Learn The History of Brazil Before Traveling!

The history of Brazil is a very rich and intriguing story that anyone considering traveling to the country should study up on.  This article aims to be a brief overview to provide you with a consolidated knowledge of the country’s background.
                 
Brazil was first discovered and settled by Europeans on April 22, 1500, by explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the country of Brazil was a colony owned and operated by Portugal. However, in a swift turn of events, on September 7, 1822, the country boldly declared independence from Portugal rule and became a constitutional monarchy that came to be recognized as the Empire of Brazil. The government established was a republican one, even though the country has generally been a democratic republic ever since.

When talking about the history of Brazil, it is important to note where the country got its name.  In the first century after its settlement, the country's staple export was brazilwood.  Brazilwood is essencially a large tree whose trunk contains a valuable red dye. Brazilwood was almost completely wiped out due to over-harvesting.

One of the most interesting facts in the history of Brazil is that it was one of only two countries in the world that established an effective and legal monarchical state.  When Napoleon’s troops invaded Portugal, the Portuguese fled to a British ship that gave them safe passage to Rio de Janeiro.  From there, a Portuguese king established his power and ruled an expansive empire for just under thirteen years.

Rule over the country and its empire changed hands multiple times over the next century. Political uproars and social turmoil fueled battles over the throne, which ultimately fell under military rule in 1964.

By the end of the second republic, the success of military battles against such countries as Cuba led other country’s armies to raise arms and change their battle strategies against this new and revolutionary fighting force known as Brazil.  This was cause for alarm, as Brazil received word that other countries were adopting what became known as “Professionalism” in their military strategies.  This resulted in the Brazilian army taking control over the country for its “wellbeing”.  This turned out to be far from the truth.  Military dictatorship was the major governing power until around 1985 when Brazil rose up and implemented “Redemocratization.”  Brazil is now mostly a peaceful nation under democratic rule.
There are still political and military scandals, just like any other country on earth, but the current situation in Brazil is for the most part a peaceful one, far apart from what the history of Brazil may suggest. Travelers to the land have nothing to fear from the government or military.  As long as you remain educated on the political trends and conditions in the country, you should have a safe and quite enjoyable vacation to one of the greatest countries in the world.

From The History of Brazil back to Travel Brazil Guide

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