Brazil (Steel and Bridle)
Brazil (Portuguese: Brasil), officially the Empire of Brazil (Portuguese: Império do Brasil), is a sovereign country located in eastern South America. It is the largest country in Iberoamerica and the 2nd-largest in the Americas, after the British constituent country of Hudsonland. At 4.715 million km2 and with over 170 million inhabitants, Brazil is the world's 2nd-largest country by area and the 5th-most populous. It is bordered by Soerenam and Welserland to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, Charcas and Peru to the west, and New Granada to the northwest.
Its Amazon River basin includes a vast tropical forest, home to diverse wildlife, a variety of ecological systems, and extensive natural resources spanning numerous protected habitats. This unique environmental heritage makes Brazil one of 17 megadiverse countries and is the subject of significant global interest and debate regarding deforestation and environmental protection. Its capital is Petrópolis, and its most populous city is São Paulo, with over 13.6 million inhabitants. The empire is composed of the union of 30 states and the Imperial District of Petrópolis. It is the largest country to have Portuguese as an official language and the only one in the Americas; it is also one of the most multicultural and ethnically diverse nations, due to over a century of mass immigration from around the world, especially Southern Europe and the Middle East.
The territory of modern-day Brazil has a rich and ancient history, having been inhabited by various Native American peoples for millennia prior to the arrival of European explorers. The first recorded landing on Brazilian soil took place in 1500 when the Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed the coastal areas on behalf of the Portuguese Crown. However, it was not until the 1530s that the process of permanent settlement began to take shape in Brazil. Portuguese colonists, attracted by the region's abundant natural resources and potential for economic development, established small settlements along the coast. These early settlers primarily engaged in activities such as trade, agriculture, and extraction of valuable resources like timber and brazilwood. In 1549, recognizing the strategic importance of Brazil as a colonial possession, the Portuguese Crown formally established Brazil as a crown colony. The capital, Salvador da Bahia, was founded in the same year and served as the administrative center for the colony. Throughout the colonial period, Brazil experienced various territorial disputes and border adjustments with neighboring European powers. Spain, the Netherlands, and France all made claims on different parts of the Brazilian territory, leading to conflicts and negotiations. These encounters often involved clashes between European powers and indigenous populations, as well as conflicts among the European powers themselves.
Economically, Brazil's colonial era was characterized by the exploitation of its abundant natural resources. The Portuguese initially focused on extracting brazilwood, a valuable tree used for dye production, which gave the country its name. However, as demand declined, other commodities gained prominence. Sugarcane emerged as a crucial crop, particularly in the northeastern region, where large plantations were established. The production of sugar became the mainstay of the Brazilian economy, driving the growth of the colony and attracting considerable investment. The success of this industry led to increasing demand for labor, prompting the Portuguese to import enslaved Africans to work on the plantations. The transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to Brazil, influencing the demographic makeup of the country. The institution of slavery would persist until 1803 when Portugal abolished slavery throughout its Empire. Religion also played a significant role in colonial Brazil, with the Catholic Church acting as a pillar of social and cultural life. Catholicism was the official religion, and the Church played an active role in the evangelization and conversion of the Indigenous peoples. Religious orders established missions and schools, and eventually universities were established, with the first being built in São Paulo in 1727.
Brazil remained a colony of Portugal until 1808 when the capital of the Empire was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro. In 1815, the colony was elevated to the rank of Kingdom, as a constituent part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. Independence was achieved in 1822 with the creation of the Empire of Brazil as a unitary state governed under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system. The ratification of the first constitution in 1824 led to the formation of a bicameral legislature, now called the National Congress. Pedro I of Braganza became the first ruler of the Empire, and the monarchy sought to consolidate its authority and establish a stable government.
