History of Brazil

By 17hng
  • Apr 28, 1500

    Pedro Cabral

    Pedro Cabral lands in Brazil and claims it for Portugal.
  • Apr 28, 1555

    Rio De Janeiro

    French forces occupy Rio de Janeiro harbor. Two years later, Portugal regains control and establishes the city of Rio de Janeiro.

  • Gold

    Gold is discovered in Brazil’s interior.

  • Brazilian Empire

    Brazil gains independence from Portugal. Pedro I, the son of Portugal’s king, establishes the Brazilian empire.

  • Slavery

    Slavery is abolished in Brazil.

  • Becomes Republic

    The military forces Emperor Pedro II to give up his throne. Brazil becomes a republic with a president.

  • Coffee Industry

    Southeastern Brazil becomes a coffee growing center. Coffee becomes the country’s most important crop.

  • New Capital

    Brasília is chosen to replace Rio de Janeiro as Brazil’s capital.

  • Settlement & Trans-Amazonian Highway

    The Trans-Amazonian Highway project encourages settlement in the Amazon. Native species are put in danger.

  • International Earth Summit

    More than 100 world leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro for the first international Earth Summit. They discuss ways to protect the environment.

  • Reelection

    President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reelected.

  • Dilma Rousseff

    Dilma Rousseff is elected Brazil’s first woman President.