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|englishmotto = "Truth, Justice, Fraternity"
|englishmotto = "Truth, Justice, Fraternity"
|national_anthem = Independence Anthem
|national_anthem = Independence Anthem
|image_map = [[file:Brazilmap2022SA.png|250px]]
|image_map = [[file:BRA orthographic.svg|250px]]
|map_caption = Brazil, 2023
|map_caption = Brazil, 2023
|capital = Petrópolis
|capital = Petrópolis
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<br>Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRA)
<br>Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRA)
|
|
|ethnic_groups = 42.5% White <br>40.2% Mixed<br>11.2% Black<br>3.8% Asian<br>2.3% Amerindian
|ethnic_groups = 45% White <br>39% Mixed<br>12% Black<br>3% Asian<br>1% Amerindian
|ethnic_groups_year = 2023 estimates
|ethnic_groups_year = 2023 estimates
|religion = 56.7% Roman Catholic <br> 14.5% Irreligious <br> 7.9% Evangelical <br> 6.3% Protestant <br> 3.4% Spiritist <br> 2.7% Other Christian <br> 2.1% Afro-Brazilian Religions <br>6.4% Other Religions
|religion = 60% Roman Catholic <br> 14% Protestant <br> 10% Irreligious <br> 6% Spiritist <br> 3% Afro-Brazilian Religions <br> 3% Neopaganism <br> 4% Other Religions
|religion_year = 2023 estimates
|religion_year = 2023 estimates
|demonym = Brazilian, Brazilese
|demonym = Brazilian, Brazilese
|government_type = [[wikipedia:Federalism|Federal]] [[wikipedia:Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[wikipedia:republic|republic]]
|government_type = [[wikipedia:Federalism|Federal]] [[wikipedia:Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[wikipedia:republic|republic]] under an [[wikipedia:Authoritarianism|authoritarian]] [[wikipedia:Dictatorship|dictatorship]]
|leader_title1 = Grand-Rector
|leader_title1 = Grand-Rector
|leader_name1 = [[Giovanna Gottschalk|Giovanna Zanetti Gottschalk]]
|leader_name1 = [[Giovanni Veiga Guimarães|Giovanni V. Guimarães]]
|leader_title2 = Minister-President
|leader_title2 = Minister-President
|leader_name2 = [[Alessandro Malvezzi|Alessandro Padovan Malvezzi]]
|leader_name2 = [[Verônica Landim Giraud|Verônica L. Giraud]]
|leader_title3 = Justice-Director of the Supreme Federal Court
|leader_title3 = Justice-Director of the Supreme Federal Court
|leader_name3 = Sebastião Carvalho Arruda
|leader_name3 = Henrique Cunha Brown
|leader_title4 = Minister of War
|leader_title4 = Minister of War
|leader_name4 = Aloísio Ferreira Gomes
|leader_name4 = Sebastião Pinto Pinheiro
|legislature = [[Federal Parliament of Brazil|Federal Parliament]]
|legislature = [[Federal Parliament of Brazil|Federal Parliament]]
|upper_house = [[Federal Senate of Brazil (Pax Brasiliana)|Federal Senate]]
|upper_house = [[Federal Senate of Brazil (Pax Brasiliana)|Federal Senate]]
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|sovereignty_type = Independence from Portugal
|sovereignty_type = Independence from Portugal
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_date1 = 07 September 1770
|established_date1 = 07 September 1822
|established_event2 = Recognized
|established_event2 = Recognized
|established_date2 = 29 August 1785
|established_date2 = 29 August 1825
|established_event3 = Slavery Abolished
|established_event3 = Slavery Abolished
|established_date3 = 13 May 1858
|established_date3 = 13 May 1888
|established_event4 = [[Brazilian Civil War (Pax Brasiliana)|Brazilian Civil War]]
|established_event4 = [[Brazilian Civil War (Pax Brasiliana)|Brazilian Civil War]]
|established_date4 = 9 July 1932
|established_date4 = 15 November 1889
|established_event5 = Current Constitution
|established_event5 = Current Constitution
|established_date5 = 19 December 1980
|established_date5 = 03 June 2012
|area_rank =  
|area_rank =  
|area_km2 = 10,920,944
|area_km2 = 8,515,767
|area_sq_mi =  
|area_sq_mi =  
|area_label =  
|area_label =  
|population_census = 252,003,000
|population_census = 209,028,000
|population_census_year = 2020
|population_census_year = 2020
|population_density_km2 = 22.15
|population_density_km2 =  
|population_density_sq_mi =
|population_density_sq_mi =
|GDP_nominal = $7.36 trillion
|GDP_nominal = $5.3 trillion
|GDP_nominal_rank = 3rd
|GDP_nominal_rank = 3rd
|GDP_nominal_year = 2021
|GDP_nominal_year = 2021
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $30,414
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $25,283
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 28th
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini = 43
|Gini = 43
|Gini_rank =  
|Gini_rank =  
|Gini_year = 2021
|Gini_year = 2021
|HDI_year = 2021
|HDI_year = 2021
|HDI = 0.870
|HDI = 0.837
|HDI_change = increase
|HDI_change = increase
|HDI_rank =  
|HDI_rank =  
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}}
}}


'''Brazil''' (Portuguese: ''Brasil''), officially the '''Federal Republic of Brazil''' (Portuguese: ''República Federal do Brasil''), is the largest country in the continents of [[wikipedia:Latin America|Latin America]], [[wikipedia:South America|South America]], and in [[wikipedia:Americas|The Americas]]. Brazil is the second-largest country by area (only behind Russia) and the fifth-most populous in the world. Its capital is Petrópolis, although there are plans to build a new capital city. The country is composed of a union of 41 states, two territories, and a Federal District. Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. The country is the only Portuguese-speaking territory in the Americas, as well as the country with the largest [[wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] population. With access to both the [[wikipedia:Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] and the [[Wikipedia:Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] oceans, it borders all countries in South America without exceptions. Brazil covers more than half of the continent's area.
'''Brazil''' (Portuguese: ''Brasil''), officially the '''Federal Republic of Brazil''' (Portuguese: ''República Federal do Brasil''), is the largest country in the continents of [[wikipedia:Latin America|Latin America]] and [[wikipedia:South America|South America]], and the third-largest in [[wikipedia:Americas|The Americas]]. Brazil is both the fifth-largest country by area and the fifth-most populous in the world. Its capital is Petrópolis, although there are plans to build a new capital city. The country is composed of a union of 28 states and a Federal District. Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. The country is the only Portuguese-speaking territory in the Americas, as well as the country with the largest [[wikipedia:Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] population. With access to both the [[wikipedia:Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] and the [[Wikipedia:Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] oceans, it borders all countries in South America without exceptions. Brazil covers more than half of the continent's area.


Brazil is one of the ten [[wikipedia:megadiverse countries|megadiverse countries]] and is home to most of the [[wikipedia:Amazon Rainforest|Amazon Rainorest]]. The Amazon Rainforest is home to highly diverse wildlife and contains uncountable natural resources. These facts turned Brazil into a subject of global interest, especially due to environmental degradation processes such as deforestation. The government pursues an ambivalent policy towards the Forest. Although extensive areas of the Amazon are protected by indigenous federations and natural reserves, companies are given permission to exploit areas that contain mineral resources. The government forbade deforestation for agriculture. According to political specialists and economists, this is not out of preoccupation due to environmental degradation, but due to concerns regarding [[wikipedia:deindustralization|deindustrialization]].
Brazil is one of the ten [[wikipedia:megadiverse countries|megadiverse countries]] and is home to most of the [[wikipedia:Amazon Rainforest|Amazon Rainorest]]. The Amazon Rainforest is home to highly diverse wildlife and contains uncountable natural resources. These facts turned Brazil into a subject of global interest, especially due to environmental degradation processes such as deforestation. The government pursues an ambivalent policy towards the Forest. Although extensive areas of the Amazon are protected by indigenous federations and natural reserves, companies are given permission to exploit areas that contain mineral resources. The government forbade deforestation for agriculture. According to political specialists and economists, this is not out of preoccupation due to environmental degradation, but due to concerns regarding [[wikipedia:deindustralization|deindustrialization]].


Brazil was inhabited by various tribal groups prior to the landing of Portuguese explorer João Nunes Carvalho in 1469, who then claimed the area for the Portuguese Empire. Some territories that compose modern-day Brazil were colonized by the Spanish, the French, and the English, but most of those territories were incorporated into the General Captaincy of Brazil during the course of the 17th and 18th centuries. Brazil remained a Portuguese colony until 1770 when the landholding elite of Petrópolis, unsatisfied with the Portuguese policies regarding taxation and military recruitment, organized a revolt against the General Captaincy government. While the initial goal of the revolt was to topple the colonial governor and pressure the Portuguese government, the initial success of the rebels inspired many of them to organize a nationwide revolt, beginning the Brazilian Revolution.
Brazil's history predates European colonization by millennia. Indigenous peoples, including the Tupinambá, Tupiniquim, Guarani, and many others, inhabited the land. They cultivated agriculture, engaged in fishing and hunting, and developed intricate social structures. Indigenous cultures were diverse, with varying languages, customs, and lifestyles. In April 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed on the shores of what is now Brazil. This event marked the beginning of Portuguese colonization. Brazil became a vital part of the Portuguese colonial empire, and efforts to exploit its resources led to the establishment of sugar plantations. By the 16th century, Brazil's northeastern coast was dotted with sugar plantations known as ''engenhos''. The labor-intensive sugar industry necessitated a workforce, leading to the importation of African slaves. The slave trade flourished as millions of Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil over the centuries.


The Brazilian Revolution lasted for 15 years and only ended in 1785, with the establishment of the Federal Republic of Brazil. ]
Following the decline of the Brazilian sugar market, in the 17th century the discovery of gold and diamonds in the region now known as Douradéria ignited a mining rush. The gold extracted from Douradéria enriched Portugal and led to further colonial expansion. Cities like Ouro Preto and Diamantina emerged as centers of mining activity and culture. More than a century later, in 1807, Portugal was invaded by Napoleon Bonaparte. In an unprecedented move, the Portuguese royal family, including Dom João VI, fled to Rio de Janeiro, making Brazil the center of the Portuguese Empire. This event led to the opening of Brazilian ports to international trade and the promotion of cultural and economic development. As Brazil's importance within the Portuguese Empire grew, demands for greater autonomy gained traction. In 1820, political changes in Portugal led to calls for the return of the royal court to Lisbon. Among other changes was the demotion of Brazil back to its former status of colony.
 
