Portugal's Resilience and Transformation

This chapter examines the historical journey of Portugal after its union with Spain, focusing on pivotal events like the Lisbon earthquake and the Dutch-Portuguese War. It highlights the deep-seated economic and cultural ties between Portugal and Brazil, along with the significant alliance with England that shaped global dynamics. The narrative also addresses the radical reforms of the Marques de Pombal and the brutal implications of Portugal's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.