The Portuguese Restoration War began.

Portuguese Restoration War: Tensions between Spain and Portugal escalated as the war broke out in 1640. The conflict erupted following Portugal's 60 years of Spanish rule and their desire to regain their independence. The Portuguese, led by a group of nobles, declared John IV as their king, sparking a revolt against Spanish dominance. The war saw intense fighting, with both sides battling for control of Portuguese territories. The Portuguese took advantage of Spain's military commitments elsewhere and launched successful offensives, gradually regaining their territories and weakening Spanish control. Their victory marked the end of Spanish rule over Portugal, restoring Portuguese sovereignty. The Portuguese Restoration War had significant consequences, not only for Spain and Portugal but also for Europe as a whole. It led to a shift in the balance of power as Spain's decline continued while other European nations grew stronger. It also highlighted the aspirations of smaller kingdoms and their fight for independence, inspiring future conflicts and revolutions. #PortugueseRestorationWar #Spain #Portugal #independence #Europeanhistory