Portugalcolonized
Portugalcolonized refers to the historical process by which the Kingdom of Portugal established and maintained overseas territories beginning in the 15th century, creating a maritime empire that spanned the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and parts of the Pacific. Driven by trade, Christianity, and maritime technology, Portugal sought direct access to Asian spice routes and African resources, aided by the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) dividing spheres of influence with Spain.
Portugal’s colonial holdings included Brazil in the Americas, settled from the 1530s and remaining a Portuguese
Administrative approaches varied over time, including hereditary captaincies in Brazil, as well as governor-generalships and other
Decolonization accelerated after World War II and, in Europe, culminated with the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Most