On December 1, 1640, the Portuguese nobles launched a revolution and regained their independence

In 1580, Portugal was annexed by Spain and became a vassal of Spain. In 1581, the Portuguese Parliament agreed to the Spanish King Philip II and King of Portugal, called Felipe I. The Spanish's extravagance plunged the Portuguese people into extreme poverty. The Portuguese fleet and coastal defense were seriously damaged, and some of its major colonies in the East gradually fell into the hands of the British and Dutch. From then on, Portugal rapidly declined.

To quell the uprising that broke out in Barcelona in May 1640, Portuguese nobles were ordered to fight in Catalonia. The mobilization order made the long-tolerated upper class unable to sit still. They began to gather around Joao, now Duke of Braganza, the grandson of Duchess Catarina, who was the heir to the throne, and planned a clean and thorough operation.

On December 1, 1640, at around 9 a.m., 40 princes and nobles suddenly stormed the Ribeira Palace, took control of the palace guard, and then captured his cousin, the Duchess of Mantua, who was exercising power on Philip's behalf, and her minister of state, Miguel de Vasconsellos. After the latter was executed, these men forced the Duchess to order the Spanish defenders of the castle of São Jorge and the fortresses of the River Tejo to surrender immediately and not resist. After all was done, they left the palace and called on the people to rise up and cheer the restoration of Portugal. Fifteen days later, the Duke of Braganza was officially crowned King of Portugal, called Joao IV. The Braganza dynasty was thus established.

Portugal then fought a 28-year war of liberation with Spain. The two sides concluded the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668, in which Spain returned all the territories and overseas possessions originally owned by Portugal, except Ceuta, to Portugal.

Commemorative bronze medal issued by Portugal to commemorate the restoration and victory in 1640

Comments: Portugal has once again become an independent nation state