Portuguese Southern Africa - a TL
- Thread starter Viriato
- Start date
The Planalto do Norte
By the 1630s gold began to be discovered in significant quantities in the region South of the Zambezi and North of the Limpopo (former Monomotapa Lands) leading to a larger gold rush than the previous one. Ironically, though settlers had begun to settle the Planalto do Sul (Transvaal) they had not yet begun searching for gold there. This larger gold rush led to the growth of a new city, Santa Maria da Conceição (Harare), or simply Conceição. By 1640 the population had swelled to over 20,000, making it the second-largest settlement in Nova Lusitânia. As revenues fell from the shipping with the east, this gold allowed the Portuguese to fund the defence of the empire especially in the East.
Another development was the introduction of tobacco from Brazil by the 1620s. It quickly became grown on the Planalto do Norte, further adding to Conceição's wealth. Unlike sugarcane, tobacco did not require as large of a number of slaves, and it could be grown on smaller plots of land. In general the tobacco plantations were not as extensive differed from the large powerful sugar planters to be found around Natal and Sena. However, tobacco like rum soon became an important commodity in the slave trade, as lower grades of tobacco were sweetened with molasses and traded for slaves north of the Zambezi.
As the demand for slaves increased in both mining and agriculture, bands of armed men known as "prazeiros" began venturing into the interior to capture and sell slaves. These men were more often than not pardos of mixed European and African or Indian (Goan) blood, often speaking indigenous languages and accompanied by African guides, auxiliaries, or slaves. They were able to venture into the least hospitable regions of the continent due to greater immunity to malaria and often came into conflict with Jesuit missionaries.
By 1630 they had ventured north of the Rio dos Bramidos (Orange River) and began taking slaves from the people living along the Cunene River. This led to the settlement of the Novo Algarve by a small number of Europeans. Here they established large sheep, cattle and goat farm known as fazendas. A few scattered military posts were established, and cattle-rustling, smuggling and hunting were the major activities, as this areas was very much a frontier land. A small fishing settlement was also established at Santa Maria (Walvis Bay) in 1633 by a few dozen settlers from the Algarve and the Azores.
North of the Zambezi, the Jesuits became active in attempting to convert the natives, establishing missions. However, they often came into conflict with the farmers and especially the prazeiros who due to their abuses against the indigenous peoples. The armed bands of prazeiros often attacked the Jesuits themselves, and these lands remained outside of the scope of royal authorities. In the East, Jesuits from Portugal had also established themselves in Burma, India, Malaca and Japan. However, their interests would not always coincide with those of the Portuguese crown, eventually leading to their expulsion from Portugal and the Empire.
By the 1630s gold began to be discovered in significant quantities in the region South of the Zambezi and North of the Limpopo (former Monomotapa Lands) leading to a larger gold rush than the previous one. Ironically, though settlers had begun to settle the Planalto do Sul (Transvaal) they had not yet begun searching for gold there. This larger gold rush led to the growth of a new city, Santa Maria da Conceição (Harare), or simply Conceição. By 1640 the population had swelled to over 20,000, making it the second-largest settlement in Nova Lusitânia. As revenues fell from the shipping with the east, this gold allowed the Portuguese to fund the defence of the empire especially in the East.
Another development was the introduction of tobacco from Brazil by the 1620s. It quickly became grown on the Planalto do Norte, further adding to Conceição's wealth. Unlike sugarcane, tobacco did not require as large of a number of slaves, and it could be grown on smaller plots of land. In general the tobacco plantations were not as extensive differed from the large powerful sugar planters to be found around Natal and Sena. However, tobacco like rum soon became an important commodity in the slave trade, as lower grades of tobacco were sweetened with molasses and traded for slaves north of the Zambezi.
As the demand for slaves increased in both mining and agriculture, bands of armed men known as "prazeiros" began venturing into the interior to capture and sell slaves. These men were more often than not pardos of mixed European and African or Indian (Goan) blood, often speaking indigenous languages and accompanied by African guides, auxiliaries, or slaves. They were able to venture into the least hospitable regions of the continent due to greater immunity to malaria and often came into conflict with Jesuit missionaries.
