Portuguese+Restoration+War

=Portuguese Restoration War=

The Portuguese Restoration War was the revolutionary war between Spain and Portugal. The revolution began when Phillip III died and was replaced by his son, Phillip IV. Under the new king, Spain's treatment of Portugal changed drastically. New taxes were levied, Portugal had less power in the Spanish government, and Spaniards began filling government positions in Portugal. The Portuguese took advantage of Phillip's involvement in the 30 Years War in Germany and perfectly timed a coup to overthrow the Spanish government in Portugal.

The war was mostly made up of quick fights along the border and raids into towns on both sides of the border. The war was not very well funded, so it didn't have very intense fighting. In twenty-eight years of war, there were only five major battles. Historians break the war down into three stages. Stage one: Some major battles that showed Portugal would not return to Spanish control easily. Stage two: Almost a cold war, filled with military standoffs and small raids. Stage three: The final period of the war, during which Phillip IV unsuccessfully waged a battle that would end the war.

The war ended the sixty-year period of dual monarchy in Portugal and Spain under the Spanish Habsburgs. The war started in 1640 and ended with the signing of the treaty of Lisbon in 1668. The war was also known by the Portuguese as Acclamation War. Portugal removed their Spanish King Philip IV and selected their new king to be Joao IV. This ended the Iberian Union.