Atlantic Southwest Europe: Maritime Dominance and Regional Struggles (1444–1455)
Between 1444 and 1455, Atlantic Southwest Europe underwent critical transformations marked by Portuguese maritime breakthroughs, persistent political strife in Castile, and contested successions in Navarre. This era saw heightened economic prosperity linked to overseas expansion, contrasted with enduring internal rivalries that reshaped political dynamics across the region.
Political and Military Developments
Economic and Maritime Expansion
Cultural and Social Developments
Significance and Legacy
The years 1444–1455 marked a significant juncture in Atlantic Southwest Europe's trajectory, consolidating Portugal’s ascendancy as a maritime power while deepening internal divisions within Castile. The period shaped critical economic patterns through expanded Atlantic commerce and set the stage for further Portuguese global exploration. Simultaneously, the struggle for regional autonomy in northern Spain—particularly in Navarre and the Basque territories—established enduring political and cultural frameworks that would continue influencing the region’s historical evolution.