The early 19th century was marked by Napoleon's quest for a French dominated Europe. Portugal, the lone ally of the British empire on the continent was targeted by France and its ally, Spain, for refusing to cede its territory to France. The Spanish and Portuguese have a long history of political conflict. Spain and Portugal even shared a dynastic union where they had the same king for sixty years. Eventually, the Portuguese Restoration War established Portugal’s sovereignty. Thus, the animosity between Portugal and Spain has been building for quite a long time, and has only been hastened by France’s conquest of Europe. The opposing forces have five demands for Portugal; abandon its British alliance, open its ports to the French and Spanish, give up one of its provinces, pay a war indemnity, and redo its border limits with Spain. Portugal however, seeks to keep control of its current land and strengthen its alliance with Britain. It’s April 1801, and the enemy has reached Portuguese land, ready for battle. While France seems to have the upper hand, will Portugal allow them to win this war? With the prince-regent only holding power in recent years can Portugal truly brave all odds and win? Will Portugal give in to the unfair demands of the French and Spanish forces? Only one thing is clear: Portugal must prepare for war.
Crisis Director
Sahar Sahebi
sahar.s@utexas.edu
Rules and Procedure
This committee follows parliamentary procedure as defined in our Crisis Committee Parley Pro Document. However, procedure during committee may be modified at the Moderator’s discretion.
Position Paper
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Detailed instructions for writing and submitting Position Papers can be found in the Position Paper Guidelines Document.
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