The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance Throughout the Ages – Part 1
England and Portugal have been cooperating for longer than any other coalition in documented history. Their alliance survived wars, political transformations, and global challenges. Many other partnerships have faded with time. But this one has grown stronger, proving its resilience and strategic importance.
Both nations have benefited from the stability of their diplomatic relationship. Additionally, it has served as a model of international alliance in times of uncertainty. It lived through the medieval crusades all the way to modern international diplomacy. Throughout the centuries, the connection between these two nations proved strong and lasting.
In part one of this two-part series, you will uncover the roots of this incredible partnership. Discover how this friendship started in the 12th century. Learn how it has continuously adapted and strengthened through complex historical moments.
Understand how it profoundly shaped both nations and influenced European geopolitics. Examining this alliance will shed light on historical events. It will also highlight the continued significance of these diplomatic ties today.
The History of Anglo-Portuguese Relations
British ex-pats are the second-largest group of foreigners residing in Portugal. Now, there are about 40.000 English citizens living in the country. Many are learning Portuguese through our European Portuguese course – The Journey.
This immersive program will help you reach fluency and dive into Portuguese culture. You will acquire the language instinctively, without memorizing grammar rules or studying boring textbooks. Would you like to learn more? Click HERE and get all the info!
The Origins of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance
The roots of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance stretch back to the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, English crusaders helped D. Afonso Henriques reconquer Lisbon from the Moors. The subsequent friendship between the two countries developed from there.
The Portuguese desire for trade relations with England was crucial to establishing the partnership. Their relationship strengthened even more in 1308. At the time, Portuguese King Don Dinis signed the first commercial treaty with England. He wanted to establish peace between their merchants, fostering economic connections that would benefit both kingdoms.
In 1353, his Majesty King Edward III of England bolstered their ties with Ferdinand I of Portugal through another treaty. This agreement allowed English ships and merchants to operate on the Portuguese coast. These agreements created economic stability and fostered an environment of mutual prosperity.
The First Political Treaties and Alliances
Almost twenty years later, in 1372, the alliance had its first formal political treaty – the Treaty of Tagilde. Earlier, in 1337, England and France started fighting over control of the French territory. Simultaneously, the Castilian Civil War erupted in 1350. Back then, two half-brothers, D. Pedro and D. Henrique, were disputing the crown of Castile.
This last conflict became embedded in the Hundred Years’ War when England declared their support for one of them and France for the other. Thus, the Duke of Lancaster, who was interested in the Castilian throne, decided to establish a friendship with the Portuguese crown. This way, the English and Portuguese troops sealed their alliance to the Castilian throne and waged war together on two fronts.
By JOHN K THORNE, from the Public Domain
England benefitted from Portugal’s help in combat. Similarly, Portugal saw its political and military position strengthened through England’s support. At the same time, the collaboration paved the way for a more significant relationship between both countries.
The Treaty of London.
Signed in June 1373, the Treaty of London was a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Alliance. It was agreed in perpetuity by King Ferdinand I, Queen Leonor of Portugal, and King Edward III of England. Quoting the Treaty of Tagilde as its precursor, it is still a legal foundation of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance today.
This treaty established a framework for support and cooperation. It determined that Portugal and England should not establish friendships with each other’s enemies. They would also provide military help in case of invasion or threat. Thus, this agreement set the stage for what would become one of the longest-standing alliances in history.
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Windsor
The Treaty of Windsor was signed on May 9, 1386. It ratified a formal alliance between England and Portugal. The treaty promised mutual aid, trading opportunities, and military support between the two nations. Thus, it put into writing a pact of perpetual friendship between them.
One year later, in 1387, Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, married King John I of Portugal. This dynastic union solidified their ties and ensured economic and military support. It also impacted the development of both countries.
For example, D. Henrique, known as the one who led Portugal in its discoveries, was the son of Philippa of Lancaster. More of her children with the Portuguese king earned European recognition. D. Dinis became king of Portugal, and D. Pedro earned the Duchy of Treviso in Italy for helping Roman Emperor Sigismund.
Overall, the Treaty of Windsor provided a framework for cooperation that has persisted for centuries. It shaped English and Portuguese foreign policy throughout the ages. As you will discover below, this agreement is still valid and relevant today.
Challenges and Opportunities Throughout The Ages
The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance faced various challenges over the centuries, including conflicts and economic crises. Throughout history, it has proven to be a crucial factor in maintaining stability and prosperity for both nations. Economic collaboration between the two nations was never limited to trade. It also included military assistance and naval cooperation.
