Spanish & Portuguese Empires in 1790

Map created by NagihuinThe map above shows just how big both the Spanish and Portuguese Empires were in 1790. This was just 1 year after the start of the French Revolution and 14 years after the declaration of Independence.

Spanish Empire (marked in dark blue):

• The vast majority of the Americas are under Spanish control, with major viceroyalties, including:
  • Viceroyalty of New Spain (encompassing much of present-day Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States)
  • Viceroyalty of Peru (covering most of western South America)
  • Viceroyalty of New Granada (encompassing northern South America, including present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador)
  • Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata (covering parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay)

  Spain also held territories in the Caribbean (Cuba, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico), the Philippines (shown in the inset), and parts of Africa and Asia.

Portuguese Empire (marked in green):

• The Portuguese empire’s primary territory in the Americas is Brazil. By 1790, the Portuguese had expanded control over most of what is now modern Brazil.
• The map also highlights Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia:
  • Estado da Índia, which includes colonies such as Goa and Macao.
  • Angola, Mozambique, and parts of the Indian Ocean are shown as Portuguese territories.

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