Union of Iberian Crowns — Philip II Annexes Portugal
King Sebastian I of Portugal was killed at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir in Morocco in 1578, leaving no direct heir. After a brief reign by his elderly great-uncle Cardinal Henry, Philip II of Spain pressed his claim through his mother Isabella of Portugal and occupied Portugal with an army in 1580. For sixty years (1580–1640) Spain and Portugal were ruled by the same monarch—the Iberian Union—though in theory each retained its own laws, institutions, and overseas empires. In practice the union exposed Portuguese colonies to Spain's enemies: the Dutch VOC attacked Portuguese Asia, and the Dutch seized most of Brazil. The Restoration of 1640 under João IV ended the union.
- Year: 1580 CE
- Category: Political
