Philip's Foreign Policy (Portugal) (2) Flashcards
After the death of Philip’s nephew Sebastian, King of Portugal in 1578 and was succeeded by Cardinal Henry
- did Henry have a clear successor?
- no, Cardinal Henry was 66, in ill health and vowed to celibacy
- probs would die soon and it wasn’t clear
Why was Philip’s claim particularly strong among several aspirants to the throne?
- 1580: Cardinal Henry recognised Philip’s claim
- son of Isabella of Portugal and Charles V (matrimonial imperialism came to fruition)
- (supported by the majority of nobles/ clergy - demonstrated clearly at the Cortes of Almeirim in 1580)
What was the attractiveness of Portugal?
- unite under his rule all the kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula
- would acquire overseas empire to match his own
In a decisive judgement, what did Philip do to secure his claim?
- sent Portuguese councillor Cristobal de Moura with money to arrange necessary bribes and persuade nobility of the rightness of Philip’s case
- brilliantly orchestrated propaganda campaign which promoted Philip’s Portuguese credentials (talked to nobles and clergy, gave money liberally)
- employed leading jurists from across the world to write in support of his claim
Why was money a particularly good diplomatic tool for Portugal?
- Portuguese nobility are financially weak at this point
- many nobles had died in Morocco
- money was needed for ransoms after the Battle of Alcazarquivir
How was the army prepared if invasion was needed?
- 37,000 troops assembled under Duke of Alba (most experienced general, seasoned expert)
- backed by fleet
- army was disciplined well
- more troops were available under the Duke of Medina Sidonia
- benefitted from other rivals (Crato and Duchess of Braganca) uniting
Philip had support for his claim from both the nobles and clergy. How did the clergy become particularly useful?
- Jesuit order were very influential, ones who persuaded Cardinal Henry of Philip’s claim
- neutralised possible opposition from lower clergy
How was noble and merchant support garnered? Which influential family’s support was gained?
- for nobles, paid ransoms after battle
- merchants hoped to gain a share in trade with the Americas (needed American bullion for exchange purposes)
- Braganca family
Why did the people of towns and most ordinary Portuguese people oppose a Spanish takeover? Who did they support instead?
- wouldn’t benefit from ransoms and bribes etc
- hatred of Spanish
- didn’t want to lose independence
- Antonio, Prior of Crato (illegitimate son of one of Cardinal Henry’s brothers)
In 1580, Cardinal Henry died. How did events unfold?
- no decisions about successor
- Antonio and Philip decided to pursue claims
- Philip acted swiftly and invaded Portugal before opposition could be organised (his military preparation had been in ‘secret’ but he had ensured the Portuguese knew of the threat)
- defeat of Antonio at Battle of Alcântara
- quickly captured Lisbon and defeated Antonio’s army - forced to flee to France
- Stradling: example of consolidation
What ways did Philip show he care to be accepted to the Portuguese? Are these genuine displays?
- wear Portuguese clothes (could be viewed as superficial but he also ensured a legal system was in place where customs wouldn’t be changed)
- cut beard in Portuguese fashion
- tried to learn language
- even considered moving capital to Lisbon
When and why did Philip live in Lisbon?
- December 1580 - February 1583
- on advice of Cardinal Granvelle
- to show his dedication in recognising Portugal’s value
What measures did Philip promise to the Cortes of Tomar in 1581 to ensure Portugal would remain independent of Castile?
- only Portuguese were to hold offices in kingdoms and overseas possessions
- would retain own coinage - Portuguese real (this was not actually most efficient for trade but showed their distinct nature)
- Cortes will only meet in Portugal
- country would be garrisoned only by Portuguese forces
- promised taxation would not increase
- union of crowns in one person did not mean union of the realms
A Council of Portugal was to be formed. What type of person would be Philip’s representative in Portugal (his viceroy)?
- either Portuguese or a member of the Spanish royal family
Who was Philip’s first choice? Was this wise?
- yes
- nephew - Archduke Albert of Austria
- well respected
- young man
- under him Portugal prospered and was well governed
