Discovery of Brazil
CULTURE | December 18, 2019
Discovery of Brazil. Source: (aboutbrasil.com)
Brazil is quite an interesting country with qualities that have benefited the world and its tourists.
A fleet of on its way to India landed in Porto Seguro in 1500, led by Pedro Alvares Cabral who discovered Brazil. Pedro Alvaes Cabral, born in Portugal, was the first European to reach Brazil. Pedro’s family served the crown of Portugal, and when Pedro finished his education in the royal court, he was made part of the king’s council. The king sent him on an expedition to accomplish three things: establish trading ports with India; spread Catholicism; and search for new land to claim for Portugal. Brazil is still today the largest Portuguese speaking nation in the world.
The first sugar plantations were started in 1530 in Bahia and Pernambuco; and, in 1549, the political center of Brazil was started in Salvador. The way Brazil got its name was from a popular tree there called brazilwood which produced a strong type of wood perfect for building ships and furniture.
In fear of Napoleon and his army, the royal family escaped to Brazil in 1807, where Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Portuguese Empire. A National Library was built along with the first universities in Brazil. Pedro became the first emperor of Brazil with his son becoming the second.
The monarchy was overthrown in 1889 when a federal republic was established. For a time, from 1930 to 1945, a military government was leading the country under the leadership of Getulio Vargas when industrialization began. When Vargas resigned, democracy began, but it was short-lived, however when, in 1964, the military once again took control with five different generals in leadership lasting until 1985. After that, presidents were elected by the people.
Brazil has some beautiful areas such as this waterfall in Torrinha. There are large mountains and caves that consist of basalt and sandstone with a total of 35 canyons. Torrinha is located in the Sao Paulo plateau. It has, however, been known to have had volcanic eruptions.
Another beautiful place in Brazil is Gruta do Lago Azul, a national monument called Blue Lake Cave. It is located in Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. There are actually two caves in this area. There is a main hall area where the floor slants down into a subterranean lake that is about 160 feet long. A 130 foot circular entrance lights up the lake bathing it in sunshine. The water stays blue during September through February.
Brazil is, of course, also famous for its coffee. Sugar cane began to lose its popularity in the market, but coffee moved up to the top beginning around 1820 and, by 1840, Brazil was the largest exporter of coffee in the world. Even today, it still controls over 30 % of international production.
Brazil has a lot to offer with, not only their coffee, but beautiful sites to visit as well if you are a tourist to the country.
