The history of a melting pot

The discovery and colonization of the country by the Portuguese

Brazil was discovered later than some other Latin American countries, in 1500 by Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer. In 1522, it was declared a Portuguese monarchy. A colonial economy flourished, thanks to the production of sugar cane, grown in fields worked by slaves brought over from sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, harbor masters on the coast took charge of distributing land to arriving colonists. Being aware of Brazil's potential, King Jean l l , formed an official government to preside over the groups of colonists who had settled throughout coastal regions. Tom de Sousa, the first Governor, oversaw the construction of new towns. Under his orders, the Jesuits began their task of converting local, indigenous people to the Christian faith.

From the discovery of gold, to the disaffection of the poor

It was in the 18th Century that Brazil's first gold mines were discovered. In no time at all, the country became the biggest producer of gold in the world. It developed into an economy that thrived on sugar cane, gold and animal husbandry. The close relationship between Great Britain and Portugal extended to Brazil. King Joseph l , appointed the Marquis of Pombal to politically reform Brazil, as he was already doing in Portugal. His task was to wipe out official corruption, whilst increasing agricultural and mineral production levels. In order to meet this goal, he organised public works, set up educational systems and increased immigration. But despite this economic boom, the political and social situation began to deteriorate. The melting pot that by now made up Brazil's population, consisted of impoverished miners and peasant farmers. They saw rich plantation owners line their pockets, which led to growing unrest.

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@ flickr cc Eduardo Amorim

Brazil's Independence

Brazil obtained its independence in 1822. A new parliamentary system was formed. Both liberals and conservatives had moments of power. Pierre ll, who became Emperor in 1840, enforced an economic expansion policy. He built roads and railways. The rate of economic growth was, consequently, exceptional. And in 1888, Pierre ll abolished slavery. Even though his time in power brought peace to the nation, he was, nonetheless, overthrown by a military coup d'état in 1889. This marked the end of the Brazilian Empire and the birth of a republic.

History of the Republic of Brazil.

The country suffered from the Great Depression of the 1930's. Getulio Vargas was subsequently elected as President and became the country's first dictator. Thereafter, the country was hit by a succession of military coup d'états. But military rule did not improve the deplorable state of Brazil's economy and in 1985 Joe Sarney was elected as President. Unfortunately, he was unable to reduce inflation rates or effectively deal with social inequalities. So, in the midst of these difficult times, 2002 saw the election of Brazil's first socialist President, Lula da Silva. His political, economic and social legacy was incredible. Even today, Lula remains an emblamatic figure in Brazil's history. Dilma Roussef, elected in both 2010 and 2014, continues in the same vein as his predecessor. By now considered to be a great economic power, the country hosted the soccer World Cup in June and July 2014.