Brazil's history
...ompensation for the slave owners, emancipation alienated the powerful land interests from the government. d) The Empire of Brazil In November 1889 a military revolt under the leadership of General Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca forced the abdication of Pedro II. A republic was proclaimed, with Fonseca as head of the provisional government. Separation of church and state and other republican reforms were swiftly decreed. The drafting of a constitution was completed in June 1890. Similar to the Constitution of the United States, it was adopted in February 1891, and Brazil became a federal republic. This officially styled the United States of Brazil, and Fonseca was elected its first president. Political turbulence, due essentially to the lack of national democratic traditions and experience, marked the early years of the new republic. During 1891 the arbitrary policies and methods of President Fonseca aroused strong congressional opposition. Early in November he dissolved the congress and assumed dictatorial power. Order was gradually restored in the country during the administration of President Prudente José de Moraes Barros, the nation's first civilian chief executive. Beginning in 1898, Manuel Ferraz de Campos Salles became president. Energetic measures to change the dislocated national economy were adopted. By securing a large foreign loan, Campos Salles strengthened Brazilian finances and expanded trade and industry. Coffee and rubber production had meanwhile increased steadily in Brazil. Between 1906 and 1910 falling coffee prices on the world market severely disrupted the national economy. The price of Brazilian rubber began to drop toward the close of this period. As a result, social and political unrest was widespread during the administration of President Fonseca. After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, rising demand in foreign markets for Brazilian coffee, rubber, and sugar considerably relieved the economic difficulties of the country. Naval units were sent to the fighting zones, and the nation's contributions of food and raw materials to the war effort were substantial. During the summer of 1947, Brazil was the site of the International (Pan-American) Conference for the Maintenance of Peace and Security. The Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, drafted by the conference, was signed by Brazil in September. A provision of the treaty stipulates united defense by the signatories against armed aggression directed at any nation of the western hemisphere. In October 1947 the Brazilian government, was provoked by a Soviet magazine article that referred to President Dutra as a puppet of the United States. This event separated diplomatic relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). A few months later the legislature voted to expel from office all Communists in elective positions. One senator and 14 deputies were affected. III. Government Brazil’s government is a federative republic which is a federal union that is ruled by the president and where the people have say in government issues. Brazil is divided into 26 states and 1 federal district. They gained independence on September 7, 1822 from Portugal and published the Constitution n October 5, 1988. The legal system is based on Roman codes. Voting is voluntary between the ages of 16 and 18 and over 70; must vote over 18 and under 70 years of age. The president is both chief of state and head of government. Elections take place on the 4th of October and the president serves a four year term just like in the United States, and just like Franklin Roosevelt, Brazil’s president can be elected as many times as the people want. The legislative branch is a bicameral legislature made of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Federal Senate is made of 81 seats with three members from each state and serves eight-year terms. The Chamber of Deputies is made of 513 members that serve four-year terms. Also like the presidential elections take place on the 4th of October. a) Economy Brazil has the eight largest economies in the world and many other countries do not know of this because of the stereotypes from other countries. They only think that Brazil is a country that is about soccer, samba, and the Amazon. These are important aspects of Brazilian life but the other countries neglect their business. In the past Brazil has had a lot of problems with their economy. But there is a strong industrial sector, large agricultural production, and rich natural resources. Today, Brazilian industry accounts for 20% of the country’s national production, while agriculture and the services sector take up the remaining 20% and 60%. The majority of population live in urban areas just like in America. Brazil’s largest trade partner is the United States. More than two thousand US companies operate in Brazil and Brazilians purchase at least 19% of US exports. According to Fortune magazine, Brazil’s economic growth indicates that the country will have an increasingly substantial impact on the world economy. VI. Culture a) People The people in Brazil differ by most states because of who settled that certain area. The Amazon is made of many different tribes of Natives. The XINGU NATIONAL PARK is Brazil's oldest and probably it’s most successful Indian reservation where 14 Indian tribes live. The reserve was established in 1961; just a few years after many of the tribes in the region had their first contact with white civilization. Today, the park is surrounded by fields and pasture in the center of Brazil's fastest developing agricultural region. The Indians, whose numbers have nearly doubled to about 5,000 since 1961, say they are feeling the pressure of the reservation getting destroyed, or some of their tribe members having to leave the area. Some of the tribe have tried to live in the modern civilization, but their efforts ended in failure. Most of Brazil’s people are concentrated on the eastern edge of the country along the Atlantic coast between the Amazon River and the border with Uruguay and Argentina. Most Brazilians are of mixed European, African, and Indian ancestry, although many people have come from the Middle East, and Europe, especially Portugal. People of mixed racial ancestry, are called mestizos and are found mostly in the small towns and rural areas in the center and western areas of Brazil. But recently these people have migrated to the city in search for work. Brazilians are warm, fun loving, and free spirited. They are also outgoing and enjoy being around tourist. Brazilians are proud of the Portuguese heritage that sets them apart from other Latin American peoples. In spite of recent economic crises, most Brazilians are hopeful about their country's future as a stable democracy with a strong economy. Just like teens in the United States, the Brazilians pay a lot of attention to fashion. Everyone except the elderly spend half their time with their appearances just like many Americans. The national sport and passion is soccer, but football, basketball, and volleyball are not that far from importance. Businesses and schools may even close during the soccer World Cup or important national competitions to see their teams triumph over their rivals. Just like in America, Brazilians will celebrate many occasions and get together often. They also watch much television and visit with friends whenever they have time. The most common thing to do on a ...