Portugal established a global empire between the 15th and 16th centuries through maritime exploration, gaining control of parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. This made Portugal a major world power economically, politically, and militarily. However, as other European powers like the Dutch, English, and French engaged in spice and slave trading, Portugal's economy declined. It no longer had the resources to defend its overseas military interests. Portugal then experienced a period of military decline and became a dynastic union with Spain from 1580 to 1640, though it maintained nominal control over itself.

1. Portugal Military Joann Yost

2. Led by King Henry I 15th and 16th centuries maritime exploration Portugal established global empire Including parts of Africa, Asia, and south America Became major world economic, political, and military power.

3. After Martim Afonso de Sousa conquered Goa on the West Coast of India and Malacca, Portugal became the first to start Globalization 1501 Pedro Alvares Cabral used the Asiatic mainland for the first trading stations at Cochin and Calicut Duarte Fernandes was sent to Siam which is now Thailand which founded Malay Archipelago a Portuguese dominion. They made a base on the island of Ambom (spice islands)

4. Once the Dutch, English, and French started in the spice and slave trade the Portuguese economy took a downturn Left Portugal with few resources to defend its militaries overseas interests. MILITARY DECLINE: the battle of Alcaer Quibir in Morocco in 1578 Spain’s attempt to conquer England 1588 Portugal was then a “dynastic union” with Spain. And sent ships to the Spanish invasion fleet

6. The Prior of Crato who was rightfully to have the throne held out in the Azores until he died in 1595

7. Then in 1640 Henry IV was crowed king and Spain tried to gain control again for 28 years