Pombaline Reforms

The Pombaline Reforms were a series of government initiatives implemented in the mid-18th century by the Marquis of Pombal in Portugal. Aimed at modernizing the Portuguese economy and administration, these reforms focused on improving agriculture, stimulating industry, and reorganizing the colonial empire, particularly in Brazil. Pombal sought to reduce the power of the Church and nobility, promote trade, and enhance education and public health. His policies helped transform Portugal into a more centralized and economically driven state, laying the groundwork for future development, but also faced resistance from traditional elites.