born May 13, 1699, Lisbon, Port.
died May 8, 1782, Pombal
Portuguese reformer.
After serving as ambassador to England and Vienna, he became chief minister to King Joseph and came to dominate Portuguese politics (175077). He encouraged industry and commerce and stimulated trade with Brazil. After the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon, he organized aid and reconstruction efforts. He restricted the power of the nobility, had the Jesuits imprisoned or deported to Rome (1759), reorganized Portugal's army, and reformed the university educational system. After Joseph's death (1777), Pombal's power disappeared; under Queen Maria I, he was accused of abuse of power and banished from Lisbon to his estates.