Spain's enemies subject the Portuguese colonies to attacks during the first half of the 1600s when Portugal, at the insistence of Spain, becomes involved in a succession of European religious and dynastic wars.

Holland, one of Spain's most potent enemies, raids and harasses the Portuguese territories in Angola.

The Dutch also begin pursuing alliances with Africans, including the king of Kongo and Nzinga of Matamba, who, angered by their treatment at the hands of the Portuguese, welcome the opportunity to deal with another European power.

When Portugal rebels against Spain in 1640, the kingdom hopes to establish good relations with the Dutch.

Instead, the Dutch see an opportunity to expand their own colonial holdings and in 1641 capture  Luanda and Benguela, forcing the Portuguese governor to flee with his fellow refugees inland to Massangano.

The Portuguese are unable to dislodge the Dutch from their coastal beachhead.

As the Dutch occupation cuts off the supply of slaves to Brazil, that colony's economy suffers.

In response, Brazilian colonists raise money and organize forces to launch an expedition aimed at unseating the Dutch from Angola.

In May 1648, the Dutch garrison in Luanda surrenders to the Brazilian detachment, and the Dutch eventually relinquish their other Angolan conquests.

According to some historians, after the retaking of Luanda, Angola becomes a de facto colony of Brazil, so driven is the South American colony's sugar-growing economy by its need for slaves.