The Western Empire

Portugal and the Atlantic South in the “Political Instructions” of D. Luís da Cunha

Abstract

This article aims to analyze and contextualize the work of the portuguese diplomat D. Luís da Cunha, “Instruções Políticas a Marco Antônio de Azevedo”. To make this possible, we must first observe and understand the political scenario of Portugal and Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Secondly, it is worth keeping in mind that the writings of individuals like D. Luís da Cunha would give us a clear picture of Portugal's difficult situation in the face of the problems of that the time, as well as attempts to forward proposals to overcome such obstacles. Third and last, it is worth highlighting and analyzing one of the main and most curious solutions inferred by the diplomat in his writings: the change of court to the city of Rio de Janeiro and the taking of the title of emperor of the West by King D. João V.