In response, Prince Pedro I, then regent of Brazil, declared the country's independence on September 7, 1822, leading to the establishment of the Empire of Brazil. Dom Pedro I became the first Emperor of Brazil, and the nation embarked on a journey as an independent monarchy. The 19th century witnessed political and social changes, including the fight against slave trafficking and the rise of coffee as a major export crop. Slavery remained a crucial part of the economy, even as abolitionist movements gained momentum. Pressure from both international and domestic sources pushed Brazil to address its slave-based economy. The Lei Áurea (Golden Law) was enacted on May 13, 1888, abolishing slavery in Brazil. This landmark legislation marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, as the country transitioned towards new social, political, and economic challenges.
 
The attempted republican overthrow of the monarchy on 15 November 1889 plunged Brazil into turmoil, resulting in a prolonged period of internal strife known as the [[Brazilian Civil War (Pax Brasiliana)|Brazilian Civil War]]. The republicans and monarchists clashed in a bitter struggle for control, with the monarchists emerging victorious. Princess Isabel de Bragança, who once authored the ''Lei Áurea'', was crowned as the reigning monarch, establishing a new era under the Braganzas. Under the leadership of Dona Isabel, Brazil embarked on an ambitious modernization and industrialization program, transitioning from a largely agrarian economy to a thriving industrial powerhouse. The state-sponsored initiatives yielded tremendous success, propelling Brazil to the forefront of global economic development.
 
As the world was engulfed in the First Weltkrieg, Brazil opted for a policy of neutrality, refraining from active involvement in the conflict. This decision allowed the nation to focus on internal progress and development while much of the world was consumed by the devastating war. Ultimately, the triumph of the German Empire and the fall of its rivals reshaped the world order. With the fall of Brazil's biggest commercial partners, Brazil had to realign its foreign policy towards Germany, causing the country to experience political turmoil and social unrest with the advent of the Great Depression in 1931. The period of the 1930s led to the rise of mass movements, such as the far-left Communists and the far-right Newfatherlandists. In the end, the struggle for power was won by a charismatic strongman named Getúlio Vargas, who ruled from 1938 to 1950.
 
However, the neutral foreign policy adopted by Brazil in the aftermath of the civil war was abandoned as soon as the Second Weltkrieg kicked off. Seeing its trade routes threatened by the unrestricted submarine warfare engaged by the Union of Britain and the French Commune, Brazil aligned itself with the Germans, joining the Reichspakt in 1940 following the sinking of three convoys on the Bay of Biscay. Brazil and its allies eventually emerged victorious from the bloodshed. The country became one of the founding members of the Society of Nations, pursuing an active stance in the global scenario for the following decades, which was aptly named "The Four White Decades" due to its peaceful and prosperous nature.
 
However, the peace established in the aftermath of the Second Weltkrieg came to an abrupt end in 1989 with the eclosion of the Third Weltkrieg. Brazil and its allies of the Reichspakt, including Germany, lost the war, which lasted for eight years. As a result of the war, a harsh peace was imposed upon the country, which was largely disarmed, deindustrialized, and had to pay hefty reparations to the winners. In December 1997 the monarchy was overthrown and Brazil became a parliamentary republic during a period known as the "Maceió Republic", named after the city in which the Republican Constitution was drafted.
 
In 2011 the National Reorganization League (LIGA), a nationalist party that holds a strong anti-imperialist rhetoric, rose to power amid the highly-contended 2011 Parliamentary Elections. The ascension of the National Reorganization League brings both hope and apprehension. The party's rhetoric emphasizes national unity, remilitarization, and the re-establishment of order. While the remilitarization of Brazil raises concerns, the party's leader, now Grand-Rector Giovanni Guimarães, seeks to assure the public that the nation's actions are rooted in protection and stability. The slogan "Brazil: The Country of Brotherly Love" is echoed in speeches and addresses, offering reassurance amid uncertain times.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
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==History==
==History==
Around the time of the Portuguese arrival, the territory of current-day Brazil had an estimated indigenous population of 7 million people, mostly semi-nomadic tribes, who subsisted on hunting, fishing, gathering, and migrant agriculture. However, to the west, in the Brazilian Andes, lived the Quechua, an indigenous group that was establishing the Incan Empire at the time. The Amerindian population comprised several groups, such as the Tupis, the Guaranis, and the Gês. Before European arrival, boundaries between these groups were marked by wars that came from cultural, moral, and linguistic differences. These wars involved cannibalistic rituals on prisoners of war.
===Pre-History of Brazil (12,000 BC - 1500 AD)===
The pre-history of Brazil is a rich and diverse mixture of human occupation and cultural development that spans thousands of years before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500. This period is marked by the presence of various indigenous cultures and the gradual evolution of societies adapted to the diverse landscapes of the region. While the understanding of this era is continuously evolving, archaeological and anthropological research has shed light on the key aspects of Brazil's pre-history.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-left:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[file:IMG Montagem wiki sharpen.png|240px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| Computerized reconstruction of Luzia,<br>the oldest fossil from the Americas
|}The earliest evidence of human presence in what is now Brazil dates back to the Paleoindian period, characterized by nomadic groups of hunter-gatherers who migrated across the landmass known as Beringia, connecting Siberia and North America. These early inhabitants of Brazil likely followed a route along the coast or through interior river valleys, adapting to the changing environments and resources they encountered. Archaeological sites such as Pedra Furada in the northeast of Brazil provide glimpses into the lifeways of these ancient people through rock art and stone tools. During the Archaic period, populations in Brazil began to establish more sedentary communities and developed subsistence strategies that included fishing, hunting, and plant cultivation. This period witnessed the cultivation of various plant species, such as squash and maize, which played a crucial role in the transition to more complex societies. As communities grew in size and sophistication, they started to create more elaborate tools, pottery, and other artifacts. The Sambaqui shell mounds along the coast are prominent archaeological remnants of this era, providing insights into ancient diets and lifestyles.
 
The Formative period in Brazil was marked by the further development of agricultural practices and the establishment of larger, more socially complex societies. Along the Amazon River and its tributaries, intricate earthworks known as geoglyphs emerged, such as the well-known Amazonian "Geoglyphs of Acre." These earthworks are thought to have had ritual and ceremonial significance. In other regions, societies constructed impressive ceremonial mounds and developed complex trade networks, as evidenced by the presence of exotic goods in archaeological sites.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-right:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:right;"| [[file:Burian urn, AD 1000-1250, Marajoara culture - AMNH - DSC06177 b.jpg|170px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| Marajoara burial urn,<br> circa 1250 AD
|}As the pre-Columbian era progressed, distinct cultures emerged across Brazil's diverse landscapes. In the Amazon rainforest, civilizations like the Marajoara and the Tapajônica thrived, utilizing advanced pottery techniques and creating intricate pottery vessels. Meanwhile, in the southeastern region, the Itaparica culture developed, characterized by impressive pottery decorated with intricate designs. Throughout this period, trade networks expanded, facilitating the exchange of goods over long distances.
 
By the time Portuguese explorers arrived in 1500, the region now known as Brazil was inhabited by a vast array of indigenous societies with diverse languages, cultures, and ways of life. These societies ranged from nomadic hunter-gatherers to complex agricultural civilizations. Some were organized into chiefdoms with hierarchical structures, while others lived in smaller, more egalitarian communities. The Tupinambá people, for instance, inhabited the coastal areas and practiced agriculture, fishing, and hunting while the Guarani people, known for their nomadic lifestyle and agricultural practices, were spread across the interior of Brazil.
 
===Early Colonial Period (1500 - 1600)===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-left:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[file:Brazilwood tree in Vitória, ES, Brazil.jpg|200px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| The brazilwood tree, namasake<br>of Brazil, has a valuable wood
|}
The arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral on 22 April 1500 marked the beginning of European contact and colonization in the region that would become Brazil. Pedro Álvares Cabral, leading a fleet of ships, set sail from Portugal in March 1500 with the primary goal of establishing trade routes to India. However, due to navigational errors and prevailing winds, Cabral's fleet reached the shores of a landmass he named Terra de Vera Cruz (Land of the True Cross) on April 22, 1500. This discovery was unplanned, and the Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to make contact with the indigenous peoples of the region. Upon arrival, Cabral's crew explored the coastline and interacted with the local Tupiniquim indigenous people. The explorers encountered the valuable Brazilwood tree, a resource highly sought after in Europe for its dye-producing qualities.


The “first colonization phase”, or Pau-Brasil Cycle, as it is also known, took place over a period of just over 30 years. It was marked by the practice of the Pau-Brasil ''estancos'', or regal monopolies on the extraction of wood. The Portuguese king granted to some merchants the monopoly of the extraction of brazilwood and products extracted from this tree. There was also the introduction of trade between indigenous people and the Portuguese through barter, which was the exchange of goods and/or services without the involvement of currency. During this phase, there was no large-scale settlement by the Portuguese. The largest settlements were the trading posts, which were nothing more than small warehouses for trade and for supplying the Portuguese fleets.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-right:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:right;"| [[file:Meirelles-primeiramissa2.jpg|280px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| ''The First Mass in Brazil'',<br>by Victor Meirelles (1861)
|}After the initial voyage of Álvares Cabral, the Portuguese monarchy did not immediately prioritize the colonization of the newly discovered land. The focus remained on establishing trade routes to India and Africa. However, by the early 16th century, King Manuel I of Portugal realized the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in Brazil to secure territorial claims and access to valuable resources. As such, In 1530, King John III of Portugal decided to establish permanent settlements along the Brazilian coast. He divided the land into hereditary captaincies, granting nobles the authority to govern and colonize specific areas. However, these captaincies faced numerous challenges, including indigenous resistance, lack of resources, and conflicts among colonists. The Portuguese settlers initially focused on extracting Brazilwood for trade, which became a lucrative source of revenue. However, the demand for Brazilwood led to overexploitation and conflicts with indigenous populations. Additionally, the Portuguese began cultivating sugarcane in small quantities, foreshadowing the economic transformation that would occur in the following decades.


