The Iberian Union in the History Manuals of Secondary Education. A Comparative Study Between Portugal and Spain

The Iberian Union is the historical period between 1580 and 1640 when Portugal became part of the Hispanic Monarchy. In recent years, it has been the subject of numerous historical studies, debates and representations in different media and contexts. Our aim is to analyse the way it has been taught and learned both in the Portuguese and Spanish educational systems, especially in history textbooks used at Secondary Education. The analysis of textbooks can provide information on the ways in which this historical process is remembered, forgotten, emphasised or minimised in the collective memory and identity of the two countries. Moreover, their treatment in these textbooks reflects not only the current state of historical and interpretative knowledge, but also the political, cultural and social contexts in which their narratives are produced and consumed.