BRAZIL
BRAZIL1500-1533
Exploration and early colonization of Brazil.
1533-1630
Brazil is brought under royal control through its ties with Portugal. Jesuit missionaries are established. The French attempt to take over but fail. Rio de Janeiro is established in 1567. The first African slaves are imported in 1538.
*How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman
1630-1661
The Dutch attempt a takeover and are somewhat successful. They are eventually expelled in 1654 and renounce their claim on Brazil in 1661.
1660-1700
Brazil expands and unifies its people through their ties with Portugal. Portuguese becomes the common and official language. The gold rush begins in 1693.
17th Century
Coffee and sugar are growing industries. Slaves continue to be imported from Africa for work on plantations, approximately 600,000 in this century alone. There are many uprisings and incidences of escape.
*Quilombo
1750-1777
Brazil signs a number of treaties with Spain to try and enact social and political reforms within the colonies. In 1759, the Jesuits are expelled because of their work with the Indians.
*The Mission
1789
The first attempts to rebel against the Portuguese are made.
1800-1823
The Monarchy comes to rule Brazil. A series of revolts ensue. Independence from Portugal is realized in 1823.
1823-1831
Pedro I reigns the troubled Brazilian Empire. A constitution is drafted in 1824. Brazil and Argentina go to war in 1827. Following the war Emporer Pedro abdicates to Pedro II, who is only 5 years old.
1831-1889
In 1840 Pedro II becomes an effective ruler.
1889
Emperor Pedro II is deposed by Manuel Fonseca. A republic is established.
1889-1930
The Provinces become States and the Parliamentary system is replaced by a presidential system. Fonseca becomes the first president but he soon leads as a dictator. A dictatorship is established.
1914-1918
World War II has a positive effect on Brazil's economy.
1930
Getulio Vargas leads a revolutionary movement. He institutes some social reforms but the economy continues to struggle.
1934
A new constitution is introduced. Women's suffrage and social security are established.
1937
Vargas dissolves congress and assumes a totalitarian government. Brazil remains friendly with the U.S. but breaks ties with Nazi Germany.
1942
As WW II breaks out, Brazil declares war on the Axis powers.
*Opera do Malandro
1945
Vargas is ousted by a military coup.
1946-1951
A democratic constitution is established under Eurico Gasper Dutra.
1951-1954
Vargas is elected president but the military forces him to resign. He commits suicide.
*Black Orpheus
1956-1961
Economic expansion takes place under Juscelino Kubitschek, the founder of Brasilia.
1964-1985
After a military coup overthrows Joao Goulart, Brazil is subject to military rule.
1979
Brazil starts to make the move towards a democratic society and industrialization.
*Bye-Bye Brazil, Pixote
1985
The first civilian president, Tancredo Neves, in 21 years is elected. Neves dies before going into office. Jose Sarney takes over and drafts a new constitution. Sarney introduces a new unit of currency.
*Hour of the Stars
1988
The constitution is adopted, restoring civil liberties.
1989-1992
Fernando Collor de Mello is elected. Mello is accused of corruption and impeached. Itamar Franco assumes the presidency. Brazil hosts the Earth Summit.
1994
A plan to reduce foreign debt is instituted. Brazil and other Latin American countries declare themselves free of nuclear weapons.
Present
Fernando Cardoso enacts agrarian reforms dealing with land ownership and usage.
*Central Station