International Conference

Portugal, Brazil And Napoleonic Europe

Lisbon (Institute of Social Sciences), December 4-6, 2008

Call for papers

Between 1807 and 1811, Portugal was invaded by French troops on three occasions, thereby becoming directly involved in the Napoleonic Wars and entering into the turmoil that was about to change the prevailing political, social and economic order, not only in Europe, but also on a wider world scale. This was equally a crucial period for Portugal and its empire, representing one of the most dramatic turning points in its history. A series of events would shortly lead to the collapse of the old order and change almost everything. The king and the crown were transferred to Brazil, a move that protected Portuguese sovereignty, but also led to a duplication of government and paved the way for the colony’s independence. In the meantime, the Portuguese continental territory was occupied and became the battlefield for two foreign armies (the French and the British), while Brazilian ports were opened up to international trade and a new Anglo-Portuguese commercial treaty was signed. In a different vein, despite their militarily defeat, the invading French troops left behind them the seeds of a new liberal ideology and politics.

As a result of all this activity, the Portuguese colonial system collapsed, the economy became almost paralysed and a profound financial crisis overwhelmed the country, political governance was chaotic and social disorder was rampant. In short, Portugal entered into what is usually called the crisis of the Ancien Regime.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of this set of events and to reassess their historical importance, an international conference will be held in Lisbon on 4-6 December 2008.

Covering a wide range of topics and areas of research, the aim of this medium-sized conference (max. 30 papers to be accepted in the final programme) will bring together scholars from many different countries eager to refresh and update their historical knowledge about this period. For this reason, we particularly welcome contributions that provide new data and fresh perspectives, in the form of new archive material, methodological approaches or theoretical background.

All those wishing to participate in this Conference are invited to submit a 500-word proposal by October 31, 2007 to: euronapoleon@ics.ul.pt

The proposals – which should clearly identify the subject and stress the innovative contribution that they make – can be presented in any of the official languages of the Conference (English, French or Portuguese). Those accepted as participants will be notified by December 15, 2007 and final papers should be sent by September 30, 2008. There is no conference fee for participants presenting a paper. A selection of the presented papers will be published later.

For any further information, please contact the organisers at: euronapoleon@ics.ul.pt

Organising Committee: Ana Cristina Araújo (FLUCoimbra – History Dpt), José Luís Cardoso (Technical U. Lisbon - ISEG), Fernando Dores Costa (ISCTE – History Dpt), Nuno Gonçalo Monteiro (U. Lisbon – ICS), José Vicente Serrão (ISCTE – History Dpt).