History of Portugal

The true origin of Portuguese people is still under hot discussion. Historians think that the direct ancestors were the Lusitanos, but the Visigoths, followed by the Moors influenced the development of the nation greatly. In the 10th century on the territory of modern Portugal there were two groups - Braga - Porto and Coimbra – Viseu. Sometimes they lived very friendly, sometimes – were hostile to one another. Portugal as a state emerged in the early 12th century, some time later it received the status of a kingdom. Dom Afonso became the king of an independent Portugal. Due to his politics the territory of the country had been changed greatly.

The 15th century was a golden period of Portuguese history. It was the time of great discoveries. The country got its own rout to India, Madeira Island and the Azores were explored. At that time, though for a very short period, Portugal was one of the richest countries of Europe. Being very powerful in the 15th century, the country lost its privileges the next century. First, in 1755 the awful earthquake ruined Lisbon, then came the Napoleonic Wars and as a result the independence of Brazil. From time to time there outburst the conflicts with Spain and France, threatening the country’s autonomy. With the rapid rise of the Netherlands and Spain, Portugal lost its leading positions. In 1910 the monarchy was deposed and the country got the status of Republic. The result of such movements was not comforting: a succession of 4 presidents and 44 governments and the most important – the decline in the economy.

During World War I, Portugal supported the Allied Powers but managed to keep the neutrality. In 1926 the power in the country was seized by right-wing dictatorship. Portugal, liked Spain, made no attempts to take active part in World War II, staying neutral. The date - 25th of April, 1974 became a turning point in the history of Portugal. The revolutionary events, taking place in the country, led to the independence to all of its African colonies. Adopting the Constitution in 1976, Portugal tried to follow the socialist pattern of the development, but in reality lived under the conditions of Western European political model. In 1985 the country entered European Community, all the time trying to overcome the gap between own economy and the economies of richer members of Community. In 1990 the economic progress was evident and Portugal was no longer one of the poorest countries in the world. Eight years later the country joined European Monetary Union, in 2002 it began circulating the Euro. The economic growth was permanent until 2008 when the country experienced the economic stagnation.

In some spheres of life Portugal occupies leading positions. So, in 2006 Portugal started the world largest Solar Energy plan, based in Alentejo. As for the sport Portugal is the ideal place for the golfers, as this kind of sport is widespread all over the country. The national cuisine is represented by grilled sardines, potato-based stew, and of course the best Portuguese wines: Vinho Verde, Vinho do Alentejo, sweet Port Wine, Madeira Wine and Moscatel from Setubal and Favaios. If you are looking for a quite place for rest or in search of the opportunity to have crazy fun, Portugal will for sure satisfy all your wishes.