During that period, Portuguese access was restricted to the coastal region of Brazil. It was through the contact of indigenous peoples with Europeans at this time that the diseases of the Eurasian supercontinent contaminated and decimated the indigenous populations. It is estimated that up to 70% of the Amerindian population perished due to epidemics caused by European diseases. This horrendous fact is one of the great contributors to the European expansion in the American continent, since, only through diseases, three-quarters of the Amerindian population was exterminated in the first century of colonization, thus facilitating the colonization of the continent by Europeans.
In the early 16th century, Jesuit missionaries arrived in Brazil with the goal of converting indigenous populations to Christianity. The Jesuits established missions, or aldeias, where indigenous people were taught European customs, Christianity, and agricultural practices. The missions played a role in cultural exchange and the adaptation of European technologies.


From the 1490s, other European powers, notably France and England, showed interest in Brazilian lands. In order to avoid losing their lucrative business in the “New World”, the Portuguese decided to carry out the colonization of the territory, distributing the lands on the northeastern coast among bourgeois, nobles, and soldiers who would become known as captain-donates. This process began in 1498.
In 1532, Martim Afonso de Sousa established the first successful Portuguese settlement at São Vicente, near present-day Martinópolis. The settlement initially focused on subsistence farming and trade with indigenous peoples. In 1549, the Portuguese Crown established the city of Salvador as the capital of the colony. This marked a shift in focus from individual captaincies to centralized administration and control. By the mid-16th century, Portuguese settlers began to turn their attention to sugarcane cultivation as a means of economic prosperity. Sugarcane was introduced to Brazil from the archipelagos of Madeira and Cape Verde. The tropical climate and fertile soil of northeastern Brazil were highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Large tracts of land were cleared for plantations, often displacing indigenous communities.


===The Four Colonies of Brazil (1498-1620)===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-left:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[file:Frans Post - Engenho de Pernambuco.jpg|250px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| A typical sugar ''engenho'', Pernambuco
|}The expansion of the sugar industry required a vast labor force. Due to the high mortality rates among indigenous laborers due to disease and harsh working conditions, the Portuguese turned to enslaved Africans. The transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to Brazil, where they were subjected to brutal treatment on sugar plantations. This marked the beginning of a deeply entrenched system of slavery that would persist for centuries. Sugar production was highly labor-intensive and required complex machinery and infrastructure. Plantations established engenhos, or sugar mills, which included various components such as mills, boilers, and distillation equipment. The production process involved extracting juice from sugarcane, boiling it to create crystallized sugar, and then refining the sugar. The byproducts were used to produce rum.


Among many of the captain-donates were the so-called “new Christians”, who were families of Jews converted to Catholicism. Families such as the Abrão, Pedraça, and Espragueiro were formerly wealthy Jewish families who were forcibly converted to Christianity and made their fortunes through the exploration of Brazilian territory. Many of these nobles and soldiers awarded the lands of Brazil had important prominence in the battles of the War of the Three Crowns, in which the sovereignty of Portugal was threatened by Spain. After the Triumph of Gibraltar, in which Portugal defeated the Spanish army, the King of Portugal also became the King of Aragon. Now with a broad commercial base in the Mediterranean, Portugal began to interact with Mediterranean states, most notably Genoa. It was during this period that Portugal embarked on the colonization of the so-called New World.
The success of the sugar industry led to the expansion of plantations along the northeastern coast, particularly in Pernambuco and Bahia. The demand for labor and land sparked conflicts with indigenous communities and contributed to territorial disputes. European competitors, including the French and Dutch, attempted to challenge Portuguese dominance in Brazil. The Dutch managed to seize control of parts of northeastern Brazil during the Iberian Union, leading to a period of Dutch rule known as "New Holland."


The king of Portugal, D. Manuel I, focused on the more profitable exploration of Africa and Asia and did not pay much attention to the effective colonization of Brazil. The colony of Brazil, at the time the State of Vera Cruz, attracted the attention of many other powers, with the exception of those who had discovered it. In 1504 the French installed colonies in the region of Guanabara, founding the colony of Antarticque France. Soon after, in 1507, the colony of Avalon was founded by the English, in southern Brazil. In the north of Brazilian territory, between 1506 and 1509, Spanish settlers and explorers founded several settlements on the coast of Rio do Mar and Chuvália. However, it was not the colonial race to populate and explore the Brazilian territory that attracted the attention of the Portuguese, but rather the discovery of remnants of an empire, of another civilization that, one day, inhabited the north coast of Brazil. Such a find only happened in the year 1515, precisely by a Portuguese fleet that landed near the current city of Nazaré, in the modern-day state of Rio do Mar. The discoveries made by these explorers attracted the curious and ambitious eyes of all of Western Europe, who then set out to sea, heading for northern Brazil in search of gold, silver, and any other type of booty that an empire could offer.
===Dutch Rule and Decline of the Sugar Cycle (1600 - 1690)===


However, it was only in the year 1520 that Tobatinga, the only remaining city of the once formidable Ybapiranga Empire, was discovered - and plundered - by the Europeans. “Tobatinga didn't have a single gram of gold; the exchange coins were seeds of a strange fruit, called cocoa”, this is what was recorded in the diary of a Portuguese captain. Despite the initial indifference of the Portuguese towards cocoa, it was there that the intimate relationship between cocoa and the colonization, exploration, and settlement of the Brazilian territory began.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-right:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:right;"| [[file:Johanmaurits.JPG|250px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| John Maurice of Nassau,<br>overnor of Dutch Brazil
|}During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a major maritime and trading power, challenging the Portuguese and Spanish colonial empires, which were united under the Iberian Union. With ambitions to establish a global trading network, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sought to gain control over valuable sugar-producing territories to secure their dominance in the sugar trade. In 1624, the Dutch launched a successful invasion of Salvador, the capital of Brazil, marking the beginning of their occupation. The Dutch established control over key sugar-producing areas, including Pernambuco, and renamed the region "New Holland." The Dutch rule over Brazil lasted for approximately 24 years.


Cocoa, along with sugar, was largely responsible for the European population of Brazilian territory. Both items, in very high demand in European markets, were cultivated in the form of large estates not only by the Portuguese colonists, but also by the French and the Spanish - the English had occupied a territory where cocoa production was unfeasible, and sugar production was limited by climate.
Under Dutch rule, the sugar industry continued to flourish. The Dutch implemented efficient management practices, modernized infrastructure, and established better trading networks. This allowed them to enhance sugar production and profit from the valuable commodity, thereby challenging Portuguese dominance in the global sugar market. The Dutch invasion introduced a period of cultural exchange and interaction between the Dutch colonizers, enslaved Africans, and the local population. This interaction influenced art, architecture, and even language, as Dutch words found their way into the Portuguese spoken by the locals.


Each region of European colonization was known for its peculiarity. The Portuguese provinces in northeastern Brazil were known for their latifundia and for having started the slave trade from sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to the fact that most Portuguese peasants were “degraded”; the French colonies became “safe spaces” for those suffering religious persecution in Europe; the Spanish colonies were more focused on subsistence and trade; and the English colonies were the only ones to follow the model of “population”, and not exploitation, being populated by Irish refugees and English Protestants who resisted the counter-reformation.
Portuguese settlers and local resistance groups, such as the Luso-Brazilian militias and indigenous communities, resisted Dutch rule. The Portuguese Crown and the local population were determined to reclaim control over their territories and resources. After years of bloody resistance and bitter conflict, the Portuguese managed to regain control over Brazil. A decisive military campaign led by Portuguese forces, combined with internal divisions among the Dutch, culminated in the recapture of Pernambuco and the expulsion of the Dutch from Brazil in 1654. The Dutch invasion left a lasting impact on Brazilian society and culture. The experience of Dutch rule introduced new ideas, technologies, and influences that would shape the trajectory of Brazilian history. The architectural legacy of the Dutch can still be seen in cities like Nassau, where remnants of their rule are evident in the urban layout and buildings. After the expulsion of the Dutch, Brazil continued to be a major player in the global sugar trade, however, it lost its monopoly. Although the sugar industry remained a crucial component of the Brazilian economy, the sugarcane cycle began to decline.


In 1521, the Captaincy-General of Brazil was founded, which unified and centralized the hereditary captaincies under a single Captain-General, who answered directly to the King of Portugal. The Captaincy-General of Brazil was, right from the start, a success compared to the system of hereditary captaincies: if only a few territories and captaincies had been effectively populated and “pacified” during the first phase of colonization, during the Captaincy-General the effort that the first captain-general, Gonçalo Marques e Silva, made in order to attract Portuguese immigrants, pacify the land, and bring in African labor is unparalleled in Brazilian colonial history, at least among Portuguese colonizers.
===Gold Rush (1690-1807)===


From 1521 to approximately 1580, exploration of Brazilian land took place mainly on the coast. Sugarcane and cocoa became the main export goods of the Brazilian territory. Brazil's four colonial systems - that is, the Portuguese patrimonial system (''capitanias''), the Spanish ''encomienda'' system, the English resettlement system, and the French settlement system - were fundamentally different, with different methods, means, and objectives.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:left; margin-left:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[file:Minas geiras, moneta d'oro del brasile portoghese, xviii sec.JPG|180px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| A Portuguese gold coin made<br>from Brazilian gold
|}The Gold Rush and Economic Transformation in Brazil from 1690 to 1807 marked a pivotal era of rapid economic change and social upheaval. The discovery of gold and other precious minerals in the interior of Brazil led to a massive influx of people, the rise of mining towns, and the reshaping of the colonial economy. This period saw the expansion of Portuguese influence, the exploitation of natural resources, the establishment of mining communities, and the emergence of new social dynamics. In the late 17th century, gold was discovered in the region of Douradéria, in present-day Brazil. The news of gold's abundance spread quickly, leading to a rush of prospectors, adventurers, and settlers from various parts of Brazil and beyond.


