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Independence in Brazil
Independence in Brazil
Independence in Brazil
COLONISATION BY PORTUGAL
• In 1811, Britain defeated Napoleon and restored balance to Europe. With the threat of France
gone, the Portuguese crown was no longer in danger, and it was time to relocate to Portugal.
Despite this, King John VI remained in Brazil until 1821. The move was mainly because of
anti-colonial sentiments among Brazilians. Also, there was a Liberal Revolution in Portugal in
1820 and the King had to deal with revolutionaries and insubordination by Portuguese troops.
• King John VI left his son Dom Pedro as regent in Brazil.
• In moving the Portuguese crown back to Lisbon, it meant that Brazil was no longer possessive
of a kingdom status, and it was returned to a colony.
• The Portuguese government's threat to revoke the political
autonomy that Brazil had enjoyed since 1808 was met with
widespread discontent in Brazil. Dom Pedro chose the Brazilian
side and declared Brazil's independence from Portugal on 7
September 1822.
• The declaration for Brazil’s independence was met with fierce resistance from Portugal.
• On 12 October 1822, DomPedrowas declared the Brazilian Emperor and by March 1824
defeated all armies loyal to Portugal.
1. The Portuguese government was facing a Liberation Revolution in Portugal that was
started in 1820. This meant that they were busy and distracted. Furthermore, it was clear
that the Portuguese government was weak as was evident with their relocation of the
Crown to Brazil from as early as 1807.
2. The troops dispatched by Portugal to restore colonial status to Brazil did not offer much
resistance.
3. The nationalist sentiments in Brazil gave the Brazilian the greatest impetus to fight for
their independence under Dom Pedro.
4. The support from Britain and the United States. The US Monroe Doctrine of 1823 was
significant because Portugal’s war on the Brazilian violated the doctrine and was seen as
an unfriendly act.
5. The US and Britain recognized the independence of Brazil from as early as 1822 which
gave them legitimacy.
6. Efforts by the Portuguese Parliament to return the colony to colonial status infuriated the
Brazilians and influenced their desire to fight.
7. Portuguese loyalists were few in numbers and many of them decided to fight with Dom
Pedro.
POST- INDEPENDENCE DEVELOPMENT
1. Limited industrial growth due to an influx of American and British cheap manufactured
goods.
2. Significant agricultural growth in cotton, sugar, wheat and coffee. Coffee became the
main export by the late 1800s.
3. Brazil developed in agriculture due to the presence of a large labour force (slaves and
Native Americans) and ample land. Slavery continued until 1888.
4. Experienced economic growth due to loans from Britain and the United States. However,
this deepened their debts to these countries.
5. Became a democratic country but was unfamiliar with this type of system. Despite this,
Brazil experienced political stability after its independence.
6. Religious conflict between Roman Catholics and other minorities characterized Brazilian
society. Roman Catholicism was the main denomination of Christianity in Brazil.
CAPE 2005
With reference to EITHER Brazil OR Venezuela, assess the claim that Latin American
independence movements were influenced by European ideas and political developments, and by
new circumstances in the Americas. [30 marks]
Useful points:
• Give some background information about independence in Brazil –
when, who, why?
• European ideas: Enlightenment principles and industrialization in Britain. Britain encouraged
independence in Brazil because they could become new markets for British manufactured goods
and a source for raw material.
• European political developments: French Revolution, Napoleonic War which led to the
transfer of the Portuguese crown to Brazil in 1807– led to Brazil being given a Kingdom status
by 1815.
• New circumstances in the Americas: American Revolution, Haitian Revolution, Monroe
Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine was very significant because it made it clear that any attempts by
European countries to recolonize the Americas would be seen as an unfriendly act.
CAPE 2006
Discuss the factors that influenced the pace of economic development in EITHER Brazil OR
Venezuela in the post-independence period up to 1900. [30 marks]
Useful points:
• A long history of agriculture meant that they were able to further develop sugar and coffee.
Coffee became the main export after independence.
• Ample land space meant that agriculture could be expand.
• Large labour force – African slaves and Native Americans – slavery was
not abolished until 1888.
• Trading relationship with Britain and the United States meant that the
trading expanded up the 1900s. Expansion of trades with other European
countries.
• The creation of small industries – was not significant due to the influx of cheap manufactured
goods from Britain and USA.
• Provision of loans and financial aid from Britain and the United States.
• Political stability in the country up to the 1900s meant that economic
policies were generally successful.
NB: Sometimes the examiners might ask about the national development of Brazil in the post-
independence period. The above points are also suitable.
CAPE 2010
Discuss the view that international developments in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth
centuries were responsible for the independence of EITHER Brazil OR Venezuela. [30 marks]
Useful points:
Late 18th Century (late 1700s)
• Success of the American Revolution
• French Revolution and the enlightenment principles
• Industrialization in Britain