To centralize control and encourage settlement, Portugal divides the coast into fifteen Captaincies of Brazil.
1549
The first permanent settlement of Salvador is founded and established as the first capital of Brazil under the central government.
1573
Enslaving indigenous populations is prohibited, leading to a rapid increase in the importation of enslaved Africans
Brazilian colonists, supported by Portuguese forces, decisively defeat the Dutch at the Second Battle of Guararapes, ending Dutch control
A peace treaty in the Hague officially recognizes Portugal's loss of its Brazilian territories.
The economic focus begins to shift as gold and diamond mining starts to develop in southern Brazil.
Early End
Mid 1
The Captaincy of Minas Gerais was established, formalizing the separation of this rich mining region from São Paulo.
Coffee seeds were smuggled into Brazil, initiating a future coffee empire.
The Treaty of Madrid redefined Brazil's borders, making it larger than the earlier Treaty of Tordesillas specified.
The colonial capital was moved from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro to better manage the rising importance of the southern port.
The liberal Minas Gerais Conspiracy (or Inconfidência Mineira), inspired by the French Enlightenment and American Revolution, was crushed, and its leader, Tiradentes, was executed.
Brazil declared independence from Portugal, and Dom Pedro I became Brazil's first emperor, establishing the Empire of Brazil.
The international slave trade to Brazil officially ended, a key factor in the empire's economic and political future.
Mid 1 End
Mid 2
The Empire of Brazil navigates crises, including the successful suppression of the slave trade and a decisive role in the Platine War against Juan Manuel de Rosas, enhancing stability and prestige.
Slavery is officially abolished with the approval of the Golden Law, ending a long process of internal debate and mobilization.
A military coup overthrows the monarchy and establishes the First Brazilian Republic, marking the end of the Empire.
Getúlio Vargas leads a revolt that places him at the head of a provisional government, beginning a new era for Brazil.
Vargas seizes total power, establishing a dictatorship with military support and ruling until 1945.
Brazil initially declares neutrality in World War II but joins the Allied Powers in 1943.
Vargas is ousted by a military coup, leading to the reintroduction of democracy in Brazil.
Mid 2 End
New
Getúlio Vargas is re-elected president
Vargas commits suicide after facing military pressure to resign.
The capital is officially moved from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília.
Political parties are abolished, and a two-party system is established
Civilian governance is restored, ending the military dictatorship.
Dilma Rousseff serves as president but is impeached in 2016, succeeded by her vice president, Michel Temer.