subjects. Portugal still existed independently in all but name alone. Phillip allowed the people to keep all their own customs and heritage they had held for years before. The Portuguese kept their own language, laws and even coinage. On Phillip’s arrival he even took it upon himself to don the native dress and also shaved his beard. He liked Portugal so much that he resided there throughout 1580-83. He appointed a well-respected archduke to govern Portugal in his absence, Albert, and he did so both well and efficiently.Phillip had achieved several things from this political conquest. Finally the Iberian Peninsula had one grand ruler, which had been a long-term aspiration of Phillip. It was very important that not only was Portugal itself acquired, but its entire empire as well, effectively doubling Phillip’s territories. This opened up a greater level of trade and also gave Spain a more dominating power. Portugal could also be used as a base for attack on any Northern European foe should the need arise in the future. Just as the moriscos had posed a threat to Phillip in Granada, it was also a possibility that Portugal could be influenced, another problem which was dealt with after the take-over. The key area of the Portuguese Azores also gave important bases to Spanish fleets sailing from the Indies. Phillip had been decisive when necessary and knew exactly what he was hoping to achieve. He had been ruthless in the execution of his plans, and out-thought his opponents. This was truly a success in the reign of Phillip II.Up to Philip’s reign, the nations of Spain and England had never had any particular conflict to speak of. This was mainly due to the representation that England posed, as a useful ally of Spain against their common enemy, the French. The first direct co-operation between the two came in 1554 with the marriage of Philip to Mary I of England. This eventuated in Philip becoming King of E...
