| Origin | |
| Geography | |
| Awarded for | Industrial innovation |
| Common name | Portugal |
| Native name | |
| Annual award | Bolsa de Valores de Portugal prize |
| Notable figure | João Coelho |
| Economic growth | Through colonies and trade routes |
| Failed to establish | A lasting colonial empire |
| Culture and industrial ambitions |
Portugal is a country in Iberian Peninsula with a far-reaching impact on early industry and the Industrial Revolution. Unlike its role in the real-world timeline, Portugal's history in this alternate universe includes substantial involvement in the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Its colonies and trade routes enabled economic growth and dispersed technology, yet Portugal failed to establish a lasting colonial empire.
Early industry brought significant developments to Portugal, with three trades propelling its growth: mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Mining and extractive industries, such as the extraction of raw materials like metals, ores, minerals, and fossil fuels, thrived in Portugal and its colonies. The demand for metals like gold, silver, copper, and iron further propelled these industries' growth. Portugal's territories in Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique facilitated these activities.
Manufacturing and crafts flourished in Portugal, especially textiles, pottery, metalwork, clocks, and glass. The introduction of proto-factories accelerated production, resulting in large quantities of items produced both for local consumption and export. Agricultural expansion in this alternate timeline was widespread, with advancements such as the extensive use of plows, the introduction of new crops, and water and energy management innovations.
Despite its early successes, attempts to establish a lasting colonial empire proved unsuccessful for Portugal. Nevertheless, its colonies and trade routes significantly contributed to its economic growth and spread technology across geographic boundaries.
Notable Portuguese figures, such as João Coelho, heavily influenced the nation's culture and industrial ambitions. Coelho, a skilled metallurgist, developed new techniques for extracting raw materials and revolutionized mining methods in Portugal. His innovations were a catalyst for the growth of the mining and extractive industries in Portugal and its colonies.
The Bolsa de Valores de Portugal Prize is an annual award recognizing a Portuguese individual, organization, or initiative for outstanding achievements in industrial innovation. Its creation in this alternate timeline acknowledges Portugal's significant role in shaping early industry and marks its ongoing commitment to continued industrial development.
Portugal played a crucial role in the early industrial period, with colonies and trade routes facilitating economic growth and technology diffusion. While colonial power ambitions did not result in the establishment of a lasting empire, Portugal left an indelible mark on industrial history and inspired the creation of the Bolsa de Valores de Portugal Prize.