'''The Portuguese Hereditary Captaincy:''' Despite the centralization and unification of the hereditary captaincies under the system of the General Captaincy of Brazil, the system of captaincies remained standing until the independence of Brazil during the Revolutionary War. The Captaincy-General was subdivided into “administrative captaincies”, basically fiefdoms led by soldiers, merchants, small nobles, and also petty bourgeois who had been awarded vast tracts of land for services rendered to the crown. These nobles, bourgeois, merchants, and soldiers were responsible for attracting and distributing land to Portuguese immigrants, maintaining order and law - those being their own words - and, above all, defending the territory from incursions and foreign pirates. The Portuguese crown had a monopoly on the exploitation of pau-brasil; as a result, these captain-donaries began to explore other means of profiting from their lands, through the planting of cocoa and sugar cane. The mass of laborers on the latifundia were African slaves.
The allure of wealth drew a diverse range of individuals to the mining region. Miners, traders, artisans, and slaves flocked to the area in search of riches. The population of Minas Gerais skyrocketed, leading to the rapid expansion of settlements and the emergence of mining towns. The gold rush led to the establishment of mining towns such as Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Sabará. These towns served as centers of economic activity, governance, and social interaction. The architectural legacy of this period can still be seen in the well-preserved colonial buildings and churches of Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


'''The Spanish Encomienda:''' A regime of exploitation of indigenous labor in which the Spanish master of a community, the ''encomendero'', used this indigenous labor for economic activities and, in return, should offer religious education to the indigenous people, Christianizing them. The exploitation of labor depended on the concession of the Spanish Crown, and the ''encomienda'' was only passed on to two generations after the beneficiary. In Brazil, the aim of the ''encomienda'' was to extract “drugs from the ''sertão''”, which were widespread in the North Region.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-right:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:right;"| [[file:Rodolfo Amoedo - Ciclo do Ouro, Acervo do Museu Paulista da USP.jpg|200px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| The Brazilian Gold Rush<br>was the world's longest<br>gold rush period
|}The extraction of gold required extensive labor, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in grueling and hazardous conditions in the mines. The gold rush intensified the demand for slaves, leading to an increase in the transatlantic slave trade. The influx of people, including slaves, contributed to social stratification and cultural diversity within the mining communities. The influx of gold had a transformative effect on the Brazilian economy. The Portuguese Crown established a system of taxation known as the "''quinto''," which required that one-fifth of all gold mined be sent to the Crown as a tax. This revenue helped finance the Portuguese government and contributed to the economic growth of the colony. This taxation system would be one of the reasons behind the Inconfidência Mineira, widely regarded as one of the first independence movements in Brazil.


'''French Colonization:''' In Brazil, French colonization was limited, but lasting. Restricted only to the current states of Guanabara and Itapemirim (and a small part of São Vicente), French colonization took place mainly by Huguenot refugees, French Protestants who were persecuted by the Catholic and absolutist state of France. The Huguenots lived on subsistence and from planting sugar cane, but the exploitation of this item was limited. The slavery of indigenous people took place more intensely than the slavery of Africans.
Despite the harsh conditions, the mining towns became centers of cultural and artistic expression. The Baroque style of architecture and art flourished during this period, with elaborate churches and sculptures adorning the towns. The work of artists such as Aleijadinho and Athayde is still celebrated today. However, the taxation and exploitation associated with the gold rush led to social unrest and rebellions. The most significant of these was the Vila Rica (Ouro Preto) Conspiracy of 1720, also known as the "Filipe dos Santos Conspiracy," which was a failed attempt to gain more autonomy and resist the Crown's demands. By the mid-18th century, the easily accessible gold deposits began to deplete, leading to a decline in gold production. Additionally, competition from other gold-producing regions, such as Africa, contributed to decreased profitability. As gold production waned, the Brazilian economy shifted its focus to other commodities, such as cotton.


'''The English Resettlement:''' The English colonization of Brazil took place in the south of the Brazilian territory, being populated by Irish, Scottish, and English Protestant immigrants who sought to escape the persecution imposed either by the counter-reformation or by the state of perpetual civil war in which England found itself engulfed into since the end of the 100 Years' War. The English Resettlement took place in the distribution of land taken from the Guaranis and Charruas indigenous peoples to the refugees from the British Isles; it is noted that Scots and Irish were barred from owning large tracts of land, and most ended up becoming servants of the English (the “pale-slaves”, as they became known). The indigenous people were not enslaved, but there were waves of African slaves in the English colonies, who worked on tobacco and maize plantations, in addition to the "jerkeries" - manufacturies the Portuguese would call "''charquedas''".
===United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarves (1807 - 1822)===


===The Race for Brazil (1620-1718)===
The early 19th century was marked by the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars in Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader who was a self-proclaimed Emperor, aimed to expand his influence across the continent. In 1807, French forces invaded Portugal, which was allied with Britain. In November 1807, fearing for their safety and the impending French invasion, the Portuguese royal family, led by Prince Regent Dom João VI, made the momentous decision to flee Portugal. They sought refuge in Brazil, their largest and wealthiest colony, with the aim of establishing a temporary base until the European situation stabilized.


The Race for Brazil (''Corrida pelo Brasil'' in Portuguese), or the Third Colonization Phase, is the name given to the period of the “gold fever” that took place in Brazilian territory. After the discovery of gold in Dourados by the Portuguese in 1620, all Western European nations turned their attention to Brazil - a territory that, until then, only the coast and the banks of some rivers had been properly explored and populated.
In March 1808, the Portuguese court, along with a large retinue of nobles, officials, and advisers, arrived in Rio de Janeiro, officially making it the capital of the Portuguese Empire. This event marked the first time a European monarch had set foot on American soil. The presence of the royal family brought about significant changes in the colony. Dom João VI implemented a series of reforms and modernization efforts in Brazil. He opened the ports to international trade, which had previously been restricted by colonial policies. This move promoted economic growth and increased interactions between Brazil and the rest of the world. The Portuguese court's presence in Brazil also facilitated cultural and intellectual exchange. Libraries, scientific institutions, and cultural activities were established, contributing to the enrichment of Brazilian society. This period also witnessed the arrival of European artists, scholars, and scientists, leaving a lasting impact on Brazilian culture.


To reinforce the security of the Captaincy-General of Brazil, Portugal began to encourage the settlement of the “''Sertão''” - the hinterland of Brazil. They brought men both from Portugal and Aragon, and this time it wasn't just the convicts, but also peasants from the mainland as well as inhabitants of other Portuguese territories in Asia and Africa. The Gold Rush reached a climax in 1646 when more gold deposits were discovered in Selvática. During this period, the Portuguese also tightened their grip on French and Spanish colonies in the Americas, which led to the conquests of Antarctic France in 1633 and the Spanish Amazon in 1640. During the War of the Three Swords, a civil war between three different dynasties that devastated England and Ireland in the 1650s, the English colony of Avalon became practically independent, causing Portugal to take advantage of this moment of English weakness and annex the territory in 1658. At the end of the War of the Three Swords, in which a Republic was established, the British Republic formally recognized Portuguese rule over Avalon.
The presence of the Portuguese court in Brazil set in motion a series of events that would lead to Brazil's eventual declaration of independence. As the Napoleonic Wars continued in Europe, political turmoil ensued. The divisions between the Brazilian and European branches of the Portuguese monarchy, coupled with growing demands for local autonomy, set the stage for future developments. With the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814, stability returned to Europe. In 1821, Dom João VI returned to Portugal, leaving his son, Dom Pedro, as regent in Brazil. The return of the court raised concerns about potential attempts to reimpose colonial restrictions on Brazil, triggering tensions between the colonial administration and Brazilian aspirations for greater self-governance. The seeds of independence had been sown during the years of the Portuguese court's presence in Brazil. In 1822, spurred by demands for autonomy and national identity, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil's independence from Portugal, leading to the establishment of the Empire of Brazil.


However, around 1700, such was the intensity of exploitation of the deposits, Brazil no longer produced so much gold. This led to an economic crisis in the Captaincy-General, which resulted in the Coffee Outbreak. To try to remedy the economic crisis of its largest and most profitable colony, the Portuguese Crown invested heavily in the planting of cotton and coffee. It was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in England, and Portugal still had rudimentary manufactures. Cotton was shipped to European factories for fabric and clothing production; coffee, on the other hand, which was going through a period of scarcity in the market, turned out to be the final card of the Portuguese colonizers, since it was the coffee plantation that was really responsible for taking Brazil out of an economic crisis.
===Early Empire (1822-1889)===


In the year 1718, Brazil was united from north to south, east to west. The Captaincy-General of Brazil extended from Caiena, in Camopi, to Monte Jovem, in Cisplatina. However, the economic and social development resulting from the exploitation of gold and the intensification of colonization also ended up kicking off the formation of the Brazilian national identity. In August 1718, the Canavial Revolution began in Pernambuco, a center of cotton and sugar production.
On September 7, 1822, Pedro de Bragança, the son of the Portuguese King Dom João VI, proclaimed Brazil's independence from Portugal and became the country's first monarch. This declaration was a response to growing tensions with the Portuguese Crown and the aspirations of Brazilians for self-governance. Pedro I became the Emperor of Brazil, adopting the title of Dom Pedro I. The establishment of the Empire of Brazil marked a significant shift from colonial status to a sovereign nation. The monarchy aimed to balance the centralization of power with the desire for representative institutions and autonomy.


===Colonial Decadence (1718-1770)===
In 1824, Brazil adopted its first constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution of 1824 granted certain rights to citizens while also consolidating power in the hands of the emperor. It provided for a bicameral legislature, but the emperor retained significant authority, including the power to dissolve the legislature. Shortly after obtaining independence, Brazil got involved in the Brazilian-Argentine War, also known as the Cisplatine War. The conflict arose from territorial disputes between Brazil and Argentina over the region of Cisplatina (present-day Uruguay). The war ended with the independence of Uruguay following intervention from the British Empire.


The Canavial Revolution was only the first of many revolts, revolutions, and insurgencies against the Captaincy General. It was instigated by peasants and slaves who worked in the sugar cane plantation but soon reached other sectors of Pernambuco society. Among the goals of the revolution were: the end of physical punishment of peasants, the emancipation of slaves, and improvements in working conditions.
After a series of political conflicts and dissatisfaction with Dom Pedro I's rule, the emperor abdicated the throne in 1831, leaving his young son Dom Pedro II as heir. As a result, a period of regency began, during which a regency council governed until Dom Pedro II came of age. This era was marked by political instability, regional conflicts, and debates over centralization versus decentralization of power. In 1840, Dom Pedro II assumed the throne as emperor, ending the regency period. His reign marked a period of relative stability and economic growth. Dom Pedro II was a well-educated and respected monarch who navigated the complexities of Brazilian politics and diplomacy.