Despite the monarchy's efforts, its early years were marked by instability, regional conflicts, political rivalries, and tensions between different social groups. Pedro I's reign was marked by internal strife and discontent, which eventually led to his abdication in 1831, with his young son, Pedro II, assuming the throne and becoming Brazil's longest-reigning monarch. Under his rule, Brazil experienced a period of relative stability and progress, known as the Golden Age of the Brazilian Empire. Brazil also underwent a period of dramatic economic growth and industrialization. Coffee became the country's main export, driving economic development and attracting a wave of European immigrants. Political movements emerged advocating for social reforms, labor rights, and increased democratic participation.
Economically, Brazil underwent a transition from an agrarian economy based on sugar and coffee to a more diversified industrial economy. The emergence of industries, such as textiles, mining, and manufacturing, contributed to urbanization and the growth of cities. Immigrants from Europe, particularly Italy, the Holy Roman Empire, and Portugal, arrived in large numbers to work in these industries and played a crucial role in shaping Brazil's cultural and economic landscape. Brazil also faced territorial disputes and conflicts with neighboring countries. The War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870) saw Brazil, alongside Argentina and Peru, engage in a conflict against Paraguay. The war resulted in significant losses for all parties involved but ultimately strengthened Brazil's position as a regional power.
Pedro II and his son Alfonso I faced significant challenges, which weakened the position of the monarchy. The rise of new political ideologies, economic fluctuations, and growing social movements led to increased dissatisfaction with the monarchy in certain segments of society. The last major constitutional change in Brazil were the 1903 Petrópolis Accords, which came about through discussions with the National Congress and the provincial governments to formally amend the constitution to establish the federal system in law. In 1930, Brazil faced a severe political and economic crisis that further eroded the position of the monarchy. A combination of factors, including economic depression, corruption scandals, and regional tensions, created an environment conducive to the establishment of a military junta, composed of officers disillusioned with the monarchy, which dissolved the existing political institutions. The junta initially aimed to restore stability and implement reforms to address the country's challenges. However, over time, the junta consolidated its power and implemented authoritarian measures.
In 1938, an Integralist putsch successfully ousted Getúlio Vargas from power. The Integralists, led by Plínio Salgado, took control of the government and welcomed the exiled Brazilian Imperial House back to the country. With their return, Brazil experienced a significant shift in its political landscape. The Brazilian Integralist Action (BIA), now influenced by the monarchy and under the leadership of Salgado, continued to hold power and govern the country, introducing a modified form of governance that combines elements of its ideology with a constitutional framework. Under Salgado's leadership, the BIA focused on promoting a nationalist agenda, strengthening the country's cultural identity, and implementing socioeconomic reforms. The government emphasized social welfare programs, economic development, and national unity. Salgado's long tenure allowed for the consolidation of Integralist policies and the establishment of a distinct Integralist state.
During Salgado's rule, Brazil experienced periods of relative stability and economic growth. The government invested in industrialization, nuclear power, infrastructure, and education, aiming to enhance the country's standing on the global stage. The Integralists emphasized the protection of Brazilian industries and natural resources, while also promoting a self-reliant and self-sufficient economy. Salgado's death in 1975 marked a transition point in Brazilian history, as the BIA, having firmly established itself as a political force, instituted a succession plan to ensure the continuity of their governance. The party's continued governance has led to a distinctive political and social environment, with the country experiencing a unique blend of nationalism, corporatism, and cultural preservation. The Integralist government implements measures to protect Brazil's heritage, support traditional values, and foster a sense of national identity.
Brazil is considered an advanced economy. It has the 5th largest economy in the world. It is one of the world's major breadbaskets, being the largest producer of coffee for the last 150 years. Due to its rich culture and history, the country ranks Xth in the world by number of LONESCO World Heritage Sites. It is classified as an upper-middle income economy by the World Bank and an industrialized country, with the second-largest share of global wealth in Iberoamerica. Brazil is recognized as a global power in international affairs and is recognized as a potential superpower by several analysts. Brazil is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, Mercosul, the Fascist International, and the Lusophone Community, and it is also a member of the Iberoamerican Commonwealth of Nations.