By 1630 they had ventured north of the Rio dos Bramidos (Orange River) and began taking slaves from the people living along the Cunene River. This led to the settlement of the Novo Algarve by a small number of Europeans. Here they established large sheep, cattle and goat farm known as fazendas. A few scattered military posts were established, and cattle-rustling, smuggling and hunting were the major activities, as this areas was very much a frontier land. A small fishing settlement was also established at Santa Maria (Walvis Bay) in 1633 by a few dozen settlers from the Algarve and the Azores.
North of the Zambezi, the Jesuits became active in attempting to convert the natives, establishing missions. However, they often came into conflict with the farmers and especially the prazeiros who due to their abuses against the indigenous peoples. The armed bands of prazeiros often attacked the Jesuits themselves, and these lands remained outside of the scope of royal authorities. In the East, Jesuits from Portugal had also established themselves in Burma, India, Malaca and Japan. However, their interests would not always coincide with those of the Portuguese crown, eventually leading to their expulsion from Portugal and the Empire.
Enjoying this timeline
I am enjoying this time line and I am interested in seeing how South Africa develops with this change. Hopefully it will not have the same racial problems as in the original time line.
Regarding arming the African slaves, my reading indicate that many of the slaves were prisoner of war taken during various wars between different African tribal armies. So they already had some military training and would definitely strengthen the Portuguese armies.
Stubear1012.
I am enjoying this time line and I am interested in seeing how South Africa develops with this change. Hopefully it will not have the same racial problems as in the original time line.
Regarding arming the African slaves, my reading indicate that many of the slaves were prisoner of war taken during various wars between different African tribal armies. So they already had some military training and would definitely strengthen the Portuguese armies.
Stubear1012.
Portuguese in Ceylon
Since the late 16th century the Portuguese had been engaged in an attempt to completely conquer the island of Ceylon. By the end of the century only the Kingdoms of Sitawaka and Kandy stood in their way as the remaining independent kingdoms. Though Sitawaka was subdued, a campaign in the 1590s to conquer Kandy was unsuccessful.
However, by 1620 the tide had turned and the Portuguese control of the island was increasing. In 1619, they sent troops to Jaffna with the help of the local Catholic converts. In 1623, they seized Tricomalee on the eastern side of the island, following by the port of Batticaloa from Kandy in 1628.
In 1638, the Portuguese mounted a large campaign against Kandy utilizing a force of 20,000 African troops, some 2,000 Europeans and 4,000 Ceylonese Catholics. Largely immune to malaria, they succeeded in bringing more virulent strains of the disease to the island, devastating the local population. In 1638, the VOC (Dutch East India Company) attacked the Portuguese base at Colombo, but they were repulsed. The Dutch had sought to ally themselves with the Kingdom of Kandy, however the Portuguese had cut off Kandy from the coast by 1654.
By 1668, the Portuguese-Africans had subdued Kandy completely and the island was now firmly under Portuguese control. Jesuits and Dominicans from Portugal and Goa arrived on the island, forcing the Buddhist population to convert to Roman Catholicism. Like the Philippines, Ceylon would become a majority Catholic territory in Asia, however by 1670 there were only around 4,200 Europeans in the entire colony, however there were a much larger number of mestiços of mixed Portuguese and Ceylonese background.
Since the late 16th century the Portuguese had been engaged in an attempt to completely conquer the island of Ceylon. By the end of the century only the Kingdoms of Sitawaka and Kandy stood in their way as the remaining independent kingdoms. Though Sitawaka was subdued, a campaign in the 1590s to conquer Kandy was unsuccessful.
However, by 1620 the tide had turned and the Portuguese control of the island was increasing. In 1619, they sent troops to Jaffna with the help of the local Catholic converts. In 1623, they seized Tricomalee on the eastern side of the island, following by the port of Batticaloa from Kandy in 1628.
In 1638, the Portuguese mounted a large campaign against Kandy utilizing a force of 20,000 African troops, some 2,000 Europeans and 4,000 Ceylonese Catholics. Largely immune to malaria, they succeeded in bringing more virulent strains of the disease to the island, devastating the local population. In 1638, the VOC (Dutch East India Company) attacked the Portuguese base at Colombo, but they were repulsed. The Dutch had sought to ally themselves with the Kingdom of Kandy, however the Portuguese had cut off Kandy from the coast by 1654.
