The Crisis of 1383-1385 in Portugal

On November 3, 1383, a significant succession crisis erupted following the death of King Ferdinand I of Portugal. His passing marked the end of the direct male line of the House of Burgundy, triggering a contentious debate over the rightful heir to the Portuguese throne.

Background

King Ferdinand I, who ruled Portugal from 1367 to 1383, left behind a complicated succession scenario. He had no male heirs, and his only legitimate child was his daughter, Beatrice of Portugal. During Ferdinand’s reign, he faced ongoing conflicts with Castile, a rival Iberian kingdom. In an effort to stabilize relations and ensure his succession through Beatrice, he arranged her marriage to King John I of Castile in 1383.

The Claim and Its Consequences

Upon Ferdinand’s death, Beatrice claimed the Portuguese throne as the rightful heir. However, her marriage to John I of Castile posed a significant problem. Many Portuguese nobles and commoners feared the prospect of Portugal’s annexation by Castile, should Beatrice’s succession lead to her husband becoming king of both realms.

This fear sparked widespread resistance against Beatrice’s claim. A faction of Portuguese nobility and the urban populace opposed the union with Castile and refused to accept her as queen. They rallied instead in support of John I of Portugal, an illegitimate half-brother of Ferdinand and Master of the Order of Aviz, who became a central figure leading the resistance.

The 1383-1385 Crisis

The period of civil strife that ensued is known as the 1383–1385 Crisis. Portugal was plunged into a state of anarchy, with various factions vying for control. The crisis led to widespread civil unrest, with battles between the forces loyal to the Aviz faction and those supporting Beatrice and Castile.

The turning point of the crisis came with the Battle of Aljubarrota on August 14, 1385. The Portuguese forces, under the command of the Constable Nuno Álvares Pereira, secured a decisive victory against the Castilian army. This victory solidified John I’s position, leading to his acclamation as King of Portugal and marking the beginning of the Aviz dynasty.

Aftermath

The conclusion of the crisis in 1385 with John I’s ascension to the throne successfully maintained Portugal’s independence from Castile. The consequences of the crisis strengthened national identity and established the Aviz dynasty, which would go on to oversee a period of considerable maritime exploration and expansion for Portugal. The victory and independence were seen as a pivotal moment in Portuguese history, shaping its future trajectory as a sovereign nation.

The Crisis of 1383-1385 significantly influenced the geopolitical landscape of the Iberian Peninsula, setting the stage for future developments in both Portuguese and Castilian histories.