The Portuguese Restoration War and the End of the Iberian Union (1640–1668)

On December 1, 1640, a coup d’état in Lisbon ended sixty years of Spanish rule over Portugal, restoring Portuguese independence under the House of Bragança. The revolution was driven by Portuguese nobles and merchants, who had grown resentful of Spanish control, heavy taxation, and political marginalization under Philip IV of Spain (Philip III of Portugal).

Background: Rising Tensions Under Spanish Rule

• Since Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal) had claimed the Portuguese crown in 1580, Spain and Portugal had been in a personal union under the Spanish Habsburgs (Philippine Dynasty).

• By the 1630s, Spanish rule had become increasingly oppressive:

  • Portuguese nobles lost influence in the Spanish Cortes, and government positions in Portugal were given to Spaniards.
  • Taxes on Portuguese merchants increased, fueling economic hardship.
  • Spanish Prime Minister Olivares sought to fully integrate Portugal as a Spanish province, threatening the nobility’s power.

• In 1640, with Spain already struggling against Catalan rebels (Reapers' War) and the Thirty Years' War, the moment was ripe for a Portuguese rebellion.

The Coup d’État of December 1, 1640

• The revolution was led by three key nobles:

  • Antão Vaz de Almada
  • Miguel de Almeida
  • João Pinto Ribeiro

• They stormed the Ribeira Palace in Lisbon, killing the Secretary of State, Miguel de Vasconcelos, who had been Spain’s chief administrator in Portugal.

• The Duchess of Mantua, Philip IV’s cousin and his regent in Portugal, was imprisoned.

• The coup was swift and widely supported, and within hours, John, 8th Duke of Bragança, was acclaimed as King João IV of Portugal.

• By December 2, João IV was already issuing royal decrees, acting as sovereign of the restored kingdom.

The Immediate Response: Strengthening Portugal’s Defenses

To secure Portugal’s independence, João IV took several urgent measures:

1. December 11, 1640: Creation of the Council of War

   • Organized military strategy and defense operations against an expected Spanish counterattack.

2. Formation of the Junta of the Frontiers

   • Strengthened fortresses along the Spanish border.
   • Organized the defense of Lisbon and other strategic cities and ports.

3. Seeking Foreign Support

   • João IV pursued alliances with France, England, and the Dutch Republic, recognizing that Spain would not accept Portugal’s independence without a fight.

The War for Independence (1640–1668)

• Spain refused to recognize João IV’s rule, leading to the Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668).
• Portuguese forces, with foreign assistance, successfully resisted Spanish invasions.
• In 1668, after nearly three decades of conflict, Spain formally recognized Portuguese independence under the Treaty of Lisbon.

Conclusion: The End of the Iberian Union and the Rise of the House of Bragança

The 1640 revolution ended Spanish rule over Portugal, restoring the kingdom as an independent nation under João IV and the House of Bragança. Despite facing Spanish retaliation, Portugal successfully defended its sovereignty, marking one of the most significant events in its history. The Bragança dynasty would continue to rule Portugal for over 250 years, shaping the country’s political and colonial future.