By 1668, the Portuguese-Africans had subdued Kandy completely and the island was now firmly under Portuguese control. Jesuits and Dominicans from Portugal and Goa arrived on the island, forcing the Buddhist population to convert to Roman Catholicism. Like the Philippines, Ceylon would become a majority Catholic territory in Asia, however by 1670 there were only around 4,200 Europeans in the entire colony, however there were a much larger number of mestiços of mixed Portuguese and Ceylonese background.
Just some observations
The Vice-King would be very interested in keeping an eye on the Northern Province of Portuguese India, not only because there wore located the major Portuguese naval shipyards in the Indian Ocean.
It was also a major source of hardwoods, another area of interest would be the Indonesian Islands, the second Portuguese source of hardwoods.
So with the increased naval power of the new Vice-Kingdom one area of interest would be the construction of factories to make gunpowder and cannons.
The Portuguese did created several of these factories OTL in Goa, Macau and Malacca, around this time.
In OTL the Dutch-Portuguese war at the time of peace Portugal was getting more victories in the Atlantic Ocean, and more defeats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
So with bigger manpower this could lead to the OTL victories of the Dutch in the Indo-Pacific Ocean be reversed or at least contained.
So probably the Dutch only can get a good position on the Western Indonesian Islands.
Malacca probably will stay Portuguese.
The Vice-King would be very interested in keeping an eye on the Northern Province of Portuguese India, not only because there wore located the major Portuguese naval shipyards in the Indian Ocean.
It was also a major source of hardwoods, another area of interest would be the Indonesian Islands, the second Portuguese source of hardwoods.
So with the increased naval power of the new Vice-Kingdom one area of interest would be the construction of factories to make gunpowder and cannons.
The Portuguese did created several of these factories OTL in Goa, Macau and Malacca, around this time.
In OTL the Dutch-Portuguese war at the time of peace Portugal was getting more victories in the Atlantic Ocean, and more defeats in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
So with bigger manpower this could lead to the OTL victories of the Dutch in the Indo-Pacific Ocean be reversed or at least contained.
So probably the Dutch only can get a good position on the Western Indonesian Islands.
Malacca probably will stay Portuguese.
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Portugal in India
With the cessation of hostilities between the Dutch and Portuguese in 1621, the situation of Goa worsened. Though it never fell to the Dutch, Goa would forever lose its preeminent position in Portugal's empire. In 1637, the Dutch attacked Goa, resulting in an important Portuguese naval victory in 1638. However, the number of ships from Goa to Lisbon reduced dramatically between 1631 and 1640. In addition, the costs of convoys to protect Portuguese ships increased.
The Dutch had begun to establish trading factories along the Indian Coast in Surat, on the Coromandel Coast and in Bengal during the first two decades of the 17th century. In 1612 they erected their first at Sadras and and they rebuilt Fort Geldria in Pulicat after the Portuguese had destroyed their factory. By the 1630s they had established factories inland, including one at Golconda, the world's principal source of diamonds at the time.
After repeated attacks on Goa and the Portuguese Malabar coast in the 1650s and 1660s, the VOC was able to capture Negapatnam in 1658. In large part due to reinforcements from Africa, the Portuguese were able to maintain control over their principal forts along the Malabar Coast when peace was finally established between the two countries in 1661. However, the Portuguese had been driven out of Bengal and the Coromandel.
Soon thereafter, the English, French, and Danish would establish forts and trading factories in the subcontinent. Portugal's preeminent position in Europe-India would never be reestablished.
With the cessation of hostilities between the Dutch and Portuguese in 1621, the situation of Goa worsened. Though it never fell to the Dutch, Goa would forever lose its preeminent position in Portugal's empire. In 1637, the Dutch attacked Goa, resulting in an important Portuguese naval victory in 1638. However, the number of ships from Goa to Lisbon reduced dramatically between 1631 and 1640. In addition, the costs of convoys to protect Portuguese ships increased.
