Iberian Union

Iberian Union

The Iberian Union, also known as the Union of the Crowns of Castile and Portugal, was a period of personal union between the Crown of Portugal and the Crown of Castile, which ruled the Iberian Peninsula and its overseas territories from 1580 to 1640. This union was formed after the Portuguese succession crisis of 1578, which led to the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir and the death of Sebastian I of Portugal. The union was facilitated by the Philip II of Spain, who became Philip I of Portugal.

Background

The Crown of Portugal and the Crown of Castile had a long history of interactions, including Treaty of Zamora (1143), Treaty of Tordesillas, and Treaty of Zaragoza. The Portuguese succession crisis of 1578 led to a dispute over the throne, with Philip II of Spain claiming the Portuguese throne. The Council of Trent and the Counter-Reformation also played a significant role in shaping the politics of the region.

Formation

The Iberian Union was formed in 1580, when Philip II of Spain was crowned Philip I of Portugal by the Portuguese Cortes. This union was recognized by the Pope Gregory XIII and was facilitated by the Cardinal Henry I of Portugal. The union led to the Treaty of Lisbon (1581), which established the terms of the union.

Governance

The governance of the Iberian Union was complex, with Philip II of Spain and his successors holding both the Spanish throne and the Portuguese throne. The Council of Portugal was established to govern the Portuguese overseas territories, while the Council of the Indies governed the Spanish overseas territories. The union also led to the Mercedarians and other mendicant orders playing a significant role in the governance of the overseas territories.

Impact

The Iberian Union had a significant impact on the Iberian Peninsula and its overseas territories. The union led to the Dutch Revolt and the Anglo-Spanish War, as well as the Ottoman-Spanish War. The union also facilitated the Spanish Armada and the Portuguese maritime empire. The Jesuits and other Catholic missions also played a significant role in the overseas territories.

Decline and Dissolution

The Iberian Union began to decline in the 1630s, due to a series of wars and crises, including the War of the Thirty Years and the English Civil War. The union was eventually dissolved in 1640, when John IV of Portugal was crowned King of Portugal, marking the beginning of the House of Braganza. The Treaty of Lisbon (1668), which recognized the independence of Portugal, marked the end of the Iberian Union.