Diplomacy and American Independence: The Portuguese Atlantic World and the United States

Jorge Martins Ribeiro

Portugal and British North America had early contacts, especially during the eighteenth century, that were mainly of a commercial nature. After the independence of the United States, direct exchanges increased between the two countries. Although the American Revolution aroused sympathies in Portugal, the Lisbon cabinet closed the ports to American shipping, recognizing the new nation only in 1783. The U.S. executive accepted the wishes of the Portuguese government and appointed a minister resident to Lisbon. Both he and his successor were able men who got to know Portuguese life and character well. Among Portugal's representatives in the United States, two had significant intellectual capacity, acquired a good knowledge of American society and politics, and did all in their power to improve bilateral relations.

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