The Dutch had begun to establish trading factories along the Indian Coast in Surat, on the Coromandel Coast and in Bengal during the first two decades of the 17th century. In 1612 they erected their first at Sadras and and they rebuilt Fort Geldria in Pulicat after the Portuguese had destroyed their factory. By the 1630s they had established factories inland, including one at Golconda, the world's principal source of diamonds at the time.
After repeated attacks on Goa and the Portuguese Malabar coast in the 1650s and 1660s, the VOC was able to capture Negapatnam in 1658. In large part due to reinforcements from Africa, the Portuguese were able to maintain control over their principal forts along the Malabar Coast when peace was finally established between the two countries in 1661. However, the Portuguese had been driven out of Bengal and the Coromandel.
Soon thereafter, the English, French, and Danish would establish forts and trading factories in the subcontinent. Portugal's preeminent position in Europe-India would never be reestablished.
Portuguese in the Far East
In the Far East is where the Portuguese faced their greatest threat from the Dutch. After the capture of Amboina in 1605, the Dutch were able to take command the important spice trade from the Moluccas. This led the Portuguese establish themselves at Macassar on the island of Celebes. Here the Portuguese enjoyed good relations with the local ruler and converted many of the islanders to Roman Catholicism. However, by 1660 the Dutch pressure forced the local ruler to reluctantly expel the Portuguese, and in 1665 most of the local converts moved to the Portuguese settlement of Larantuka on the island of Flores.
In the Lesser Sundas. the Dutch had captured the Portuguese fort on the island of Solor in 1613 however they soon abandoned it. The Portuguese reestablished their presence here in 1620 and rebuilt their fort, securing the area for Catholic converts. The Portuguese Jesuits had succeeded in converting most of the inhabitants of the islands of Flores, Rote, Savu, Sumba, Alor and Timor to Roman Catholicism, ensuring their influence in the region. Portuguese rule here was largely nominal though, with few Europeans in the region, most being missionaries or engaging in trade. Therefore, the Portuguese relied on local converts and Jesuit missions to rule in their name. The Dutch established a fort a Kupang on the Western portion of Timor in 1653, however, the Portuguese were able to gain a series of defeats against the Dutch and their client states throughout the 1650s in this region, relegating the Dutch presence to the area around Kupang.
Further north, the Dutch had been successful in securing a trading monopoly with Japan by 1639, however they had been unsuccessful in establishing trade links with China or taking Macau. The Portuguese ability to hold Macau left the Portuguese monopoly on China-Europe trade in Portuguese hands for the next two centuries. This would lead the Dutch to establish colonies on the island of Formosa, eventually taking over the entire island along with the small Pescadores Islands.
In Malaca (Malacca) the Dutch had been defeated by a Spanish fleet from Manila in the early part of the 17th century, however their attacks here resumed. After the Portuguese naval victory over the Dutch in 1638, the Portuguese were able to reinforce Malaca and prevent its capture. In 1641 and again in 1658 and 1661, the Dutch attempted to capture the Portuguese settlement with their allies, the Sultan of Aceh and the Sultan of Johore. Here too, Portuguese from Nova Lusitânia along with African mercenaries were decisive in fending off the Dutch. Beginning in 1661, the Portuguese would launch a war against Johore, that would result in the Sultante being abolished and placed under direct Portuguese rule by 1680.
With peace being secured in 1661 between the two countries, the Dutch were in possession of much of Java, the Moluccas, parts of Sumatra and Macassar on Celebes. More importantly Batavia had largely eclipsed Goa by 1650. Further north, they controlled Formosa and had an important trading factory at Nagasaki. In India, the VOC forts were limited to the Eastern Coast of the subcontinent with Negapatnam being the most important. Further west the Dutch held Mauritius as a base to resupply their ships on their way to Europe. However, Dutch settlement of Mauritius had many drawbacks, mostly due to tropical disease decimating the European settlers there.
In the Far East is where the Portuguese faced their greatest threat from the Dutch. After the capture of Amboina in 1605, the Dutch were able to take command the important spice trade from the Moluccas. This led the Portuguese establish themselves at Macassar on the island of Celebes. Here the Portuguese enjoyed good relations with the local ruler and converted many of the islanders to Roman Catholicism. However, by 1660 the Dutch pressure forced the local ruler to reluctantly expel the Portuguese, and in 1665 most of the local converts moved to the Portuguese settlement of Larantuka on the island of Flores.
