Kingdom of Portugal

The Kingdom of Portugal was a monarchy in the western Iberian Peninsula and the predecessor of the modern Portuguese Republic. Existing to various extents between the mid-12th century and the early 20th century, it was also known as the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves after 1471, and was the main constituent of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, which existed between 1815 and 1822. It coexisted with the Portuguese Empire, the realm's overseas colonies.

The nucleus of the Portuguese state was the County of Portugal, established in the 9th century as part of the Reconquista by Vímara Peres, a vassal of the King of Asturias. The county became part of the Kingdom of León in 1097, and the Counts of Portugal established themselves as rulers of an independent kingdom in the 12th century, following the Battle of São Mamede. The kingdom was ruled by the Afonsine Dynasty until the 1383–85 Crisis, after which the monarchy passed to the House of Aviz.

During the 15th and 16th century, Portuguese exploration established a vast colonial empire. From 1580 to 1640, the Kingdom of Portugal was in personal union with Habsburg Spain. After the Portuguese Restoration War of 1640–1668, the kingdom passed to the House of Braganza and thereafter to the House of Braganza-Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. From this time, the influence of Portugal declined, but it remained a major power due to its most valuable colony, Brazil. After the independence of Brazil, Portugal sought to establish itself in Africa, but was ultimately forced to halt its expansion due to the 1890 British Ultimatum, eventually leading to the collapse of the monarchy in the 5 October 1910 revolution and the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic.

Portugal was an absolute monarchy before 1822. It alternated between absolute and semi-constitutional monarchy from 1822 until 1834, when it would remain a semi-constitutional monarchy until its fall.

History

The Kingdom of Portugal began as a semi-autonomous county within the Kingdom of León. It became independent in stages, starting on 26 July 1139 when Afonso Henriques was named King of the Portuguese. Independence was formally recognized by Alfonso VII of León and Castile in 1143, and later by the Pope Alexander III in 1179.

The kingdom grew over the centuries, with its monarchs ruling from the Portuguese House of Burgundy until 1383. By the 20th century, republican ideas spread, leading to the 5 October 1910 revolution, which ended the monarchy and began the Portuguese First Republic. Portugal’s overseas colonies later became independent, with the last being Macau handed back to China in 1999.

Rulers

Main article: List of Portuguese monarchs

The Kingdom of Portugal was ruled by many kings and queens over its long history. These leaders guided the country through times of growth and change, helping to shape Portugal into the nation it is today. They also played important roles in building and managing the Portuguese Empire, which included many lands far beyond Europe.