Look into the events that affected and shaped the relationship between England and Portugal. Plus, understand its impact on regional geopolitics in Western Europe during conflicts.
Loss of Independence and The Portuguese Restoration War
In 1578, Portuguese king D. Sebastião disappeared in battle, leaving no heirs. The succession crisis that followed led to an Iberian union. D. Filipe II of Spain, who was the son of Carlos V of Spain and Isabel of Portugal, ultimately claimed the throne in 1580.
During the sixty years of Spanish control in the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal and England ended up fighting each other. Spain started combating the Netherlands in 1568 and only established peace in 1648 with the Treaty of Münster. Portugal was under Spanish rule, and England was a Dutch ally. Thus, the two countries were on opposite sides of the war.
In the meantime, the revolution of 1640 started the Portuguese Restoration War. It ended in 1668 with the Treaty of Lisbon. Through it, Spain recognized Portuguese independence.
During the war, Portugal and England celebrated two more treaties of alliance, in 1642 and 1654. They were cemented by the marriage of Catarina de Bragança to King Charles II of England in 1662. These new agreements ensured the British army helped Portugal regain its independence and secure its territory. They also played a significant role in the British Empire’s colonial pursuits.
The Methuen Treaty
Shortly afterward, in 1703, the Methuen Treaty was another step toward international cooperation. It was an agreement that created trade for both countries. Because of the riches that came from the Portuguese colonies, the treaty was significant for English commercial interests.
It protected the wine trading from Portugal to Britain and ensured the importation of British textiles into Portugal. This way, it helped boost Portuguese wines over French ones in the British market. John Methuen was the English diplomat responsible for the treaty that bears his name. With it, he boosted economic relations and reinforced the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic wars represent a twenty-three-year conflict in Europe, which began in 1792. It started during the French Revolution but carried on long after its end. Ultimately, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned in 1804 and became emperor of France.
During this period, Britain was fighting wars of its own, with the Irish Revolution in 1798. Later, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland resulted from the merger of both countries in 1801. Shortly after this unification, the British would go head to head with the French forces.
Napoleon sought to establish his empire by conquering other European countries. He built up the French army with troops from the conquered nations. As a result, in a relatively short time, he established the largest European empire since the Romans.
Still, Napoleon was obsessed with the idea of conquering Britain. He wanted France to become the most powerful trading nation on Earth. Additionally, the English had declared war on him and tried by several means to overthrow him. However, Lord Nelson, an English Royal Navy officer, had been following the French naval fleet and attacked them in 1805.
The event became known as the Battle of Trafalgar. During the fight, the English troops destroyed or captured most French ships, changing world history. Thus, it became impossible for Napoleon to pursue his dream of conquering the United Kingdom.
The Peninsular War
The Peninsular War was a part of the Napoleonic conflicts fought within the Iberian Peninsula. The Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil when the French invaded Portugal in 1807. One year later, the British landed in Portugal and started fighting off the French.
Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington, was responsible for this conquest. He freed Portugal and Spain of the French domain. Eventually, he and Field Marshal Blücher of the Prussian army ended the Napoleonic wars. In 1815, they defeated the French and captured Napoleon at the famous Battle of Waterloo.
The 19th Century and The Start of Modern Portuguese Republic
Between 1832 and 1834, a civil war erupted in Portugal over the royal succession. That period saw the Liberal faction of the Portuguese monarchy helped by the English. It led to the advent of a Constitutional Monarchy.
Later in the 19th century, Portugal and England lived a darker period in their relationship. Their interests in Africa overlapped. Thus, Lord Salisbury, the British prime minister at the time, interfered. He sent a memorandum to the Portuguese government demanding the withdrawal of the Portuguese troops. This directive became known as the Ultimatum.
Additionally, in 1898, England and Germany signed a secret agreement. Their goal was to split Portuguese colonies among themselves. The Iberian country was facing bankruptcy, and it was unsure whether it could keep its African colonies.
Despite the negative impact on the alliance, the countries were able to overcome the unrest. A secret declaration in 1899 reaffirmed their bond. In it, England promised to protect Portugal and its colonies, and vice-versa. Later, when the modern Portuguese Republic started in 1910, King Manuel went into exile in England.