In the Lesser Sundas. the Dutch had captured the Portuguese fort on the island of Solor in 1613 however they soon abandoned it. The Portuguese reestablished their presence here in 1620 and rebuilt their fort, securing the area for Catholic converts. The Portuguese Jesuits had succeeded in converting most of the inhabitants of the islands of Flores, Rote, Savu, Sumba, Alor and Timor to Roman Catholicism, ensuring their influence in the region. Portuguese rule here was largely nominal though, with few Europeans in the region, most being missionaries or engaging in trade. Therefore, the Portuguese relied on local converts and Jesuit missions to rule in their name. The Dutch established a fort a Kupang on the Western portion of Timor in 1653, however, the Portuguese were able to gain a series of defeats against the Dutch and their client states throughout the 1650s in this region, relegating the Dutch presence to the area around Kupang.
Further north, the Dutch had been successful in securing a trading monopoly with Japan by 1639, however they had been unsuccessful in establishing trade links with China or taking Macau. The Portuguese ability to hold Macau left the Portuguese monopoly on China-Europe trade in Portuguese hands for the next two centuries. This would lead the Dutch to establish colonies on the island of Formosa, eventually taking over the entire island along with the small Pescadores Islands.
In Malaca (Malacca) the Dutch had been defeated by a Spanish fleet from Manila in the early part of the 17th century, however their attacks here resumed. After the Portuguese naval victory over the Dutch in 1638, the Portuguese were able to reinforce Malaca and prevent its capture. In 1641 and again in 1658 and 1661, the Dutch attempted to capture the Portuguese settlement with their allies, the Sultan of Aceh and the Sultan of Johore. Here too, Portuguese from Nova Lusitânia along with African mercenaries were decisive in fending off the Dutch. Beginning in 1661, the Portuguese would launch a war against Johore, that would result in the Sultante being abolished and placed under direct Portuguese rule by 1680.
With peace being secured in 1661 between the two countries, the Dutch were in possession of much of Java, the Moluccas, parts of Sumatra and Macassar on Celebes. More importantly Batavia had largely eclipsed Goa by 1650. Further north, they controlled Formosa and had an important trading factory at Nagasaki. In India, the VOC forts were limited to the Eastern Coast of the subcontinent with Negapatnam being the most important. Further west the Dutch held Mauritius as a base to resupply their ships on their way to Europe. However, Dutch settlement of Mauritius had many drawbacks, mostly due to tropical disease decimating the European settlers there.
It's a great and fascinating AH. 
I hope you can update it very very very soon.
PS: The most successful Portuguese defense against the Dutch attacks could cause less popular support of the secessionist intentions of the Dukes of Braganza. Therefore, does it continue to exist the Spanish dynastic unity? (at that time, Spain was considered the totality of the peninsular kingdoms, including Portugal).
If so, the future Spanish Succession War could lead to Spain to keep Portugal and the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs (Naples, Sicily, Sardinia and Rousillon), while the Burgundian territories would be divided among Austria, Netherlands and France.
By the way, what is the status of the Spanish possessions (Portuguese and Castilian) in North Africa? Both Portugal and Castile always pretended to continue the Reconquista on North African soil, but their adventures in the West Indies and the East Indies dampened those cravings (by that conqueror dream, the Portuguese King Sebastian I died in Ksar el-Kebir).
I hope you can update it very very very soon.
PS: The most successful Portuguese defense against the Dutch attacks could cause less popular support of the secessionist intentions of the Dukes of Braganza. Therefore, does it continue to exist the Spanish dynastic unity? (at that time, Spain was considered the totality of the peninsular kingdoms, including Portugal).
If so, the future Spanish Succession War could lead to Spain to keep Portugal and the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs (Naples, Sicily, Sardinia and Rousillon), while the Burgundian territories would be divided among Austria, Netherlands and France.
By the way, what is the status of the Spanish possessions (Portuguese and Castilian) in North Africa? Both Portugal and Castile always pretended to continue the Reconquista on North African soil, but their adventures in the West Indies and the East Indies dampened those cravings (by that conqueror dream, the Portuguese King Sebastian I died in Ksar el-Kebir).
