Portugal established a global empire between the 15th and 16th centuries through maritime exploration, gaining control of parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. This made Portugal a major world power economically, politically, and militarily. However, as other European powers like the Dutch, English, and French engaged in spice and slave trading, Portugal's economy declined. It no longer had the resources to defend its overseas military interests. Portugal then experienced a period of military decline and became a dynastic union with Spain from 1580 to 1640, though it maintained nominal control over itself.

1. PortugalMilitaryJoann Yost

2. Led by King Henry I15th and 16th centuries maritime explorationPortugal established global empireIncluding parts of Africa, Asia, and south AmericaBecame major world economic, political, and military power.

3. After Martim Afonso de Sousa conquered Goa on the West Coast of India and Malacca, Portugal became the first to start Globalization1501 Pedro Alvares Cabral used the Asiatic mainland for the first trading stations at Cochin and Calicut Duarte Fernandes was sent to Siam which is now Thailand which founded Malay Archipelago a Portuguese dominion.They made a base on the island of Ambom (spice islands)

4. Once the Dutch, English, and French started in the spice and slave trade the Portuguese economy took a downturn Left Portugal with few resources to defend its militaries overseas interests.MILITARY DECLINE:the battle of Alcaer Quibir in Morocco in 1578Spain’s attempt to conquer England 1588Portugal was then a “dynastic union” with Spain. And sent ships to the Spanish invasion fleet

5. Officially Portugal was in control of itself although it was still under the control of the Spanish monarchy from 1580 to 1640 when Spanish king Philip I took over after King Henry I died.