BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE

The Brazilian War for Independence was one of the least bloody wars that existed in Latin America. It could even be known as being a peaceful war. This "non-violent" war lasted from 1821-1825 leading Brazil to face many trials and tribulations before actually being able to become independent. Having to convince both the United Kingdom and Portugal that they could control their own country wasn't easy. Portugal hung onto Brazil as though they were a mother clinging to their young who was now ready to take care of themselves.

After the absence of regent João VI in 1821 Pedro was then entitled to take his place, if Brazil became independent. But then mining Pedro's master plans to be a magnificent ruler, Portugal decided that they just had to rule Brazil. As a start to these new rules they were absolutely devastated with the new control by Lisbon. So now the newly conquered Rio de Janeiro and the Kingdom of Brazil would have to follow the rules given by the Portuguese. On January 1822, the citizens figuring out that they strongly disliked these bossy rules, Dom Pedro stepped up to the plate and formed a petition against it. This action, he argued, would possibly form a separatist movement. A tsunami of chaos flooded through Cerro Castello- causing massive riots. As more and more joined in on their rebellious behavior the Brazilians backed the Portuguese in to an inescapable comer, overriding the Portuguese army. Then Pedro bravely stood in front of the armies and "dismissed" the Portuguese soldiers and announced that they must be sent to Niterói. They stayed there, hoping that their reinforcements would save them from the mean Pedro. Then when their reinforcements carne they weren't allowed to dock. So as kind as the Brazilians were, they gave the Portuguese enough supplies to safely return to their country.

When Pedro at last sent the Portuguese packing, they pined to create a new and improved government. So to achieve this superb dream Pedro joined a group called the Freemasons led by José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva of São Paulo and since he knew that he did just so well dealing with those pesky Portuguese on May thirteenth he proclaimed himself the "perpetual defender of Brazil". Then both courageous Pedro and bold José Bonifácio, joined together to achieve now a parliamentary government. Others contributed to this fighting escapade against the Portuguese as well. Admiral Thomas Alexander Cochrane, who led the British to victory in Napoleonic Wars, assisted the hot and spicy Chileans. General Pierre Labatut was also requested because of his French expertise.

Cortes then in response to this rebellious attitude sent more troops to fight back. Now Pedro was faced with the ultimate dilemma- he had to choose between returning home in shame or fight with 13,000 men against 15,000 angry Portuguese. Outnumbered and exhausted Pedro knew that he had to fight. So on September 7, 1822 the famous picture on Ipiranga River carne into action. First he hid his trusted steed, then tore off the blue and white Portuguese emblem, drew his powerful sword and announced across the land "By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free." From that moment on Pedro claimed that their motto would forever be "Independence or death." This lovely quote is said to be Brazils' Proclamation of Independence. And so once everyone then realized how wonderful Pedro was doing on October 12, 1822 they claimed him the first Emperor of Brazil. Not much later he was awarded with a shiny crown on December 1, 1822.

Pedro found himself face with a problem in 1824, now his own people were rebelling. So José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva and Dom Pedro's brothers put their heads together and ended up with a document close to our constitution. It now limited the ruler's powers (like our president) such as describing him as equal to the legislature and judiciary. Everyone else wanted the ruler to set the draft in action but being so modest, Pedro refused. And now with these established rules the emperor could appoint senators and judges and make treaties. "Pedro's Constitution" had more of a liberal viewpoint. It gave a focus more on the people, such as religious freedom and property right, instead of just the power of the emperor. After much work this constitution was later finalized on March 25, 1824.

Finally after much effort from many countries on August 29, 1825 Portugal recognized Brazil's independence and signed a treaty. There was; however, a secret deal that was in the form of a financial agreement. Brazil was now demanded to come up with 1.4 million pounds of sterling to hand over to Britain's Dom Joao VI as well as 600,000 pounds to the Portuguese. Then to create two cherries on top of this expensive cake Brazil wanted in return a future annexation of the Portuguese African colonies as well as a treaty with Britain to end slave trade.

Since independence Brazil has been through six constitutions, two dictatorships and three democratic periods they have gone through many strategies to figure out exactly how to get what they want. And now after everything all of the work put in by so many heroes to save Brazil, now is claimed as the ninth largest economy that uses the idea that currency is equal according to their relative inflation. As well as being a significant location to obtain soybeans, coffee, orange juice, cocoa, tobacco and sugarcane. When they were under a dictatorship their agriculture wasn't on the top of the priority list, but now we can eat as much chocolate as we please

Bibliography

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_War_of_Independence
2. http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/brahistory/qt/IndependenceDay.htm