Dutch attacks in West Africa
It is often overlooked that the single most profitable area to Portugal of the Empire was the Guinea coast, dominated by the fort at São Jorge da Mina de Ouro (El Mina). Here the Portuguese were able to obtain gold, slaves, and ivory. Because the Portuguese Guinea consisted of little more than some forts and trading outposts, the costs of defence were low.
In 1633 the Dutch managed to capture Portugal's oldest slave fort on the island of Arguim (Mauritania), giving them their first conquest in the region. Having established their own Fort Nassau on the Gold Coast, the Dutch now began to compete with the Portuguese at Elmina. Also, the Dutch had already built a slave trading station at Goree in Senegal in 1621. Finally, in 1637 they successfully captured São Jorge da Mina from the Portuguese. Despite Portuguese attempts to recapture the fort, the Dutch West India Company (WIC) now became a major competitor in the slave trade. However, they were soon to be joined by the English, French, Swedes, Danes, Brandenburgers and even Courlanders.
Further south the Dutch began to trade with the Kingdoms of Kongo and Loango in the 1620s. This culminated in the Dutch capture of Luanda and Benguela on the mainland in 1641 and the sugar-rich island of São Tomé that same year. In both Luanda and Benguela, the Portuguese retreated inland to the forts of Massangano and Muxima on the Cuanza River. In 1643, the prazeiros from Novo Algarve were able to launch an expedition inland with African allies and to force the Dutch to surrender Benguela without a single shot having been fired. From there, the prazeiros marched north to meet up with the Portuguese forces in Muxima. From Muxima, the Portuguese were able to overtake Luanda which had been defended by a force of around 600 Dutch soldiers. Once Luanda surrendered, the Portuguese were able to send some ships to São Tomé and from here the outgunned Dutch garrison fled.
It is often overlooked that the single most profitable area to Portugal of the Empire was the Guinea coast, dominated by the fort at São Jorge da Mina de Ouro (El Mina). Here the Portuguese were able to obtain gold, slaves, and ivory. Because the Portuguese Guinea consisted of little more than some forts and trading outposts, the costs of defence were low.
In 1633 the Dutch managed to capture Portugal's oldest slave fort on the island of Arguim (Mauritania), giving them their first conquest in the region. Having established their own Fort Nassau on the Gold Coast, the Dutch now began to compete with the Portuguese at Elmina. Also, the Dutch had already built a slave trading station at Goree in Senegal in 1621. Finally, in 1637 they successfully captured São Jorge da Mina from the Portuguese. Despite Portuguese attempts to recapture the fort, the Dutch West India Company (WIC) now became a major competitor in the slave trade. However, they were soon to be joined by the English, French, Swedes, Danes, Brandenburgers and even Courlanders.
Further south the Dutch began to trade with the Kingdoms of Kongo and Loango in the 1620s. This culminated in the Dutch capture of Luanda and Benguela on the mainland in 1641 and the sugar-rich island of São Tomé that same year. In both Luanda and Benguela, the Portuguese retreated inland to the forts of Massangano and Muxima on the Cuanza River. In 1643, the prazeiros from Novo Algarve were able to launch an expedition inland with African allies and to force the Dutch to surrender Benguela without a single shot having been fired. From there, the prazeiros marched north to meet up with the Portuguese forces in Muxima. From Muxima, the Portuguese were able to overtake Luanda which had been defended by a force of around 600 Dutch soldiers. Once Luanda surrendered, the Portuguese were able to send some ships to São Tomé and from here the outgunned Dutch garrison fled.
Brazil
Between 1560 and 1610 Brazil's sugar production had quadrupled, as it overtook Madeira as Europe's primary sugarcane producer. As Amsterdam was the primary refining centre for sugar in Europe, the Dutch desperately needed a supply of sugar. Once hostilities resumed between the Spanish Crown and the Netherlands in 1621, their raw sugar supply from Brazil and Madeira was cut off.
To that end the Dutch West India Company was founded in 1621 and they began to attack Portugal's sugar producing colonies. In 1624-25 they invaded and occupied Salvador in Brazil, but were later repulsed by a joint Iberian force. With the booty from the capture of a Spanish silver fleet in 1629, the WIC now had the capital with which to finance a major attack on Brazil.
