Decline In Portugal

When the direct Aviz line died out in 1580, the throne was seized by Philip II of Spain, an heir through his mother. Portugal remained under Spanish rule until 1640, when it revolted, and the House of Braganza came to the throne. Much of Portugal's colonial empire had been lost to the English and Dutch. In 1654 the Portuguese expelled the Dutch from the northern coastal areas of Brazil, which they had seized earlier in the century. However, Portugal continued to decline economically and as a world power.

Spain tried repeatedly to reconquer Portugal, but finally recognized its independence in 1668. In the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–14) there was further fighting between the two countries. During the Seven Years' War (1756–63), Portugal was invaded by Spain and France, who withdrew at the end of the war.