Joseph I of Portugal

Reign: 1750 – 1777
Life: 1714–1777

He was known as the Reformer. Among other activities, he was devoted to hunting and the opera. His government was controlled by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal, who implemented new laws, modernized the economy and Portuguese society, marking Joseph's reign as a time of modernization of Portugal. In 1729, he married Infanta Mariana Victoria, the eldest daughter of Philip V of Spain.

During Joseph I of Portugal's reign, Frederick II of Prussia ruled Prussia, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, and Catherine II of Russia ruled Russia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Joseph I of Portugal

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Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire

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