In 1630 the WIC was able to take both Olinda and Recife in Pernambuco, Brazil's primary sugar-producing region. In 1634-37 the Dutch were able to extend their conquests further north and as far south as Sergipe. However, the Dutch failed to capture the capital of Salvador da Bahia. The Portuguese planter elite in the colony soon became wary of Dutch rule, and what they saw as offences against the Catholic church by allowing other regions to be practiced.
To that end, in 1638 a fleet under Spanish command sailed from Lisbon to Salvador to relieve Pernambuco. Despite being twice the size of the Dutch fleet, poor planning led to it being unable to achieve a decisive victory against the Dutch. There were few Dutch in their new colony and the total population only numbered around 12,500 by 1645. Because of this, in June 1645, the Portuguese planters rose up against Dutch rule and were easily able to oust their WIC overlords. Within three months the Dutch are confined to just half a dozen forts. By 1654 the last Dutch fort was evacuated in Brazil.
The effect of the Dutch occupation had on Brazil was to stimulate sugar production further south around Rio de Janeiro and São Vicente. Starved for traders and skilled craftsmen, the colony attracted not only settlers from Portugal, but from Nova Lusitânia. Also, the Dutch capture of the northeast of Brazil led to the development of sugarcane around Natal, Sofala and later Benguela in Portuguese Africa.
Between 1560 and 1610 Brazil's sugar production had quadrupled, as it overtook Madeira as Europe's primary sugarcane producer. As Amsterdam was the primary refining centre for sugar in Europe, the Dutch desperately needed a supply of sugar. Once hostilities resumed between the Spanish Crown and the Netherlands in 1621, their raw sugar supply from Brazil and Madeira was cut off.
To that end the Dutch West India Company was founded in 1621 and they began to attack Portugal's sugar producing colonies. In 1624-25 they invaded and occupied Salvador in Brazil, but were later repulsed by a joint Iberian force. With the booty from the capture of a Spanish silver fleet in 1629, the WIC now had the capital with which to finance a major attack on Brazil.
In 1630 the WIC was able to take both Olinda and Recife in Pernambuco, Brazil's primary sugar-producing region. In 1634-37 the Dutch were able to extend their conquests further north and as far south as Sergipe. However, the Dutch failed to capture the capital of Salvador da Bahia. The Portuguese planter elite in the colony soon became wary of Dutch rule, and what they saw as offences against the Catholic church by allowing other regions to be practiced.
To that end, in 1638 a fleet under Spanish command sailed from Lisbon to Salvador to relieve Pernambuco. Despite being twice the size of the Dutch fleet, poor planning led to it being unable to achieve a decisive victory against the Dutch. There were few Dutch in their new colony and the total population only numbered around 12,500 by 1645. Because of this, in June 1645, the Portuguese planters rose up against Dutch rule and were easily able to oust their WIC overlords. Within three months the Dutch are confined to just half a dozen forts. By 1654 the last Dutch fort was evacuated in Brazil.
The effect of the Dutch occupation had on Brazil was to stimulate sugar production further south around Rio de Janeiro and São Vicente. Starved for traders and skilled craftsmen, the colony attracted not only settlers from Portugal, but from Nova Lusitânia. Also, the Dutch capture of the northeast of Brazil led to the development of sugarcane around Natal, Sofala and later Benguela in Portuguese Africa.
The Dynastic Union Ends
As early as 1600 there had been grumblings in Lisbon about the negative effects of the dynastic union between Portugal and Spain. Portugal's wealth and that of Lisbon's especially had been built on trade with Africa and Asia. However, with Spain's constant state of warfare, Portuguese shipping revenues decreased. Also, the Netherlands and England had been among Portugal's best clients prior to 1580 and now they had been turned into enemies. For instance the Dutch had been the principal customers for salt from Setúbal and sugarcane from Brazil and Madeira before 1581. Coupled with declining revenues from trade were the raising the costs of defending what few fleets sailed.
