Independence

During the second century of colonization, with the increasing spirit of national pride, the intellectual life of Brazil accelerated as the colony became more urbanized in the 18^th century (D). The growing population brought together diverse peoples, exposing them to wider varieties of experiences, life styles, and opinions (D).  This encouraged “introduction, discussion, and circulation of ideas, facilitated by the construction of a new secular intellectual infrastructure which permitted the intellectuals to contribute significantly to change in the colony and eventually led to the declaration of Brazil’s independence” (D).  Brazil’s first attempt at independence came in 1789 in the mining state of Minas Gerais and is known as “The Miners’ Conspiracy” (A).  The plot was led by Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier; however, it was betrayed and crushed (A).  Portugal’s monopolistic trade practices, the suppression of domestic industry, and oppressive taxation had brought about a strong movement for independence, which Pedro, Brazil’s regent, supported (A).  Pedro proclaimed Brazil’s independence on September 7, 1822 and was later crowned Emperor Pedro I; however, in 1831, he was forced to abdicate due to a military revolt (A).  The crown went to his son Pedro II who was crowned emperor and Brazil passed half a century of peaceful progress (A).  The abolition of slavery then brought about an economic crisis that disrupted the Brazilian Empire (A).  Then in 1889, a bloodless revolution deposed Pedro II and established the Republic of the United States of Brazil (A).  A new constitution modeled after the U.S. federal constitution was promulgated in 1891 (A).  At first military regimes ruled the republic, but by 1894 Brazil achieved constitutional stability (A).  Brazil was not recolonized afterwards and today, Brazil is a member of the United Nations.