The history of Brazil is very interesting when compared to other countries in South America, mainly due to the fact that Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking nation. One of Brazil's greatest assets is it's population and geographic diversity. While fewer than 200,000 indigenous people are still alive, Brazil's current population has roots in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In fact, Brazil has the largest population of Japanese people in the world outside of Japan. Brazil's geography is also impressive and it is the 5th largest country in the world. Brazil is home to 5 different eco-systems, half of the entire world's rainforest, one-third of all known animal species, the 2nd longest river in the world, and an extensive coastline. All of these natural resources has made Brazil a major point of interest in the past and is probably the reason for Brazil's ethnic diversity.
Brazil's history is long and it is believed that people settled there as early as 8,000 years ago after migrating from Asia in search of hunting grounds. These native people split into two distinct groups based either agriculture or hunting and gathering. There is no significant writings or buildings from early periods so when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century there was not a lot of civilization to be found.
The question of why Portugal settled in Brazil can be explained by two reasons. The first is that during the time of exploration Portugal and Spain were in competition to conquer foreign lands and as a result the Treaty of Tordesillas was created. This treaty essentially drew a line across the world that put countries to the west of line under Spain's dominion and lands to the east to Portugal. Based on the line, Brazil belonged to Portugal while all other countries in South America to Spain. The second reason that Portugal ended up in Brazil is that Portugal was in a severe economic crisis, causing a mass migration of people to Brazil in search of fertile lands and trade opportunities.
When the Portuguese arrived in Brazil around 1500 there were around 2,000 native tribes and settlements. This number quickly diminished as diseases brought by foreigners swept through the indigenous population. While the natives were considered uncivilized by the new settlers, they did bring to the settlers' attention a very valuable resource, Brazilwood. This wood was so valuable because it contained a red dye that was coveted on European markets. Brazilwood's importance and value in early settlements is what earned Brazil it's name.
Most of the Portuguese who came to Brazil settled along the coast for transport and trading reasons. Other than Brazilwood, early economic potential in Brazil was in the sugar cane industry. Due to the labor intensive nature of sugar cane, slaves were brought to Brazil from Africa. Native people were not used as slaves because of their high mortality from European diseases and because their knowledge of the terrain made it easier for them to escape and hide than slaves brought in from Africa. The next resources found in Brazil was at the end of the 17th century when gold and diamonds were discovered. Brazil was finally recognized for mineral and trading potential but these resources quickly ran out and it became clear that Brazil's greatest resource could be found in it's agricultural potential. Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822 and at the time it's three main exports were cotton, sugar, and coffee. Today, Brazil has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and their main exports are Iron ores, petroleum, and soybeans.
Brazil's history is long and it is believed that people settled there as early as 8,000 years ago after migrating from Asia in search of hunting grounds. These native people split into two distinct groups based either agriculture or hunting and gathering. There is no significant writings or buildings from early periods so when the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century there was not a lot of civilization to be found.
The question of why Portugal settled in Brazil can be explained by two reasons. The first is that during the time of exploration Portugal and Spain were in competition to conquer foreign lands and as a result the Treaty of Tordesillas was created. This treaty essentially drew a line across the world that put countries to the west of line under Spain's dominion and lands to the east to Portugal. Based on the line, Brazil belonged to Portugal while all other countries in South America to Spain. The second reason that Portugal ended up in Brazil is that Portugal was in a severe economic crisis, causing a mass migration of people to Brazil in search of fertile lands and trade opportunities.
When the Portuguese arrived in Brazil around 1500 there were around 2,000 native tribes and settlements. This number quickly diminished as diseases brought by foreigners swept through the indigenous population. While the natives were considered uncivilized by the new settlers, they did bring to the settlers' attention a very valuable resource, Brazilwood. This wood was so valuable because it contained a red dye that was coveted on European markets. Brazilwood's importance and value in early settlements is what earned Brazil it's name.
Most of the Portuguese who came to Brazil settled along the coast for transport and trading reasons. Other than Brazilwood, early economic potential in Brazil was in the sugar cane industry. Due to the labor intensive nature of sugar cane, slaves were brought to Brazil from Africa. Native people were not used as slaves because of their high mortality from European diseases and because their knowledge of the terrain made it easier for them to escape and hide than slaves brought in from Africa. The next resources found in Brazil was at the end of the 17th century when gold and diamonds were discovered. Brazil was finally recognized for mineral and trading potential but these resources quickly ran out and it became clear that Brazil's greatest resource could be found in it's agricultural potential. Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822 and at the time it's three main exports were cotton, sugar, and coffee. Today, Brazil has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and their main exports are Iron ores, petroleum, and soybeans.
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| Brazil's indigenous population |
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| Treaty of Tordesillas |
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| Brazil's geography and size |
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