Despite being heavily fought and repressed, the revolution lasted three years, only ending with the capture and subsequent execution of its leader, Manuel Francisco Rodrigues, in 1722. The revolution devastated the province of Pernambuco, causing a decline in economic activity throughout the entire northeastern region of Brazil. What followed was a resumption of the economic crises that had plagued Brazil since the turn of the century.
The mid-19th century marked a period of economic growth driven by the coffee industry. Coffee production expanded rapidly, particularly in the southeastern region of São Paulo. The coffee boom brought increased wealth and prosperity to the country, transforming Brazil into one of the world's leading coffee exporters. However, the economic growth would be paralyzed by the outbreak of the Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, which was a significant conflict involving Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Brazil played a major role in the war, and the conflict resulted in significant loss of life and resources. The war's aftermath contributed to economic challenges and social changes in Brazil. As the 19th century progressed, republicanism gained traction in Brazil. Intellectuals, military officers, and urban middle classes began advocating for the establishment of a republic and the end of the monarchy. Republican ideals were fueled by dissatisfaction with the monarchy's perceived corruption, lack of political representation, and social inequalities. The Republican Movement in Brazil gained strength following the Paraguayan War.


During the course of the 1730s the right-hand man of the King of Portugal, the Duke of Guimarães, began a series of institutional reforms aimed at centralizing and standardizing the administration of Portugal's overseas territories, especially Brazil. Among these measures were the expulsion of religious orders from the territories (and the confiscation of their properties), the adoption of Portuguese as the only official language, the standardization of the tax system, the transfer of the capital of Brazil from Olinda to Salvador and the standardization of the colonial army.
Slavery remained a deeply entrenched institution in Brazil, and the pressure for its abolition grew during this period. The struggle for the end of slavery gained momentum through a combination of domestic and international pressures. The Lei Áurea (Golden Law), enacted on May 13, 1888, finally abolished slavery in Brazil, making it the last country in the Americas to do so. On November 15, 1889, a group of military officers and republicans staged a coup, overthrowing the monarchy and proclaiming the United States of Brazil, a federal presidential republic. Then reigning emperor, Dom Pedro II, abdicated and went into exile. However, his eldest daughter and heir to the throne, Princess Isabel, refused to follow him and, with the support of loyalists, declared herself Empress Isabel, hence starting the Brazilian Civil War.


The reforms gained wide support and success, despite protests by the colonial elites that were conquered in the previous century, which led to the outbreak of several small-scale revolts. The clergy were also dissatisfied, and the king of Portugal, Dom Henrique IV, was threatened with excommunication by Pope Clement XII. However, when Dom Henrique IV was killed in the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, he was succeded by his son, Dom Francisco I, who quickly moved to tax the colonies in order to fund the rebuilding of Portugal. In 1760 Portugal became involved in the Seven Years' War, invading Spain in order to unify the Iberian Peninsula, but the war turned out to be a disaster, and Portugal lost not only men - many of them who were recruited from the colonies - but also land and prestige. This enraged the Brazilian elites, who were overtaxed and lost men in a pointless war. In 1766 the Coffee Export Tax was imposed in the Captaincy-General of Brazil, a fact that is considered by historians to be the main reason behind the Brazilian Revolutionary War.
===Brazilian Civil War and the Great Leap (1889-1931)===


===Brazilian Revolutionary War (1770-1785)===
With the support of figures such as José do Patrocínio, Luís Gama, Joaquim Nabuco, Gaspar da Silveira Martins, José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, and Afonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo, Isabel de Bragança ascended to the throne on the night of November 17, 1889. Upon learning of the attempted coup perpetrated by the republicans under the leadership of Deodoro da Fonseca, the Black Guard - a paramilitary group composed of Blacks and former slaves, founded by José do Patrocínio - mobilized and attacked the Brazilian army's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The attack, although costly, was successful, and the soldiers were massacred.


According to the diary of José Manuel Valadão, the leader of the 7 September Insurrection, the plans of the Brazilian Revolution were been in the making since 1768. However, J. M. Valadão and his comrades only felt comfortable to uprise when the Brazilian colonial governor, João Antônio Santos Pimentel, was visiting Petrópolis, Valadão's hometown. The plan was to capture Santos Pimentel and strike a deal with the Portuguese King; however, João Pimentel was able to escape unscathed, although the Insurrection wasn't a complete failure, as the town hall of Petrópolis was captured and the military garrison of the region adhered to the revolt. As news of a "separatist revolt" spread like fire throughout the provinces of Brazil, other landowners, gentry, and military officers began articulating with the Petrópolis leadership. Valadão's Army marched unopposed to Anchieta, the capital of the province of São Vicente, the largest coffee-producing region of the colony.
News of the chaos unfolding in Rio de Janeiro spread throughout Brazil. Whether in the capitals or in the countryside, republicans and loyalists began to clash. In the province of São Paulo, where the Republican Party was headquartered, the United States of Brazil was proclaimed, under the leadership of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca. Across Brazil, the streets were stained with blood due to the violent clashes between republican militias and loyalist militias, who often confronted each other not with rifles or cannons, but with sticks and stones.


By 1772 most of the Southeastern region of Brazil was under Valadão's control, although Portuguese reinforcements began to land in the Northeast, a region largely loyal to the Portuguese. In the Amazonian region, remnants of the Spanish colonial elite allied themselves with Valadão and the Coffee Elite. In South Brazil, the British-based elite became divided among separatists, who sought the creation of an independent, English-speaking state, and independentists, who were allies of Valadão. In 1773, at Porto Seguro, a town in the province of Ilhéus, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War took place. The triumph of the Portuguese loyalists led to the beginning of a massive Portuguese counter-attack against the Independentists. However, in 1775 a revolt in the town of Salvador, the capital of the Portuguese colony, paved the way for a reinvigorated attack of the Independentists against the Portuguese. The Revolution of the Tailors, as it became known, was a popular revolt against both the Portuguese colonial authorities and the landholding elite of Brazil aligned with J. M. Valadão.
Perhaps the most violent scenario unfolded in the south of Brazil, where republican forces, led by Júlio de Castilhos, clashed with loyalists under Gaspar da Silveira Martins (who would later become the prime minister after the war). After 1891, the Northeast was almost entirely under Imperial control, but São Paulo and Minas Gerais were entirely controlled by the Republicans. As a result, the south gained prominence, since if the loyalists managed to dominate the region, the entrenched Republicans in São Paulo would have to fight on two fronts. In 1892, the Paulista and Mineiro Republicans launched an attack on Rio de Janeiro. Despite initial success, they failed to capture the imperial capital, and they had to sustain significant losses after the Battle of Ouro Preto, paving the way for a counterattack by the loyalists.


The success of the 1775 Tailors' Revolution inspired other rebellions and uprisings of similar nature throughout northern Brazil, such as the 1777 Olinda Revolution and the 1778 Nazaré Revolt. However, those revolts would be crushed either by the Portuguese or by Valadão's Clique.
In 1893, Júlio de Castilhos was captured and killed in the Battle of Erechim. Without his imposing leadership, the Republican movement in southern Brazil collapsed, and within a few months, the entire southern region was under imperial control. In 1894, the last battles of the Brazilian Civil War took place. In July 1894, the president of the United States of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto, surrendered, bringing an end to hostilities between Republicans and loyalists.


==Geography==
==Geography==
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Considered a hegemon in South America, Brazil has competed with the Socialist States of America for influence over Central America. The Brazilian development plans for undeveloped countries are widely regarded as a model to be followed. Brazil donates an estimated $20 billion as foreign aid to other countries. The receivers usually are Latin American countries or Portuguese-speaking territories, although other countries do receive aid in the form of expertise and diplomacy.
Considered a hegemon in South America, Brazil has competed with the Socialist States of America for influence over Central America. The Brazilian development plans for undeveloped countries are widely regarded as a model to be followed. Brazil donates an estimated $20 billion as foreign aid to other countries. The receivers usually are Latin American countries or Portuguese-speaking territories, although other countries do receive aid in the form of expertise and diplomacy.


On December 2021, the Federal Republic of Brazil joined the [[World Assembly]]. The Brazilian prime minister, Ingrid Santos, stated the government's intention to be more active in international affairs, thus joining the World Assembly.
In December 2021, the Federal Republic of Brazil joined the [[World Assembly]]. The Brazilian prime minister, Ingrid Santos, stated the government's intention to be more active in international affairs, thus joining the World Assembly. [[Category:Countries]] [[Category:Federal republics]] [[Category: Federal states]] [[Category: MT]] [[Category:Pax Brasiliana]]
[[Category:South America]] [[Category:Countries]] [[Category:Federal republics]] [[Category: Federal states]] [[Category: MT]] [[Category:Parliamentary democracies]] [[Category:Pax Brasiliana]]

Revision as of 23:36, 24 September 2023

Federal Republic of Brazil
República Federal do Brasil
Flag of Brazil
Flag
Federal Coat of Arms of Brazil
Coat of arms
Motto: "Verdade, Justiça, Fraternidade"
"Truth, Justice, Fraternity"
Anthem: Independence Anthem
BRA orthographic.svg
Brazil, 2023
CapitalPetrópolis
Largest cityAlvorecer D'Ouro
Official languagesPortuguese
Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRA)
Ethnic groups
(2023 estimates)
45% White
39% Mixed
12% Black
3% Asian
1% Amerindian
Religion
(2023 estimates)
60% Roman Catholic
14% Protestant
10% Irreligious
6% Spiritist
3% Afro-Brazilian Religions
3% Neopaganism
4% Other Religions
Demonym(s)Brazilian, Brazilese
GovernmentFederal parliamentary republic under an authoritarian dictatorship
• Grand-Rector
Giovanni V. Guimarães
• Minister-President
Verônica L. Giraud
• Justice-Director of the Supreme Federal Court
Henrique Cunha Brown
• Minister of War
Sebastião Pinto Pinheiro
LegislatureFederal Parliament
Federal Senate
Chamber of Deputies
Independence from Portugal
• Declared
07 September 1822
• Recognized
29 August 1825
• Slavery Abolished
13 May 1888
15 November 1889
• Current Constitution
03 June 2012
Area
• 
8,515,767 km2 (3,287,956 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 census
209,028,000
GDP (nominal)2021 estimate
• Total
$5.3 trillion (3rd)
• Per capita
$25,283
Gini (2021)43
medium
HDI (2021)Increase 0.837
very high
CurrencyBrazilian Real (R$) (BRL)
Time zoneUTC -5 to UTC -2
Date formatdd-mm-yyyy (CE)
Driving sideright
Calling code+55
ISO 3166 codeBR
Internet TLD.br

Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil), officially the Federal Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: República Federal do Brasil), is the largest country in the continents of Latin America and South America, and the third-largest in The Americas. Brazil is both the fifth-largest country by area and the fifth-most populous in the world. Its capital is Petrópolis, although there are plans to build a new capital city. The country is composed of a union of 28 states and a Federal District. Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. The country is the only Portuguese-speaking territory in the Americas, as well as the country with the largest Roman Catholic population. With access to both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, it borders all countries in South America without exceptions. Brazil covers more than half of the continent's area.