The resumption of hostilities between Spain and the Netherlands in 1621 had been particularly damaging to Portugal's economy. This was particularly glaring compared with the previous decade, which had seen Portuguese trade with Asia and Africa at an all time high. The Dutch attacks on Portuguese shipping became damaging with 199 Portuguese ships being lost between 1630 and 1636. By 1637, Goa and Lisbon were under virtual blockades. Also between 1631 and 1640 a total 15 vessels arrived in Lisbon from Goa. Nova Lusitânia fared a little better, as gold was discovered in the Planalto do Norte, however even this new found wealth was mostly spent on offensive actions against the Dutch.
This dramatic drop in revenue from commerce incensed the Portuguese nobility as many were reliant on income from the empire. Coupled with the rising costs of armoured convoys, tensions against Madrid ran at an all time high. Ultimately the Portuguese nobility became convinced of the need to throw off the Spanish yoke. Therefore in December 1640, led by the Duke of Bragança, the Portuguese rebelled against the Spanish Crown, proclaiming the duke King João IV.
Once news reached Cabo da Boa Esperança in 1641, the Viceroy quickly proclaimed his allegiance to the new king. This repeated itself throughout the empire in 1641-1642, with Ceuta being the sole Portuguese possession to remain loyal to the Spanish Crown. France and Sweden were the first countries to recognize King João IV in June and August of 1641, respectively. By 1654 the Portuguese had signed an alliance with the English Commonwealth and this was followed by a Peace Treaty with the United Provinces in 1661. Intermittent warfare with the Spaniards would occur until a final peace treaty was signed in 1668.
As early as 1600 there had been grumblings in Lisbon about the negative effects of the dynastic union between Portugal and Spain. Portugal's wealth and that of Lisbon's especially had been built on trade with Africa and Asia. However, with Spain's constant state of warfare, Portuguese shipping revenues decreased. Also, the Netherlands and England had been among Portugal's best clients prior to 1580 and now they had been turned into enemies. For instance the Dutch had been the principal customers for salt from Setúbal and sugarcane from Brazil and Madeira before 1581. Coupled with declining revenues from trade were the raising the costs of defending what few fleets sailed.
The resumption of hostilities between Spain and the Netherlands in 1621 had been particularly damaging to Portugal's economy. This was particularly glaring compared with the previous decade, which had seen Portuguese trade with Asia and Africa at an all time high. The Dutch attacks on Portuguese shipping became damaging with 199 Portuguese ships being lost between 1630 and 1636. By 1637, Goa and Lisbon were under virtual blockades. Also between 1631 and 1640 a total 15 vessels arrived in Lisbon from Goa. Nova Lusitânia fared a little better, as gold was discovered in the Planalto do Norte, however even this new found wealth was mostly spent on offensive actions against the Dutch.
This dramatic drop in revenue from commerce incensed the Portuguese nobility as many were reliant on income from the empire. Coupled with the rising costs of armoured convoys, tensions against Madrid ran at an all time high. Ultimately the Portuguese nobility became convinced of the need to throw off the Spanish yoke. Therefore in December 1640, led by the Duke of Bragança, the Portuguese rebelled against the Spanish Crown, proclaiming the duke King João IV.
Once news reached Cabo da Boa Esperança in 1641, the Viceroy quickly proclaimed his allegiance to the new king. This repeated itself throughout the empire in 1641-1642, with Ceuta being the sole Portuguese possession to remain loyal to the Spanish Crown. France and Sweden were the first countries to recognize King João IV in June and August of 1641, respectively. By 1654 the Portuguese had signed an alliance with the English Commonwealth and this was followed by a Peace Treaty with the United Provinces in 1661. Intermittent warfare with the Spaniards would occur until a final peace treaty was signed in 1668.
You speak the truth!
With a PoD in the late 1400s, with a greater Portuguese population backed by a large Southern African colony and with a more successful Portuguese-Dutch War... we can still have the rise and fall of Iberian Union and even the establishment of the Braganza dynasty. But your dates are too much in synch with OTL. That would be a remarkable coincidence...
In 1635 Spain went to war against France, and the Portuguese would now have to fight off not only the Dutch, but the much more powerful French. With their victory at Cadiz in July of 1640 it was obvious that the French would soon start attacking Portuguese colonies. Coupled with the beginning of the Catalan Revolt, 1640 was the most opportune time to leave.