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Apr 22, 1500
Portuguese Arrive in Brazil
Lost in his search for a route to the West Indies, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral founded land in March of 1500. Brazil was officially discovered on April 22, when Cabral landed in Bahia. Portuguese scribe or a person who copies out documents, Pero Vaz de Caminha recounts or told someone about their arrival on Brazilian soil in one of his letters, describing the expedition’s encounter with about 20 men of light brown skin, stark naked, carrying bows and arrows. -
Brazil's Independence is Declared
Brazil breaks ties with Portugal, finally announcing its independence. Brazilians didn't have much freedom, so they won it from their controlling country, Portugal. On 7th September 1822, Prince Pedro, son of Portugal's king, stood near Brazil's Ipiranga River and made an announcement of independence. -
Brazil Abolishes Slavery
In 1873 Joaquim Nabuco began his fight against slavery in Brazil pushing foward to make the ormation of the Brazilian Anti-Slavery Society. The struggle for getting rid of slavery kept going under Joaquim's leadership, and finally on May 13, 1888, the imperial family passed the Golden Law and abolished slavery. -
Brazil Becomes Republic
On November 15, 1889 Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca led the group that proclaimed Brazil's republic, becoming the first president to ever do that. The provinces became states and gained political autonomy or the right of self-government, to make their own decisions and removed themselves from the monarchy. -
Brazil Becomes a Member of the United Nations Organisation
Brazil joins the United Nations which allows peace. This is important because it gave Brazil international peace, security, coorperation among economic, social, and cultural problem solving skills. -
Getulio Vargas is Overthrown
Vargas was ended in 1945 by a military coup that removed him from office. Executive power was given to chief supreme court justice, who supervised elections for the presidency. Debate about presidential legitamacy created doubts within the inner group of civilian and military supporters of Vargas. -
New Constitution of Brazil is Implemented
During 1946 a new constition was drafted which gave people their individual rights. The basic individual rights were re-established. The draft included: the equality of all citizens; freedom of expressions, uncensored; inviolability of the secrecy of correspondence; freedom of conscience, belief and practice of one’s religion; freedom of association for lawful purposes; inviolability of one’s home; extinction of the death penalty and the true separation of powers. -
Brazil Wins First FIFA World Cup
Brazil won the 1958 Sweden's FIFA Cup for the first time ever! They beat Sweden 5-2 in the final for the first title. To date, this marks the only occasion that a World Cup staged in Europe was not won by a European team. Also, the tournament was notable for marking the debut on the world stage of a then largely unknown 17-year-old Pelé. -
Brazil's Government Returns to Civilian Rule
The military government has some success in improving the economy. Eventually, in 1978-9, the emergency measures underpinning or a solid foundation laid below ground level to support or strengthen a building, so military rule are repealed and an amnesty or a pardon, restores political rights. The MDB becomes a real opposition. In the election of 1985 its candidates defeat their arena rivals for the position of president and vice-president. Civilian rule is restored. -
Dilma Rousseff Becomes First Woman President
Dilma Rousseff has been elected president of Brazil to succeed Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ms Rousseff, 62, who has never before held elected office, becomes the country's first woman president. She promised to "honour the trust" Brazilians had put in her and work to get rid of poverty. Ms Rousseff was the favored one of President Lula, who is leaving after two terms with record popularity.
