La dimension atlantique de l’opposition antonienne et l’enjeu brésilien (1580-1640)

Abstract

The opposition of dom Antonio, prior of Crato, and of his followers, to the Habsburg’s power still remains obscure. Neither its persistence throughout the dynastic union, nor its deep atlantic dimension have been entirely considered. Yet the antonian opposition’s history enables to get the outline of the atlantic war as it is emerging with the union of the crowns of Castile and Portugal sealed in 1580, and to seize the importance of the imperial problem within the luso-castilian relations since. It leaves also to understand more precisely the Portuguese America’s insertion in the european political game and its conflicts. Studied through its reception by the iberian union, the antonian opposition appears peppered with rumors and wrong news, bringing to light fears and real threats. It reveals also the perception of Brazil within the dynastic union, and the evolution of its representation during this period.