Portuguese Colonization of Brazil
Brazilian Revolution
As a revolutionary fervor swept through the Americas beginning in the late 18th century, the culmination of many social, political, and economic factors caused the liberation movement in Brazil. While the primary objective of achieving independence from Portugal was achieved, many other goals of the revolution failed to materialize.
Brazil Before the Revolution
Brazil's modern history began in 1500 when it was first discovered by Portuguese explorers. Eight years earlier, the Pope issued the Treaty of Tordesillas, splitting South America between Spain and Portugal. Brazil landed under Portuguese rule where it would remain a Portuguese Colony until 1820.
Brazil quickly became a valuable colony for Portugal with its vast natural resources and expansive land available for cultivation. Native Brazilians quickly became enslaved in order to support the rapidly growing economy. Brazil was also a largely Catholic nation as missionaries sought to educate the native population and Jesuits spread Christian ideals. Catholicism quickly spread through Brazil as it became "The Land of the Holy Cross," the largest Catholic country to this day. As the economy expanded quickly, more labor was required. This, combined with the natives' new education in Catholic principles, led Portugal to suppress the Church's power in fear of a threat to the crown. More problems arose as the indigenous population began decreasing and the colony was forced to use African slave labor. By 1580, Brazil was home to the largest slave economy in modern history, gaining 200,000 slaves a year.
In colonial Brazil the power was held by colonial administrators who distributed land. Land was the key to economic production and high social standing, therefore a measure of power. Large landowners held the most power in Brazilian society. Power continued to be concentrated in the hands of landholders throughout the centuries that followed.
Leaders
Prior to Pedro I and his own regency, Dom João reigned as king of Portugal before Brazil's separation from the country. He then proceeded to promptly decree a number of reforms. Firstly, he abolished the commercial monopoly of Brazilian trade. He then opened all harbors to commerce with friendly nations, like Great Britain and repealed laws that prohibited Brazilian manufacturing. In Rio de Janeiro, he installed a Council of State, Supreme Court and the Royal Mint and well as the Royal Printing Office a military academy.
Pictured above is Dom João or John VI, the king of Portugal prior to Brazil's independence in 1822.
Above is Pedro I, the first official emperor of Brazil. He issued Brazil's Declaration of Independence.
Additionally Pedro I, the son of King John VI, accompianed his royal family when Napoleon conquered Portugal in 1807. Pedro I was the intial founder of the Brazilian Empire and was the first emperor of Brazil after issuing its official declaration of independence in on September 7th 1822.
Timeline
June 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas is signed
April 22, 1500
Brazil is first discovered by Portuguese explorers
The Portuguese arrive in Brazil
January 1, 1534 to January 1, 1536
In order to help settle Portuguese America, The Portuguese Crown established a system of semi-feudal land grants where recipients that were close to the crown could establish towns, form militias, and institute systems of justice. However, this plan resulted in economic failure and was converted back to a public domain in the 1700's
Janurary 1538
First known shipment of slaves arrives from Africa
1746
Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (Tiradentes) was born in Brazil. Later, after he was let go from his job by the Portuguese Government, he began to talk of rebellion and independence. Tiradentes was to play an important role in conspiring against the Portuguese. The government found out about the plot and Tiradentes was put on trial and hanged for his actions.
September 7, 1822
Dom Pedro officially declares independence from Portugal
Pedro I Declares Independence for Brazil
Did you know?
On May 26, 1824 the United States became the first country to officially recognize Brazil's independence