1640s ::: Project ETERNITY

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Centuries: 16th century - 17th century - 18th century
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Events and Trends

The personal union of the crowns of Spain and Portugal ends due to a revolution in the latter (1640). Philip IV of Spain is succeeded in the throne of Portugal by King John IV, previously Duke of Braganza

Growing conflict between King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland and the Long Parliament results in the outbreak of the English civil war (1642 - 1649). Supporters are respectively called Royalists and Roundheads. The Parliament eventually emerges victorious. The captive King is put on trial (January 19 - January 27, 1649) and then executed by decapitation (January 30, 1649). The monarchy is abolished and briefly replaced by the Commonwealth of England (1649 -1653).

Anthony van Diemen, colonial governor of the Dutch East India Company, assigns Abel Tasman with the mission to explore the Terra Australis (Oceania). During his two years' expedition (1642 - 1644), the later becomes the first European to reach Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) and New Zealand.

A series of treaties, known collectively as the Peace of Westphalia (October 24, 1648) put an end to:

The Eighty Years' War (1568 - 1648) between Spain and the Dutch Republic. The later is recognized as being fully independent.

The Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648) between the various Catholic and Protestant forces of Europe. Each of the about 360 German Princes of the Holy Roman Empire gains almost complete sovereignty over his/her respective territory/ territories. Switzerland is recognized as being independent from the Empire.