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The Third Dynasty, also called the Philippine Dynasty, began in 1580 with the conquest
of Portugal by Philip I, and ended in 1640 with the death of Philip III of Spain. After
more than four hundred years of independence Portugal fell again under Spanish rule in
1581. This caused the country's decadence. Trying to cover the costs of war against the
English, the Dutch, and the French, the Spanish monarchs increasingly raised taxes in
Portugal. Agriculture, commerce and industry became paralyzed. In 1598, Philip II
succeeded his father to the throne. During his reign, which ended in 1621, Portugal's
economy worsened. Forced to incorporate in the Spanish Armada, Portugal lost its most
valuable ships when the English destroyed it completely in 1598. In addition, its
overseas' provinces in Africa, Asia and South America were constantly being attacked and
ransacked by Spain's enemies. Portugal lost some of its Asian provinces of Ormuz, Malaca,
Ceilão, Java, Célebes, and Molucas to the English and the
Dutch. Following the example of his predecessors, Philip III, the last Spanish king to
occupy the throne of Portugal, further augmented the taxes. This infuriated the Portuguese
who began plotting a revolution. After a couple of failed attempts, they succeed in
expelling the Spanish from Portugal. |
