1 December in Portugal The restoration of independence and its lasting legacy

In the 17th century, Portugal was under the rule of Spain. This union was finalised in 1580, when King Philip II of Spain ascended the Portuguese throne after the crisis that led to the extinction of the Avis dynasty. During the Iberian Union, the political situation in Portugal was stable, but the population was not satisfied with this union, as Spain was increasingly interfering in the country's internal affairs, which the Portuguese did not like. Dissatisfaction grew over the years. On 1 December 1640, the Portuguese aristocracy united in a revolution with the support of the entire population.
The restoration of independence was led by João II, the Duke of Bragança. Spain was embroiled in international conflicts such as the Eighty Years' War and the Thirty Years' War, and these conflicts overstretched Spain both in terms of human resources and the attention it devoted to our country, thus creating the ideal opportunity for the Portuguese to unite and revolt to restore independence.

The Portuguese aristocrats began to formulate a plan to restore independence. João II, Duke of Bragança, was chosen to lead the movement.
On 1 December, during the absence of the Spanish viceroy, the Portuguese troops carried out the uprising in Lisbon, which culminated in the acclamation of the Duke of Bragança as John IV of Portugal. The population enthusiastically supported his accession to the throne, marking the beginning of the restoration of independence. Although Spain still tried to respond to the Portuguese uprising, it was unable to do so due to the many battles on various fronts and granted Portugal independence.
For this reason, 1 December is a significant date in the history of our country. It was a decisive event that shaped the destiny of the nation. The Portuguese united and formed a revolutionary movement to break Spanish rule and restore autonomy and national identity.
For this reason, 1 December is a significant date in the history of our country.
It was a decisive event that shaped the destiny of the nation. The Portuguese united and formed a revolutionary movement to break Spanish rule and restore autonomy and national identity.
This day is commemorated throughout the country with a variety of events, from parades to civic demonstrations.The commemorations not only recall the restoration, but also the importance of values such as independence and freedom.In reality, however, 1 December goes beyond its historical context and has become a symbol of the country's pride and resilience.The Restoration was not just a political act, but an affirmation of national identity and the unity of a people, a declaration that Portugal would be "master" of its own destiny.