«De Espanha, nem bom vento nem bom casamento». La guerra como determinante de las difíciles relaciones entre las dos Coronas Ibéricas en la Península y en América. 1640-1808

Abstract

Relations between the Iberian crowns in the 17^th and 18^th centuries were characterised by marked bellicosity. There were continuous skirmishes on the borders between the two kingdoms between 1640 and 1807, both in the Iberian Peninsula and in America. This led to a rise in the number of fortifications, the maintenance of a standing army and increased military expenditure to the detriment of the respective royal exchequers. Furthermore, this quasi-permanent war created a rarefied atmosphere between societies on both sides of the border which was closely linked to the gestation of a collective feeling of mutual rejection and fear. Nevertheless, many Portuguese officers joined the Spanish kingdom’s army, particularly in America. This article studies their social characteristics, vicissitudes and circumstances.