Os Iberian naval assets and the defence of the Atlantic (1580-1640)

Abstract

Although little known, one of the reasons why Philip II of Spain invaded Portugal was the need to control the Portuguese galleons and the entire Portuguese naval logistic structure. Only with them, he could try to achieve control of the Atlantic. It is both these elements that the “organized war”, that is, the great royal Armadas reached this vast sea. However, events will bring a new reality, which will require full cooperation
between both crowns, including the Portuguese needs on the Far East. This article attempts to show that deep interconnection that will exist between the Crowns of Portugal and Castile, especially after the famous Gran Armada, or “Invincible Armada”.