Saving the empire: the stability of the Portuguese empire in the face of growing competition in the years 1630-1668

Abstract

This thesis aims to assess the stability of the Portuguese Empire vis-à-vis the emergence of Dutch and English as colonial powers. In current historiography there is a lack of studies on Early Modern foreign policy from a colonial perspective as well as a lack of studies focused on inter-relations outside of Europe.

Specifically, it is here considered whether the Portuguese interconnectedness with the Spanish Empire, one of the main reasons for Portuguese acceptance of the Union of the Crowns in 1580, could also explain the break of 1640. Thus, 1621 is the main starting point for this analysis. It allows for a more in-depth evolutionary study of the common interests of the Portuguese and the Spanish and exposes any deviations that may help explain the break.

The current work also aims to address the lacuna of research on the role of pressure groups such as nobles/merchants/merchant companies and others. This is an important consideration in gauging the interests of different groups and decisions made in the creation of factions and reactions to decisions made by central governments and agents. The research carried out unearthed a plethora of previously underutilised documentation that helps in elucidating these considerations. What has emerged is the importance of the struggles of diplomats when dealing with the courtly factions at home.

It is undeniable that Seventeenth Century colonial rivalries stressed diplomatic relations. However, the pressures on colonial governments to share the burden of defence and reforms costs necessary for defence have been also ignored. It is proposed here that the gradual converging of interests between the English, the Dutch and Portuguese in Europe led to the stabilisation of the Portuguese Empire. Equally it is demonstrated that this also owed much to the overall change of colonial strategic aims of these powers towards the defence of colonial lucre that made the Portuguese so desirable as potential allies.

Thesis is embargoed until 31st May 2027.

Date of Award	May 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Gabriel Guarino (Supervisor) & Eamonn O Ciardha (Supervisor)