John IV of Portugal was the King of Portugal from 1640 until his death in 1656. He was a member of the Braganza dynasty and is best known for restoring Portuguese independence from Spanish rule, which had lasted for 60 years. His reign marked the beginning of a new era for Portugal, characterized by a focus on national identity and sovereignty. During his rule, John IV faced various challenges, including military conflicts and economic difficulties. He worked to strengthen the Portuguese monarchy and improve the country's international standing. His efforts laid the groundwork for future developments in Portuguese history and the eventual rise of the Portuguese Empire.