Lecture on the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake and its Impact

Introduction

• Date: 1755, All Saints Day in Lisbon
• Begins normally, but soon tragedy strikes
• Natural disasters occur in succession:
  • Earthquake
  • Tsunami
  • Fire
• Result: Tens of thousands of deaths, Lisbon destroyed

Context and Background

• Lisbon: Capital of a worldwide colonial empire
  • Territories include:
    • Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Cabo Verde)
    • Asia (Goa, Macau)
    • Latin America (Brazil)
• Portugal: Rich kingdom, global empire built on resources like gold, sugar, and spices
• Society: Absolute monarchy with significant church power
  • Ordinary population struggled despite wealth of the elite

Impact of the Disaster

• First worldwide media catastrophe
• Triggered new ways of thinking
  • Influenced the Age of Enlightenment
  • Encouraged the use of science over superstition for understanding events

Marquis of Pombal's Role

• Prime Minister of Portugal during the disaster
• Tasked with rebuilding Lisbon
• Pioneered the development of seismology:
  • Sent questionnaires to parishes about the earthquake
  • Gathered data on shaking, damage, and unusual signs
  • Analyzed patterns, forming the basis of seismology

Long-term Effects

• Immediate and lasting impacts on society and politics:
  • End of slavery in Portugal, influencing other European countries
  • Affected trade relations (e.g., between Britain and Portugal)
  • Possibly accelerated American independence and French Revolution

Conclusion

• The earthquake catalyzed a new era of free thinking
• Challenged the power of the church and monarchy
• Marked the emergence of the modern age