World War I and World War II
The First World War was a tumultuous period for all of Europe. Portugal took on a neutral position. Around 1912, England revisited the idea of sharing the Portuguese colonies in Africa with Germany. This time, the goal was to appease Germany’s ambition without sacrificing English interests.
This way, the English government hoped to reduce the conflicts in Europe. But, this effort came to nothing because of the competition between the two countries. The aggressiveness of German Foreign policy and the Balkan wars ended all chances of carrying their secret agreement forward. Thus, upon invocation of their alliance, Portugal aided England and participated in all forms of combat. The Portuguese military also fought alongside British forces in Europe and East Africa.
In World War II, Portugal again maintained a stance of relative neutrality. However, once again, Britain invoked the alliance made six centuries before. Thus, Portugal allowed British ships to refuel in Portuguese ports. Additionally, Portuguese planes partook in reconnaissance missions for the Atlantic convoys.
Portugal demonstrated its commitment to the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. Later, in 1943, the British requested base facilities at the Lajes military base in the Azores, again invoking the alliance. Portugal agreed to it, and Lajes became an Anglo-American base, with British and American air force squadrons stationed there.
This way, Portugal played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. It supported the Allies by allowing them to use the Azores Islands as bases. This strategic support was invaluable to them.
The Post-War Period
In the post-war period, the Portuguese economy strengthened slowly. Its political situation, however, went through profound changes, with a dictatorship that lasted 41 years. The repression resulted in a revolution in 1974. Afterward, the country became a democracy.
Throughout those years, cooperation remained tight. Inclusively, Britain requested the Azorian bases again during the Falklands conflict in 1982. Eventually, England and Portugal entered the European Union and kept cooperating until Brexit in 2020.
As you can see, the bond between Portugal and England has shaped history, trade, and cultural exchange. Today, this centuries-old connection continues with British expats forming one of the largest foreign communities in Portugal. If you are part of this growing community or simply fascinated by Portugal’s rich heritage, why not take the next step?
Start learning European Portuguese with The Journey. This incredible course will take you on an adventure so you can discover and acquire the language while having fun. Click the link below to discover more about it, and get your 7-day free trial!
Learn European Portuguese the Instinctive Way!
For the last decade, we’ve been working on putting together the best possible European Portuguese course. After much research, feedback from our students, and several iterations, we think we’ve got it! 😉
At the base of it all is a sound conviction that languages are better learned instinctively, so the process needs to be engaging, varied, and enjoyable. Throughout, we used scientifically proven techniques to help you master pronunciation, phrase construction, oral understanding, grammar, and all the necessary bits to get you to fluency. And still, the whole thing is presented as an adventure. It’s a course like no other. Click the button below to see for yourself!
Current Status of the Alliance
The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance is the oldest diplomatic alliance still in force. It endured for over 630 years, with both countries maintaining a strong relationship. Despite various challenges and conflicts, it became a cornerstone of international relations.
As you have seen, it played a significant role in shaping the history of both nations. Not only is it still in force, but it is also evolving to meet contemporary challenges. The modern era has seen the alliance adapt to terrorism and cybersecurity threats. It has also provided a framework for cooperation on global issues, such as climate change and human rights.
The alliance has been part of institutions like the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). There are also distinct organizations focused on their collaborations in different areas. These organizations put forth mechanisms that ensure that both nations continue to support each other. They keep handling conflicts together and cooperate on trade, commerce, and tourism.
Recent agreements between the British government and Portugal aimed at improving bilateral defense relations. In 2022, the Prime Ministers of Portugal and the United Kingdom signed the UK-Portugal Joint Declaration on Bilateral Cooperation. This new bilateral Defence Agreement aims to elevate their defense cooperation and reaffirm their alliance.
The Portugal-England History – To be Continued
The historical bonds between Portugal and England are remarkable. As you have seen, no other international alliance lasted as long and had such a great impact. From its early beginnings in the 12th century to its formalization and until today, it faced many challenges.
The Anglo-Portuguese alliance overcame wars, political complexity, and global challenges. Under the same mutually beneficial goal, it continued providing stability and support for both countries. Even today, it keeps striving toward cooperation. But how does it adapt to the ever-changing political landscape? What challenges is it facing right now? And how does it affect the population living in both nations?
Do not miss part 2 of this series, in which you will discover all about the alliance today. You will understand how it changed the lives of millions of Portuguese and English nationals. Additionally, you will learn about the impact of Brexit on their ties and explore the future possibilities of the partnership.