Brazil is one of the ten megadiverse countries and is home to most of the Amazon Rainorest. The Amazon Rainforest is home to highly diverse wildlife and contains uncountable natural resources. These facts turned Brazil into a subject of global interest, especially due to environmental degradation processes such as deforestation. The government pursues an ambivalent policy towards the Forest. Although extensive areas of the Amazon are protected by indigenous federations and natural reserves, companies are given permission to exploit areas that contain mineral resources. The government forbade deforestation for agriculture. According to political specialists and economists, this is not out of preoccupation due to environmental degradation, but due to concerns regarding deindustrialization.

Brazil's history predates European colonization by millennia. Indigenous peoples, including the Tupinambá, Tupiniquim, Guarani, and many others, inhabited the land. They cultivated agriculture, engaged in fishing and hunting, and developed intricate social structures. Indigenous cultures were diverse, with varying languages, customs, and lifestyles. In April 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed on the shores of what is now Brazil. This event marked the beginning of Portuguese colonization. Brazil became a vital part of the Portuguese colonial empire, and efforts to exploit its resources led to the establishment of sugar plantations. By the 16th century, Brazil's northeastern coast was dotted with sugar plantations known as engenhos. The labor-intensive sugar industry necessitated a workforce, leading to the importation of African slaves. The slave trade flourished as millions of Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil over the centuries.

Following the decline of the Brazilian sugar market, in the 17th century the discovery of gold and diamonds in the region now known as Douradéria ignited a mining rush. The gold extracted from Douradéria enriched Portugal and led to further colonial expansion. Cities like Ouro Preto and Diamantina emerged as centers of mining activity and culture. More than a century later, in 1807, Portugal was invaded by Napoleon Bonaparte. In an unprecedented move, the Portuguese royal family, including Dom João VI, fled to Rio de Janeiro, making Brazil the center of the Portuguese Empire. This event led to the opening of Brazilian ports to international trade and the promotion of cultural and economic development. As Brazil's importance within the Portuguese Empire grew, demands for greater autonomy gained traction. In 1820, political changes in Portugal led to calls for the return of the royal court to Lisbon. Among other changes was the demotion of Brazil back to its former status of colony.

In response, Prince Pedro I, then regent of Brazil, declared the country's independence on September 7, 1822, leading to the establishment of the Empire of Brazil. Dom Pedro I became the first Emperor of Brazil, and the nation embarked on a journey as an independent monarchy. The 19th century witnessed political and social changes, including the fight against slave trafficking and the rise of coffee as a major export crop. Slavery remained a crucial part of the economy, even as abolitionist movements gained momentum. Pressure from both international and domestic sources pushed Brazil to address its slave-based economy. The Lei Áurea (Golden Law) was enacted on May 13, 1888, abolishing slavery in Brazil. This landmark legislation marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, as the country transitioned towards new social, political, and economic challenges.

The attempted republican overthrow of the monarchy on 15 November 1889 plunged Brazil into turmoil, resulting in a prolonged period of internal strife known as the Brazilian Civil War. The republicans and monarchists clashed in a bitter struggle for control, with the monarchists emerging victorious. Princess Isabel de Bragança, who once authored the Lei Áurea, was crowned as the reigning monarch, establishing a new era under the Braganzas. Under the leadership of Dona Isabel, Brazil embarked on an ambitious modernization and industrialization program, transitioning from a largely agrarian economy to a thriving industrial powerhouse. The state-sponsored initiatives yielded tremendous success, propelling Brazil to the forefront of global economic development.

As the world was engulfed in the First Weltkrieg, Brazil opted for a policy of neutrality, refraining from active involvement in the conflict. This decision allowed the nation to focus on internal progress and development while much of the world was consumed by the devastating war. Ultimately, the triumph of the German Empire and the fall of its rivals reshaped the world order. With the fall of Brazil's biggest commercial partners, Brazil had to realign its foreign policy towards Germany, causing the country to experience political turmoil and social unrest with the advent of the Great Depression in 1931. The period of the 1930s led to the rise of mass movements, such as the far-left Communists and the far-right Newfatherlandists. In the end, the struggle for power was won by a charismatic strongman named Getúlio Vargas, who ruled from 1938 to 1950.

However, the neutral foreign policy adopted by Brazil in the aftermath of the civil war was abandoned as soon as the Second Weltkrieg kicked off. Seeing its trade routes threatened by the unrestricted submarine warfare engaged by the Union of Britain and the French Commune, Brazil aligned itself with the Germans, joining the Reichspakt in 1940 following the sinking of three convoys on the Bay of Biscay. Brazil and its allies eventually emerged victorious from the bloodshed. The country became one of the founding members of the Society of Nations, pursuing an active stance in the global scenario for the following decades, which was aptly named "The Four White Decades" due to its peaceful and prosperous nature.

However, the peace established in the aftermath of the Second Weltkrieg came to an abrupt end in 1989 with the eclosion of the Third Weltkrieg. Brazil and its allies of the Reichspakt, including Germany, lost the war, which lasted for eight years. As a result of the war, a harsh peace was imposed upon the country, which was largely disarmed, deindustrialized, and had to pay hefty reparations to the winners. In December 1997 the monarchy was overthrown and Brazil became a parliamentary republic during a period known as the "Maceió Republic", named after the city in which the Republican Constitution was drafted.

In 2011 the National Reorganization League (LIGA), a nationalist party that holds a strong anti-imperialist rhetoric, rose to power amid the highly-contended 2011 Parliamentary Elections. The ascension of the National Reorganization League brings both hope and apprehension. The party's rhetoric emphasizes national unity, remilitarization, and the re-establishment of order. While the remilitarization of Brazil raises concerns, the party's leader, now Grand-Rector Giovanni Guimarães, seeks to assure the public that the nation's actions are rooted in protection and stability. The slogan "Brazil: The Country of Brotherly Love" is echoed in speeches and addresses, offering reassurance amid uncertain times.

Etymology

Brazil comes from the Portuguese word for brazilwood, pau-brasil; brasil means "red like an ember" in Portuguese.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Brazil is as a "Brazilian". More recently, under the 1990 Orthographic Reform, Brazilese also has been accepted as an alternative to Brazilian and is often used in a political context.

History

Pre-History of Brazil (12,000 BC - 1500 AD)

The pre-history of Brazil is a rich and diverse mixture of human occupation and cultural development that spans thousands of years before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500. This period is marked by the presence of various indigenous cultures and the gradual evolution of societies adapted to the diverse landscapes of the region. While the understanding of this era is continuously evolving, archaeological and anthropological research has shed light on the key aspects of Brazil's pre-history.

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Computerized reconstruction of Luzia,
the oldest fossil from the Americas

The earliest evidence of human presence in what is now Brazil dates back to the Paleoindian period, characterized by nomadic groups of hunter-gatherers who migrated across the landmass known as Beringia, connecting Siberia and North America. These early inhabitants of Brazil likely followed a route along the coast or through interior river valleys, adapting to the changing environments and resources they encountered. Archaeological sites such as Pedra Furada in the northeast of Brazil provide glimpses into the lifeways of these ancient people through rock art and stone tools. During the Archaic period, populations in Brazil began to establish more sedentary communities and developed subsistence strategies that included fishing, hunting, and plant cultivation. This period witnessed the cultivation of various plant species, such as squash and maize, which played a crucial role in the transition to more complex societies. As communities grew in size and sophistication, they started to create more elaborate tools, pottery, and other artifacts. The Sambaqui shell mounds along the coast are prominent archaeological remnants of this era, providing insights into ancient diets and lifestyles.

The Formative period in Brazil was marked by the further development of agricultural practices and the establishment of larger, more socially complex societies. Along the Amazon River and its tributaries, intricate earthworks known as geoglyphs emerged, such as the well-known Amazonian "Geoglyphs of Acre." These earthworks are thought to have had ritual and ceremonial significance. In other regions, societies constructed impressive ceremonial mounds and developed complex trade networks, as evidenced by the presence of exotic goods in archaeological sites.

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Marajoara burial urn,
circa 1250 AD

As the pre-Columbian era progressed, distinct cultures emerged across Brazil's diverse landscapes. In the Amazon rainforest, civilizations like the Marajoara and the Tapajônica thrived, utilizing advanced pottery techniques and creating intricate pottery vessels. Meanwhile, in the southeastern region, the Itaparica culture developed, characterized by impressive pottery decorated with intricate designs. Throughout this period, trade networks expanded, facilitating the exchange of goods over long distances.

By the time Portuguese explorers arrived in 1500, the region now known as Brazil was inhabited by a vast array of indigenous societies with diverse languages, cultures, and ways of life. These societies ranged from nomadic hunter-gatherers to complex agricultural civilizations. Some were organized into chiefdoms with hierarchical structures, while others lived in smaller, more egalitarian communities. The Tupinambá people, for instance, inhabited the coastal areas and practiced agriculture, fishing, and hunting while the Guarani people, known for their nomadic lifestyle and agricultural practices, were spread across the interior of Brazil.

Early Colonial Period (1500 - 1600)

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The brazilwood tree, namasake
of Brazil, has a valuable wood

The arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral on 22 April 1500 marked the beginning of European contact and colonization in the region that would become Brazil. Pedro Álvares Cabral, leading a fleet of ships, set sail from Portugal in March 1500 with the primary goal of establishing trade routes to India. However, due to navigational errors and prevailing winds, Cabral's fleet reached the shores of a landmass he named Terra de Vera Cruz (Land of the True Cross) on April 22, 1500. This discovery was unplanned, and the Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to make contact with the indigenous peoples of the region. Upon arrival, Cabral's crew explored the coastline and interacted with the local Tupiniquim indigenous people. The explorers encountered the valuable Brazilwood tree, a resource highly sought after in Europe for its dye-producing qualities.

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The First Mass in Brazil,
by Victor Meirelles (1861)

After the initial voyage of Álvares Cabral, the Portuguese monarchy did not immediately prioritize the colonization of the newly discovered land. The focus remained on establishing trade routes to India and Africa. However, by the early 16th century, King Manuel I of Portugal realized the strategic importance of maintaining a presence in Brazil to secure territorial claims and access to valuable resources. As such, In 1530, King John III of Portugal decided to establish permanent settlements along the Brazilian coast. He divided the land into hereditary captaincies, granting nobles the authority to govern and colonize specific areas. However, these captaincies faced numerous challenges, including indigenous resistance, lack of resources, and conflicts among colonists. The Portuguese settlers initially focused on extracting Brazilwood for trade, which became a lucrative source of revenue. However, the demand for Brazilwood led to overexploitation and conflicts with indigenous populations. Additionally, the Portuguese began cultivating sugarcane in small quantities, foreshadowing the economic transformation that would occur in the following decades.

