Federative Republic of Brazil

Early History

Brazil was discovered in 1500 by the Portuguese fleet commanded by Pedro Alvares Cabral. As Cabral landed his feet in Brazil there was great zeal and gusto among the Portuguese and the King started to back numerous explorations. However, the Portuguese failed to discover prized and valuable metals in Brazil and reduced their attention to the region in order to focus on trade with Asia which was much rewarding. The European adversaries were quick to take advantage of Portugal’s lack of interest in the South American country. The French were able to intrude the Portuguese claims in Brazil and started to transport dyewood to Europe. The laziness and lack of concern of Portugal ended during the rule of John III. He was the one who steadily shifted the focus from Asia to America.

In 1533, the Crown of Portugal made the first organized efforts to establish government in Brazil. They divided the Brazilian colony into 15 captaincies each of which broadened 50 leagues. These were distributed to the preferential and privileged people who were known as “donatarios” or “donees” and had all-embracing rights and civil liberties. However, only two of the captaincies were successful. The captaincy of Pernambuco which was build up in the town of Olina, its donatario Duarte Coelho Pereira managed to change Pernambuco into a sugar making expanse which was one of the first money-spinning exports from the newly discovered world to the Europe.

Independence of Brazil

Brazil was one of the few countries which penetrated into nationhood with little blood and friction, though the evolution was not wholly serene and peaceful.  José Joaquim da Silva Xavier who was popularly known as Tiradantes initiated the first revolt against the Portuguese in 1789. The meaning of Tiradantes is “Tooth Puller”.  Tirandantes and his forces were crushed by Portuguese and he was put to death. His martyrdom inadvertently made him the national hero among the people. The French and the Napoleon wars profoundly impinge on Brazil. In 1807, Napoleon I assaulted Portugal as it was a British collaborator mainly to squeeze the European barricade of Great Britain.

The Portuguese prince Dom Joao later known as King John VI had to take refuge in Brazil. Prince along with his family and a group of noble people left Portugal in 1807 under the safeguard of British convoy. They reached Rio de Janeiro on March 7, 1808.  Dom Joao declared many reforms in Brazil. He opened all harbors to the trade of friendly realms, abolishing Portuguese business domination and rescinded laws which proscribed Brazilian manufacturing. In 1815, the king vested Brazil with poise of an amalgamated kingdom with Portugal and Algarves. An upheaval was curbed in the province of Pernambuco in 1817.  In 1821, King Joao VI returned to Portugal leaving his son Pedro as regent of Brazil.

A year later, Pedro started giving rationale for secession of Brazil from Portugal and led the war of independence, set up a legal realm in Brazil and became its head as Emperor Pedro I also known as Dom Pedro I. Due to his incapability to rule, Pedro I step down from the throne and left for Portugal in 1831. Pedro I left his five year old son in Brazil as Emperor Pedro II. From 1931 to 1940, Brazil was ruled by regents and this period was beleaguered by rebellions and uprisings which had many motivations. After that phase Pedro II was considered to be of age to run the affairs of the country. He started a form of parliamentary reign and ruled until 1889 when he was overthrown by coup d’état which founded republic in Brazil.

Old Republic 1889 to 1930

After overthrowing Pedro II, General Deodoro da Fonseca became the first president with the help of military coup. The name of country became Republic of United States of Brazil. The country was ruled by two military dictators despite the problems with political elites and economic crisis.  From 1889 to 1930 Brazil was a constitutional democracy and according to the first constitution of 1891, women and illiterate were barred from voting. Presidential form of government was adopted and the state was divided into the powers of Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. The presidency was occupied by coffee farmers Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais in 1894. The elections were direct and the term of president was set to four years. From 1893 to 1926 Brazil witnessed many movements which consisted of both civilian and military factions.

Brazil 1930 to 1985

After 1930, the governments continued to see the growth in the agricultural and industrial sectors. In 1930, Getúlio Vargas was the one to lead military junta and took control of Brazil which lasted from 1930 to 1945. This rebellion overthrew the coffee farmers and brought power to the urban middle class and the ones who had business interests for the promotion of rejuvenation and industrialization. During the times of World War II Brazil was an ally of United States and also sent troops to Europe. A democratic government was formed and remained in power from 1945 to in 1964.

From 1964 to 1985 military dictatorship ruled the country. President Joao Goulart administration was overthrown in this coup and military started to rule Brazil. The military dictatorship reached the tallness of fame in 1970s with the so called Brazilian Miracle. 1979, João Figueiredo became President of the country but was unable to control the inflation and fall of other military dictators in the region. In 1984, the presidential elections in Brazil were won by the civilian opposition contenders.

Brazil 1985 to the Present

Tancredo Neves was elected president in 1985 but he died before he could take charge so the vice president José Sarney was avowed the new president. The military rule ended in Brazil and a full civilian government remained in control. The democratic system continued to grow as military decided not to interfere in the domestic politics and will continue to protect the country’s sovereignty. During this period Brazil faced some issues but overall managed to overcome them and become a big economic power in the world.

In 2017, Brazil was the 8^th largest economy of the world with the value of $1.24 trillion.  Brazil has managed to develop in the sectors of services, manufacturing and agriculture. Brazil is most famous for its contribution in the sports especially soccer. It has won five FIFA World Cups, most by any country. Some of the famous Brazilian footballers include Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and in today’s time it’s Neymar who is a big name in the sports.  Brazil is also a tourist destination with many points of interest and attraction. Some of the attractions include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Lençóis Maranhenses. Overall Brazil with the capital city of Brasilia is a great country to explore and visit.

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