Portugal empire

Overview of the Iberian Kingdoms and Early Modern Period

  • Time Frame: Focus on the 1400s and 1500s, during the early modern period in Western Europe and the Near East.
  • Purpose of Discussion:
    • These lectures provide brief overviews meant to introduce the basic geography, political, social, and cultural systems of the Iberian kingdoms of Spain and Portugal (collectively known as the Iberian Peninsula).
    • Acknowledge complexity and richness of their histories; these notes are not exhaustive.

The Iberian Kingdoms: Spain and Portugal

  • Introduction:

    • Spain and Portugal, referred to as the Iberian Kingdoms, are relatively new kingdoms at the start of the early modern period.
    • They emerged from the historical process known as Reconquista.

  • Reconquista:

    • Defined as the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rulers, initiated after the fall of the Visigothic Kingdom to invaders from the Umayyad Empire in 711.
    • Spanish territories fell under Muslim control until 1492, which marked the end of the last Muslim kingdom.
    • The Reconquista sought to end approximately 800 years of Muslim rule over various portions of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Religious Demographics of the Iberian Peninsula

  • Tri-faith Society: During the Muslim sovereignty, the Iberian Peninsula was home to three significant populations:

    • Jews
    • Christians
    • Muslims
    • Each group received legal recognition under Islamic rule.

  • Transition to Christian Rule:

    • With the establishment of Christian dominion, Muslims and Jews faced severe persecution, confronted with mandates to convert, leave, or face execution.
    • Conversos and Moranos:
    • Those who converted under duress were referred to as Conversos.
    • Sometimes referred to as Moranos, with the dual implications of convert and secret practitioner of Judaism (in Jewish lectures).

Persecution of Conversos

  • Post-Reconquista Discrimination:

    • Conversos faced intense societal and institutional persecution, especially due to poor record-keeping methods during the time.
    • Accusations:
    • Individuals could be accused of still practicing their original faith, which could lead to investigations by the Spanish Inquisition.
    • The Inquisition sought to identify Judaism, Islam, and other improper beliefs, using accusations to eliminate rivals in status and wealth.

  • Implications of Identity:

    • Post-Reconquista, identities were scrutinized to the point where mere conversion was insufficient for acceptance within Christian society.
    • Accusations of being converted practitioners of the former faith still led to stigmatization.

The Role of the Catholic Church

  • Alliance with the State:
    • The Catholic Church held crucial roles in governance, enforcing doctrinal uniformity via persecution and violence.
    • Notable that this alliance between the Iberian kingdoms and the Catholic Church shaped many political decisions on a European level.

Initial Conversations on Race and Identity

  • Emergence of Racial Concepts:
    • The discrimination faced due to previous faiths, even after conversion, is seen as a foundational moment in developing concepts regarding race within the Western tradition.
    • Historical perspectives indicate this led to a constructs of prejudice and discrimination that would persist.

Impacts of the Age of Exploration and Colonization

  • Expulsions and Exploration:

    • In 1492, Jews and Muslims were expelled from Spain; in 1496, from Portugal.
    • 1492 also marks Columbus's arrival in the Americas, signalling the start of an expansive era of European colonization.

  • Global Interactions:

    • The transatlantic slave trade initiated by Portugal, which will drastically impact both African and indigenous populations.
    • Deloitte estimates showed that indigenous populations in North America diminished from 20 million to 2 million due to European diseases and conflicts.

Spanish Empire Dynamics

  • Military Campaigns and Expansion (1492-1534):

    • Series of campaigns lead to vast conquests, primarily in the Caribbean, where diseases decimated indigenous populations.
    • Notable Conquests:
    • Hernan Cortes (1519-1521): Conquered the Aztec Empire.
    • Francisco Pizarro: Conquered the Incan Empire by 1533.
    • These conquests significantly increased Spain's wealth through access to gold and silver mines.

  • Habsburg Rule:

    • The Habsburg family ruled Spain during this early modern period.
    • Ruler included Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor); he held significant power, controlling both Spain and its colonies.

Economic Structures and Wealth

  • Mineral Wealth:
    • Silver was especially lucrative, profoundly influencing European currency and trade.
    • Trade monopolies and control of the trade routes shifted economic power dynamics within Europe.

Decline of Spanish Power (17th Century)

  • Loss of Territorial Influence:

    • In the 17th century, despite vast territorial holdings, economic conditions worsened.
    • Mineral resources became exhausted; Spain lost its dominant trade positions.
    • Competition from emerging empires like England, France, and the Netherlands complicated its standing.

  • Military Exhaustion:

    • Frequent wars, often with religious undertones, drained resources.
    • By 1700: Spain was no longer central to European affairs, having lost much of its previous power and influence.

Portuguese Empire Overview

  • Portugal’s Exploratory Focus:

    • Established trade routes and outposts in Africa and subsequently aimed for India and Asian territories.
    • Built fortified outposts such as Goa and Macau.

  • Papal Intervention:

    • In 1493, Pope Alexander VI proposed a Line of Demarcation to prevent conflict between Spain and Portugal regarding colonial territories.
    • The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 adjusted this line based on Portugal’s interests.

  • Economic Gains and Slave Trade:

    • Portugal’s empire thrived on slave trade profits and access to valuable resources, such as silver mines in Brazil.

  • Conquests and Decline:

    • From 1580 to 1640, Portugal was under Spanish control, seeing temporary unity with Spain.
    • Post-1640, Portugal regained independence but would eventually face similar decline as Spain by the 1700s.

Conclusion

  • The interrelationship between the Iberian kingdoms and their imperial activities laid foundational structures for future discussions on race, identity, and colonialism that would reverberate through European history.