In 1348 and 1349 Portugal, like the rest of Europe, was devastated by the Black Death. In 1373, Portugal made an alliance with England, which is the longest-standing alliance in the world. This alliance served both nations' interests throughout history and is regarded by many as the predecessor to NATO. Over time this went way beyond geo-political and military cooperation (protecting both nations' interests in Africa, the Americas and Asia against French, Spanish and Dutch rivals) and maintained strong trade and cultural ties between the two old European allies. Particularly in the Oporto region, there is visible English influence to this day. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which years were plagued by the Black Death? ANS1 1348 and 1349 QSN2 In 1373, Portugal made an alliance with which country? ANS2 England QSN3 What is the longest standing alliance in the world? ANS3 Portugal made an alliance with England QSN4 The Portugal-English alliance served as the predecessor to what? ANS4 NATO QSN5 In which Portugese region is there still visible English influence? ANS5 Oporto region