Portugal History

Portugal is a small country on the end of the Iberian peninsula completely surrounded by a much larger neighbour Spain. It is an Atlantic country not a Mediterranean country. Has a temperate climate so has always been able to feed itself, but not blessed with major natural resources. So the Portuguese for generations went to sea to seek a way out of grinding poverty at home. A true nation of pioneering mariners. To this day Portugal bleeds people (particularly the ambitious, young and better-educated) who leave home to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The 5 centuries 1400-1900 were the era of European colonisation and empire building on other continents. Portugal punched way above its weight during that time, but its colonies were always too isolated and too large compared to the home country. The loss of its colonies was traumatic for Portugal in both an economic and social sense. Basically Portugal needed the colonies to have any illusion of greatness. Without those colonies Portugal reverted to being what it really is - a small European country that struggles to find a way forward. Only membership of the EU has thrown Portugal a lifeline in recent decades.

Prior to the 1974 revolution that finally established credible democracy in Portugal, the country had a parade of royalty, military coups, fascist governments, socialist revolutions etc. Interesting if you are a history buff, but not that important now. Portugal urgently needs to look forward not back, particularly when the future in the 21st century is being shaped on continents outside Europe.

Timeline - major events

1400-1900: The period of Portuguese empire, peaking around 1800. Portugal caught up in European wars in particular French Revolution and Napoleonic wars 1790-1815.
1755: Earthquake destroys capital city Lisbon.
1822: Brazil granted independence from Portugal. The loss of Portugal's largest and most important colony by far.
1910: Monarchy deposed, ushering in the Portuguese republic with a succession of autocratic governments.
1974: Carnation Revolution launched the 3rd Portuguese Republic and overthrew the 2nd Republic (the Salazar regime). This marks the start of acceptable Portuguese democracy.
1975: Mozambique, Angola and other smaller African colonies get independence from Portugal. Waves of impoverished Portuguese colonials return home.
1986: Portugal enters EU.
2011-2014: Portugal bailed out of economic crisis by the IMF and EU.