Philip IV: The Loss of Portugal and the Collapse of the Iberian Union

In the heart of the 17th century, when the splendor of the House of Habsburg seemed unbreakable, Philip IV faced one of the most traumatic episodes of his reign: the loss of Portugal. In 1640, the dream of an Iberian Union that had promised power and stability vanished in an explosion of rebellion and resistance. How did such a debacle come to pass? Join us on this journey through history, where greatness confronts decay, and the echoes of an empire intertwine with its lamentations.

The Iberian Union: A Forced Dream

The union between Spain and Portugal was not merely a nuance on the European map, but an event that redefined the balance of power of the time. In 1580, following a succession crisis, King Philip II of Spain proclaimed himself king of Portugal, marking the beginning of a union that was viewed with suspicion by many Portuguese from the outset. The House of Habsburg, then at its peak, seemed to have the world at its feet, but Portugal's resistance was beginning to brew beneath the surface.

The Resurgence of National Pride

The situation became untenable. In 1640, a group of Portuguese nobles, led by João IV of Braganza, decided it was time to reclaim their independence. Chronicles from the time recount how, in the month of December, an uprising occurred in Lisbon, known as the Restoration of Independence. The echoes of this movement resonated throughout Europe, and the cry for freedom was heard in every corner of the kingdom.

The Portuguese, weary of Philip IV's centralized policies, found new momentum in the figure of João IV, who promised to restore the glory of the ancient kingdom. With the support of the noble classes and a...