1769 Pombal saves José from assassination.
1773 Pombal issues a decree providing for the future abolition of slavery in Portugal. Clement XIV abolishes the Jesuit order.
1777 José dies leaving the throne to his daughter Maria I with her husband Pedro III.
1781 José’s widow obtains the power and drives Pombal from court.
1786 Maria’s husband and eldest son die and
1788 her mind gives way.
1792 Her son Dom João acts as regent and puts down sympathisers with the French Revolution.
1793 Portugal joins Spain in the disastrous war with France.
1795 By the treaty of Bâle, Spain makes a separate peace with France.