In the early 16th century, Jesuit missionaries arrived in Brazil with the goal of converting indigenous populations to Christianity. The Jesuits established missions, or aldeias, where indigenous people were taught European customs, Christianity, and agricultural practices. The missions played a role in cultural exchange and the adaptation of European technologies.

In 1532, Martim Afonso de Sousa established the first successful Portuguese settlement at São Vicente, near present-day Martinópolis. The settlement initially focused on subsistence farming and trade with indigenous peoples. In 1549, the Portuguese Crown established the city of Salvador as the capital of the colony. This marked a shift in focus from individual captaincies to centralized administration and control. By the mid-16th century, Portuguese settlers began to turn their attention to sugarcane cultivation as a means of economic prosperity. Sugarcane was introduced to Brazil from the archipelagos of Madeira and Cape Verde. The tropical climate and fertile soil of northeastern Brazil were highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Large tracts of land were cleared for plantations, often displacing indigenous communities.

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A typical sugar engenho, Pernambuco

The expansion of the sugar industry required a vast labor force. Due to the high mortality rates among indigenous laborers due to disease and harsh working conditions, the Portuguese turned to enslaved Africans. The transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to Brazil, where they were subjected to brutal treatment on sugar plantations. This marked the beginning of a deeply entrenched system of slavery that would persist for centuries. Sugar production was highly labor-intensive and required complex machinery and infrastructure. Plantations established engenhos, or sugar mills, which included various components such as mills, boilers, and distillation equipment. The production process involved extracting juice from sugarcane, boiling it to create crystallized sugar, and then refining the sugar. The byproducts were used to produce rum.

The success of the sugar industry led to the expansion of plantations along the northeastern coast, particularly in Pernambuco and Bahia. The demand for labor and land sparked conflicts with indigenous communities and contributed to territorial disputes. European competitors, including the French and Dutch, attempted to challenge Portuguese dominance in Brazil. The Dutch managed to seize control of parts of northeastern Brazil during the Iberian Union, leading to a period of Dutch rule known as "New Holland."

Dutch Rule and Decline of the Sugar Cycle (1600 - 1690)

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John Maurice of Nassau,
overnor of Dutch Brazil

During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a major maritime and trading power, challenging the Portuguese and Spanish colonial empires, which were united under the Iberian Union. With ambitions to establish a global trading network, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sought to gain control over valuable sugar-producing territories to secure their dominance in the sugar trade. In 1624, the Dutch launched a successful invasion of Salvador, the capital of Brazil, marking the beginning of their occupation. The Dutch established control over key sugar-producing areas, including Pernambuco, and renamed the region "New Holland." The Dutch rule over Brazil lasted for approximately 24 years.

Under Dutch rule, the sugar industry continued to flourish. The Dutch implemented efficient management practices, modernized infrastructure, and established better trading networks. This allowed them to enhance sugar production and profit from the valuable commodity, thereby challenging Portuguese dominance in the global sugar market. The Dutch invasion introduced a period of cultural exchange and interaction between the Dutch colonizers, enslaved Africans, and the local population. This interaction influenced art, architecture, and even language, as Dutch words found their way into the Portuguese spoken by the locals.

Portuguese settlers and local resistance groups, such as the Luso-Brazilian militias and indigenous communities, resisted Dutch rule. The Portuguese Crown and the local population were determined to reclaim control over their territories and resources. After years of bloody resistance and bitter conflict, the Portuguese managed to regain control over Brazil. A decisive military campaign led by Portuguese forces, combined with internal divisions among the Dutch, culminated in the recapture of Pernambuco and the expulsion of the Dutch from Brazil in 1654. The Dutch invasion left a lasting impact on Brazilian society and culture. The experience of Dutch rule introduced new ideas, technologies, and influences that would shape the trajectory of Brazilian history. The architectural legacy of the Dutch can still be seen in cities like Nassau, where remnants of their rule are evident in the urban layout and buildings. After the expulsion of the Dutch, Brazil continued to be a major player in the global sugar trade, however, it lost its monopoly. Although the sugar industry remained a crucial component of the Brazilian economy, the sugarcane cycle began to decline.

Gold Rush (1690-1807)

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A Portuguese gold coin made
from Brazilian gold

The Gold Rush and Economic Transformation in Brazil from 1690 to 1807 marked a pivotal era of rapid economic change and social upheaval. The discovery of gold and other precious minerals in the interior of Brazil led to a massive influx of people, the rise of mining towns, and the reshaping of the colonial economy. This period saw the expansion of Portuguese influence, the exploitation of natural resources, the establishment of mining communities, and the emergence of new social dynamics. In the late 17th century, gold was discovered in the region of Douradéria, in present-day Brazil. The news of gold's abundance spread quickly, leading to a rush of prospectors, adventurers, and settlers from various parts of Brazil and beyond.

The allure of wealth drew a diverse range of individuals to the mining region. Miners, traders, artisans, and slaves flocked to the area in search of riches. The population of Minas Gerais skyrocketed, leading to the rapid expansion of settlements and the emergence of mining towns. The gold rush led to the establishment of mining towns such as Ouro Preto, Mariana, and Sabará. These towns served as centers of economic activity, governance, and social interaction. The architectural legacy of this period can still be seen in the well-preserved colonial buildings and churches of Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Brazilian Gold Rush
was the world's longest
gold rush period

The extraction of gold required extensive labor, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in grueling and hazardous conditions in the mines. The gold rush intensified the demand for slaves, leading to an increase in the transatlantic slave trade. The influx of people, including slaves, contributed to social stratification and cultural diversity within the mining communities. The influx of gold had a transformative effect on the Brazilian economy. The Portuguese Crown established a system of taxation known as the "quinto," which required that one-fifth of all gold mined be sent to the Crown as a tax. This revenue helped finance the Portuguese government and contributed to the economic growth of the colony. This taxation system would be one of the reasons behind the Inconfidência Mineira, widely regarded as one of the first independence movements in Brazil.

Despite the harsh conditions, the mining towns became centers of cultural and artistic expression. The Baroque style of architecture and art flourished during this period, with elaborate churches and sculptures adorning the towns. The work of artists such as Aleijadinho and Athayde is still celebrated today. However, the taxation and exploitation associated with the gold rush led to social unrest and rebellions. The most significant of these was the Vila Rica (Ouro Preto) Conspiracy of 1720, also known as the "Filipe dos Santos Conspiracy," which was a failed attempt to gain more autonomy and resist the Crown's demands. By the mid-18th century, the easily accessible gold deposits began to deplete, leading to a decline in gold production. Additionally, competition from other gold-producing regions, such as Africa, contributed to decreased profitability. As gold production waned, the Brazilian economy shifted its focus to other commodities, such as cotton.

United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarves (1807 - 1822)

The early 19th century was marked by the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars in Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader who was a self-proclaimed Emperor, aimed to expand his influence across the continent. In 1807, French forces invaded Portugal, which was allied with Britain. In November 1807, fearing for their safety and the impending French invasion, the Portuguese royal family, led by Prince Regent Dom João VI, made the momentous decision to flee Portugal. They sought refuge in Brazil, their largest and wealthiest colony, with the aim of establishing a temporary base until the European situation stabilized.

In March 1808, the Portuguese court, along with a large retinue of nobles, officials, and advisers, arrived in Rio de Janeiro, officially making it the capital of the Portuguese Empire. This event marked the first time a European monarch had set foot on American soil. The presence of the royal family brought about significant changes in the colony. Dom João VI implemented a series of reforms and modernization efforts in Brazil. He opened the ports to international trade, which had previously been restricted by colonial policies. This move promoted economic growth and increased interactions between Brazil and the rest of the world. The Portuguese court's presence in Brazil also facilitated cultural and intellectual exchange. Libraries, scientific institutions, and cultural activities were established, contributing to the enrichment of Brazilian society. This period also witnessed the arrival of European artists, scholars, and scientists, leaving a lasting impact on Brazilian culture.

The presence of the Portuguese court in Brazil set in motion a series of events that would lead to Brazil's eventual declaration of independence. As the Napoleonic Wars continued in Europe, political turmoil ensued. The divisions between the Brazilian and European branches of the Portuguese monarchy, coupled with growing demands for local autonomy, set the stage for future developments. With the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814, stability returned to Europe. In 1821, Dom João VI returned to Portugal, leaving his son, Dom Pedro, as regent in Brazil. The return of the court raised concerns about potential attempts to reimpose colonial restrictions on Brazil, triggering tensions between the colonial administration and Brazilian aspirations for greater self-governance. The seeds of independence had been sown during the years of the Portuguese court's presence in Brazil. In 1822, spurred by demands for autonomy and national identity, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil's independence from Portugal, leading to the establishment of the Empire of Brazil.

Early Empire (1822-1889)

On September 7, 1822, Pedro de Bragança, the son of the Portuguese King Dom João VI, proclaimed Brazil's independence from Portugal and became the country's first monarch. This declaration was a response to growing tensions with the Portuguese Crown and the aspirations of Brazilians for self-governance. Pedro I became the Emperor of Brazil, adopting the title of Dom Pedro I. The establishment of the Empire of Brazil marked a significant shift from colonial status to a sovereign nation. The monarchy aimed to balance the centralization of power with the desire for representative institutions and autonomy.

In 1824, Brazil adopted its first constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution of 1824 granted certain rights to citizens while also consolidating power in the hands of the emperor. It provided for a bicameral legislature, but the emperor retained significant authority, including the power to dissolve the legislature. Shortly after obtaining independence, Brazil got involved in the Brazilian-Argentine War, also known as the Cisplatine War. The conflict arose from territorial disputes between Brazil and Argentina over the region of Cisplatina (present-day Uruguay). The war ended with the independence of Uruguay following intervention from the British Empire.

