20d • Portuguese History
Remembering João IV “The Restorer” ✨
Last week marks the anniversary of the death of João IV, one of Portugal’s most important historical figures. He died on November 6, 1656, at age 52, but his impact on Portugal is still felt today, mainly on December 1st when the shops are closed but lets have a quick look at what happened in his life.
The Man Who Restored Portugal’s Independence🦸
João IV became king in 1640 at a critical moment in Portuguese history. For 60 years before that, Portugal had been ruled by Spain under the Habsburg dynasty. The country was part of a personal union, and many Portuguese people felt their nation’s identity was overshadowed. João IV, then Duke of Braganza, was chosen by a group known as the Forty Conspirators to lead the fight for Portuguese independence. On December 1, 1640, he was acclaimed king, signaling the start of the Restoration War -a difficult struggle to firmly take back autonomy from Spain. This was not just a political event; for many Portuguese, it was an act of reclaiming their culture, governance, and dignity.
The Role of His Wife
João IV’s wife, Luisa de Guzmán, played an essential role. Although born in Spain, she supported her husband’s decision to become king despite the risks. It is said she urged him with the famous words: “Rather Queen for a day than Duchess all my life,” encouraging him to accept the crown and responsibility.
During his reign, João IV worked hard to secure international alliances to protect Portugal. Relations with England and France helped provide military and economic support against Spanish attempts to regain the country. The diplomatic recognition he gained, including from the Pope, was critical in legitimizing Portugal’s independence on the world stage.
A Patron of Arts and learning
João IV was more than a warrior king; he was a man of culture. He composed music, supported artistic advancement, and founded an impressive royal library. This library was one of the largest collections of knowledge at that time. Unfortunately, this collection was destroyed in the devastating 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, that we remembered last week - a great loss to Portuguese culture. His musical compositions still hold an important place in Portuguese sacred music to this day.
Military Successes Beyond the Mainland João IV’s reign also saw important successes overseas. The Dutch occupation of some Portuguese colonies in Brazil and Angola posed a serious threat to Portugal’s empire and economy. Under João’s authorization, Portugal successfully retook Luanda in Angola in 1648. This victory helped maintain Portuguese influence in Africa and protect its colonial assets—an essential part of Portugal’s global identity during that era, and most importantly of all taught the Dutch a lesson, which everyone enjoyed.... except the Dutch..
His Spiritual Legacy One of João IV’s lasting legacies is his 1646 act of crowning the Virgin Mary as Portugal’s Patroness. Instead of wearing the royal crown himself, João placed it upon a statue of the Immaculate Conception. This powerful symbol showed the deep intertwining of Portuguese national identity with Catholic faith - a bond that continues to influence Portuguese culture and traditions today. Since then, no monarch in Portugal has actually worn the crown; it rests on a cushion beside them, symbolizing divine sovereignty. Y'know until the regicide and then the inevitable demise of the monarchy in 1910.
Why Does João 4 Matter Today? ~For Portuguese people, João IV is a symbol of independence, resilience, and cultural pride. His leadership during a critical moment restored Portugal’s rightful place as a sovereign nation. As you live and learn in Portugal, understanding figures like João IV opens a window into the Portuguese spirit -the value placed on freedom, tradition, faith, and identity continues to shape this country. On this anniversary of his death, we remember João IV not just as a king of the past, but as a foundational figure in the story of modern Portugal and the reason the Agri shop will be closed on December 1st which is a Monday this year.
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Remembering João IV “The Restorer” ✨
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