Brazilian History

  • 1500

    Pedro Cabal Claims Brazil

    In April of 1500, Pedro Cabal arrived in South America (Brazil) and claims it for Portugal.
  • Period: 1500 to

    1

  • 1530

    First Portuguese Settlements

    An explorer named Martim Afonso de Sousa arrives in Brazil and has his men patrol the whole coast, he banned the French, and created the first colonial villages, such as Sao Vicente.
  • Period: 1540 to 1570

    Sugarcane and Slavery

    The first sugarcane farms in Brazil are created. In the beginning, the Portuguese tried to enslave the Brazilians. After a while they forfeited. Brazil is currently the largest sugarcane producer in the world.
  • 1549

    Roman Catholicism and Government

    Tome de Sousa traveled to Brazil and brought Jesuits with him. These Jesuits saved natives from slavery, set up missions, converted many natives to Roman Catholicism, as well as learning the languages of the natives.
  • 1555

    The French Invade

    The French occupy the harbor of Rio de Janeiro.
  • 1557

    "Nuh-uh" says Portugal

    Portugal takes Rio de Janeiro back from the French and establishes it as a city.
  • Portuguese Kick the Dutch Out

    The Dutch had been producing sugarcane in Brazil for about a hundred years and had permanent settlements in Recife. They controlled large stretches of Brazil. The two parties fought, and after several years of war, Portugal won.
  • Period: to

    2

  • Portugal Learns to Let Go

    Portugal gives up Colonia de Sacromento in the Treaty of Utrecht, also known as the Spanish Succession.
  • Coffee in Brazil

    Brazil was introduced to coffee, which wasn't much right then, but it would be huge a hundred years later.
  • "Minas Conspiracy" Fails

    Inspired by the U.S. revolution, a group of Brazilians wanted to become independent. Unfortunately, it wasn't a success.
  • France Decides to Join the Party

    France invades Portugal. John VI and his family flee to Brazil. His son Pedro comes along as well.
  • From Colony to Kingdom

    Brazil becomes part of the Portuguese Kingdom called: The United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves.
  • Now it's Pedro's Turn to Say "Nuh-uh"

    Pedro I refuses to obey Cortes and declares Brazil independent from Portugal. He stated: "Tell the people I am staying."
  • A Six Year Old King

    Pedro I's son, Pedro II, is crowned king at only six years old.
  • Period: to

    3

  • Period: to

    4