O conde de Palmela em Cádis (1810-1812)

Abstract

D. Pedro de Sousa e Holstein, count of Palmela (1812) and later one of the three leading dukes of the liberal regime in Portugal, was since 1809 the diplomatic reprehensive in Spain of the government of Prince D. João, heir of the Portuguese throne, established in Rio de Janeiro. Sousa e Holstein followed the difficulties of the Spanish juntas and regency that opposed the Napoleonic monarchy of José Bonaparte and the French army. From the writings of future duke we emphasize two issues: the absence of affection for the liberal ideas and the unexpected political and military importance of the candidacy of Carlota de Bourbon, wife of the Portuguese Prince, presented as a path to a British hegemony similar to the one carry out in Portugal.

Keywords

• peninsular war
• Cortes of Cádis
• duke of Palmela
• Carlota de Bourbon