After a series of political conflicts and dissatisfaction with Dom Pedro I's rule, the emperor abdicated the throne in 1831, leaving his young son Dom Pedro II as heir. As a result, a period of regency began, during which a regency council governed until Dom Pedro II came of age. This era was marked by political instability, regional conflicts, and debates over centralization versus decentralization of power. In 1840, Dom Pedro II assumed the throne as emperor, ending the regency period. His reign marked a period of relative stability and economic growth. Dom Pedro II was a well-educated and respected monarch who navigated the complexities of Brazilian politics and diplomacy.

The mid-19th century marked a period of economic growth driven by the coffee industry. Coffee production expanded rapidly, particularly in the southeastern region of São Paulo. The coffee boom brought increased wealth and prosperity to the country, transforming Brazil into one of the world's leading coffee exporters. However, the economic growth would be paralyzed by the outbreak of the Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, which was a significant conflict involving Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Brazil played a major role in the war, and the conflict resulted in significant loss of life and resources. The war's aftermath contributed to economic challenges and social changes in Brazil. As the 19th century progressed, republicanism gained traction in Brazil. Intellectuals, military officers, and urban middle classes began advocating for the establishment of a republic and the end of the monarchy. Republican ideals were fueled by dissatisfaction with the monarchy's perceived corruption, lack of political representation, and social inequalities. The Republican Movement in Brazil gained strength following the Paraguayan War.

Slavery remained a deeply entrenched institution in Brazil, and the pressure for its abolition grew during this period. The struggle for the end of slavery gained momentum through a combination of domestic and international pressures. The Lei Áurea (Golden Law), enacted on May 13, 1888, finally abolished slavery in Brazil, making it the last country in the Americas to do so. On November 15, 1889, a group of military officers and republicans staged a coup, overthrowing the monarchy and proclaiming the United States of Brazil, a federal presidential republic. Then reigning emperor, Dom Pedro II, abdicated and went into exile. However, his eldest daughter and heir to the throne, Princess Isabel, refused to follow him and, with the support of loyalists, declared herself Empress Isabel, hence starting the Brazilian Civil War.

Brazilian Civil War and the Great Leap (1889-1931)

With the support of figures such as José do Patrocínio, Luís Gama, Joaquim Nabuco, Gaspar da Silveira Martins, José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, and Afonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo, Isabel de Bragança ascended to the throne on the night of November 17, 1889. Upon learning of the attempted coup perpetrated by the republicans under the leadership of Deodoro da Fonseca, the Black Guard - a paramilitary group composed of Blacks and former slaves, founded by José do Patrocínio - mobilized and attacked the Brazilian army's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. The attack, although costly, was successful, and the soldiers were massacred.

News of the chaos unfolding in Rio de Janeiro spread throughout Brazil. Whether in the capitals or in the countryside, republicans and loyalists began to clash. In the province of São Paulo, where the Republican Party was headquartered, the United States of Brazil was proclaimed, under the leadership of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca. Across Brazil, the streets were stained with blood due to the violent clashes between republican militias and loyalist militias, who often confronted each other not with rifles or cannons, but with sticks and stones.

Perhaps the most violent scenario unfolded in the south of Brazil, where republican forces, led by Júlio de Castilhos, clashed with loyalists under Gaspar da Silveira Martins (who would later become the prime minister after the war). After 1891, the Northeast was almost entirely under Imperial control, but São Paulo and Minas Gerais were entirely controlled by the Republicans. As a result, the south gained prominence, since if the loyalists managed to dominate the region, the entrenched Republicans in São Paulo would have to fight on two fronts. In 1892, the Paulista and Mineiro Republicans launched an attack on Rio de Janeiro. Despite initial success, they failed to capture the imperial capital, and they had to sustain significant losses after the Battle of Ouro Preto, paving the way for a counterattack by the loyalists.

In 1893, Júlio de Castilhos was captured and killed in the Battle of Erechim. Without his imposing leadership, the Republican movement in southern Brazil collapsed, and within a few months, the entire southern region was under imperial control. In 1894, the last battles of the Brazilian Civil War took place. In July 1894, the president of the United States of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto, surrendered, bringing an end to hostilities between Republicans and loyalists.

Geography

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Snow in mountains near Florianópolis,
Santa Catarina

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and the third-largest in the Americas, only behind Canada and the United States of America. It occupies 8,599,093 km2, more than half of South America. It shares land borders with Uruguay to the south; Argentina and Paraguay to the Southwest; Peru and Chile to the East; Colombia to the Northwest; and Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Germany (German overseas region of Guyana) to the north. Ecuador is the only South American country Brazil does not share a border with. Brazil also encompasses many archipelagos, such as Fernando de Noronha, Rocas Atoll, Saint Peter and Paul Rocks, and Trindade and Martim Vaz. These archipelagos are territories of Brazil. Its size, climate, and availability of natural resources make Brazil a geographically diverse country.

The Federal Republic of Brazil spans four time zones; UTC−5 comprising the states of Acre, Antofagasta, and Petrônia, to UTC-4 in the western states, to UTC-3 in the eastern states (also the national time), and UTC-2 in the Atlantic Territories. Brazil is the longest country in the world, spanning 4,395 km from its northernmost point (Oiapoque) to its southernmost point (Chuí). Most of the terrain lies between 200 meters and 800 meters in elevation, although to the west, in the States of Antofagasta and Petrônia, the elevation is significantly higher.

Brazil has a dense and complex system of rivers. There are eight major drainage basins, and each single one of them drains into the Atlantic Ocean. Major rivers include the Amazon (the world's second-longest river and the largest in terms of volume of water), the Paraná and its major tributary the Iguaçu (which includes the Iguazu Falls), the São Francisco, Xingu, and Tapajós.

Climate

Although most of the country is tropical, Brazil comprises a varied range of weather conditions. According to the Köppen system, Brazil is home to six major climatic subtypes: desert, equatorial, tropical, semiarid, oceanic, and subtropical. The different climatic conditions produce diverse environments, ranging from equatorial rainforests in the northern region, semiarid deserts in the northeast and west, temperate coniferous forests in the south, and tropical savannas in the center-west.

An equatorial climate characterizes much of northern Brazil. There is no real dry season, but there are some variations in the period of the year when most rain falls. Temperatures average 25 °C. with more significant temperature variation between night and day than between seasons. Over central Brazil, rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. This region is as extensive as the Amazon basin but has a very different climate as it lies farther south at a higher altitude. In the interior northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid climatic region generally receives less than 800 millimeters (31.5 in) of rain, most of which generally falls in a period of three to five months of the year and occasionally less than this, creating long periods of drought. South of Bahia, near the coasts, and in most of the state of São Paulo, the distribution of rainfall changes, with rain falling throughout the year. The south enjoys subtropical conditions, with cool winters and average annual temperatures not exceeding 18 °C; winter frosts and snowfall are not rare in the highest areas.

Government and Politics

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Palácio Ipiranga, official house
of the Prime Minister

Brazil is a democratic federal constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary system. The Prime Minister is the head of government and the Monarch is the head of state. The prime minister usually rules for as long as his coalition stays in power. There is no term limit for offices in the parliament. The current prime minister is Giovanna Gottschalk, who was appointed by the Brazilian emperor Dom Henrique I following the resignation of Ingrid Santos' cabinet. The monarch is Dom Henrique I de Orléans e Bragança, who was directly elected by the people in the 2020 General Election. The government can be dissolved either through a vote of no confidence from the parliament or from the monarch. In 2018 the government was dissolved by the monarch following a gridlock over the issue of intervention in the Bolivarian War. In 2022 the government of Ingrid Winckler Santos resigned over the Vincenzi Letter Scandal.

Voting used to be compulsory until 2003 when it was made voluntary. Since 2010 the minimum voting age is 16. Most Brazilian citizens are allowed to vote upon reaching the minimum voting age, except for those living abroad. The Federal Parliament is composed of two houses: the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) and the Federal Senate (the upper house). Deputies and senators are elected through proportional representation.

Brazil is composed of 41 states, one federal district, and two territories. The Federal Republic is often referred to as the "Union". The three branches of government - the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary - are clearly defined by the constitution. The Union, the states, the Federal District, and the municipalities compose what is called the "spheres of government". The Federal Republic is built upon five fundamental principles: pluralism, sovereignty, justice, liberty, and equality. The executive and legislative branches of government are organized in all spheres of government, while the judicial branch is organized only at the Federal, State, and Federal District levels. Municipalities and territories do not have courts.

Law and Justice

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Palácio do Riachuelo, seat of the
Supreme Federal Court

Brazilian law is based on the civil law system. The entirety of Brazilian law is codified. The legal system is based on the Federal Constitution, which was promulgated in 1984. As of December 2021, there have been eight amendments to the Constitution, with many other amendment proposals rejected. Each state (and the Federal District) has its own constitution, which must not contradict federal law. Since each federal unit has its own constitution, many states preserved the presidential form of government, while others adhere to a parliamentary system. Municipalities have "organic laws", whose function is similar to a constitution. Legislative entities are the main source of statutes, although the judiciary and executive bodies can enact norms on special occasions. There also are specialized labor, military, sports, and electoral courts. The highest court is the Supreme Federal Court. After passing entry exams, the Judicial Committee appoints judges and other officials. The Judicial Committee is an independent body, created in 1983 by Prime Minister Roberto Santos in an attempt to curb corruption and nepotism. The Brazilian judicial system has been praised for its quick-paced rulings and efficiency. Nonetheless, the population and specialists criticize the system for the privileges that public servants and politicians receive, which can be considered one of the main factors behind corruption in Brazil.

Foreign policy

The International Relations of Brazil are based on Article 3 of the Brazilian Constitution of 1950. According to Article 3, Brazil's official foreign policy is one of neutrality, peaceful settlement of conflicts, international cooperation, and reciprocity. On the matter of reciprocity, the article allows military intervention if a country violates Brazilian neutrality or threatens its territorial integrity, such as seen in the Bolivarian War. According to the Constitution, the president has complete control over the armed forces, although the Federal Parliament is tasked with diplomatic nominations and legislation relating to foreign policy.

Considered a hegemon in South America, Brazil has competed with the Socialist States of America for influence over Central America. The Brazilian development plans for undeveloped countries are widely regarded as a model to be followed. Brazil donates an estimated $20 billion as foreign aid to other countries. The receivers usually are Latin American countries or Portuguese-speaking territories, although other countries do receive aid in the form of expertise and diplomacy.

In December 2021, the Federal Republic of Brazil joined the World Assembly. The Brazilian prime minister, Ingrid Santos, stated the government's intention to be more active in international affairs, thus joining the World Assembly.