (1449), where Peter was killed in battle, marking the final victory of Braganza over Coimbra.

Impact of These Events

1. Strengthening of the House of Braganza

   • With Peter eliminated, Afonso, Duke of Braganza, became the most powerful noble in Portugal, virtually controlling the monarchy.

2. Continuation of Maritime Expansion

   • Despite the political turmoil, Henry the Navigator continued to receive Crown support for exploration.
   • This led to further Portuguese advancements along the West African coast, bringing Portugal closer to establishing a global maritime empire.

3. A Shift Toward Military Expansion

   • With Braganza’s influence, Afonso V later focused on military campaigns in North Africa, shifting resources away from exploration for a time.

Thus, while Portugal’s maritime ambitions remained strong, the political power struggle between Peter and Braganza shaped the future direction of the kingdom, leading to a nobility-dominated monarchy under Afonso V.