tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673287113482042262.post2932133659395914384..comments2023-06-09T15:02:31.137+01:00Comments on Combination Play: FC Porto and Manchester United: two parallel paths (part 1)Vasco Mota Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03721669176775665674noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673287113482042262.post-16003583078049608532014-07-24T19:51:43.812+01:002014-07-24T19:51:43.812+01:00Thank you for another interesting article. I am to...Thank you for another interesting article. I am too an adept of the Historical perspective of things and it is something not usually found in a football blogs.<br /><br />However, I must comment on some of your claims. <br /><br />For example, I disagree with your claim that the Treaty of Windsor more or less worked as Portugal being a de facto protectorate of England.<br /><br />For quite some time Portugal was stronger, richer and more important than England in the global scenario. You name but a few examples of how Portugal "opened the doors of India" to England.<br /><br />The Treaty started in the late 14 century and by the turn of the 15-16 century, Portugal established itself as the first Global Empire in History. <br /><br />An Empire formed and maintained essentially by trade, "talk" and sex. Perhaps it was because of this it was also the last (1415-1974).<br /><br />For an ample period, Lisbon was the richest capital in Europe and Portugal´s power is well represented by The Battle of Diu (1509) or names such as Afonso de Albuquerque. <br /><br />In the 16th century, Goa (Rome of the East) had roughly 10 times more portuguese than Lisbon, the capital.<br /><br />The post-Reform period marks the beginning of the Portuguese decline, well represented by the Dutch-Portuguese war. <br /><br />After the dutch took over in Asia, Portuguese (the language) continued as Lingua Franca for some 2 centuries, in South America, Asia and Africa. <br /><br />The case you mention (french invasions) happened at a time in which Portugal had already declined considerably and the british naval support was essential for Portugal. <br /><br />Perhaps as essential as the financial injections Portugal provided to England. Some claim without them the Industrial Revolution might not have taken place, nor the rise of England to become europe´s financial centre.<br /><br />Curiously, the english support in transferring the Portuguese Crown to Brasil resulted in frustrating any ambition the french might have had concerning Brasil, with all its economic implications. <br /><br /><br />So, contrary to now, Portugal could difficultly be called a protectorate in that period.<br /><br /><br />Given the links between Porto and England you establish, you will probably find interesting that when Infante D. Henrique ("Henry the Navigator" as the english like to call him and the son of an english mother) was born, in Porto, it happened as a necessity. <br /><br />At that time, and for a long time, nobles were not allowed to stay in Porto for more than a few days. Including the Royal Family. <br /><br />Portugal had several capitals in the course of almost 900 years, including Salvador (Brasil). However, Porto was never one of them.<br /><br />I would not be surprised if the interactions with our northern friends (trade, etc) would go back to before the birth of both Portugal and England. Particularly in Porto.<br /><br />P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com