[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On September 7th, 1822 in Brazil, near the Ipiranga river, a Portuguese prince claimed Brazil’s Independence. Shouting “Independence or Death!” he uttered the famous “Cry of Ipiranga”, declaring the colony’s Independence. This became a well-known expression in Portuguese, still in use today, meaning Freedom. This was a key moment in the History of Portugal and Brazil when the former colony declared its independence, carried out by the Portugues prince D. Pedro, soon after to be crowned Emperor of Brazil.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Portugal and Brazil are two nations with strong ties between them, a bond that goes back in time to the year of 1500, when Pedro Álvares de Cabral discovered Brazil. This big and rich country was a Portuguese territory for 300 years and only became an independent nation in the XIX century.
But what happened in order for the independence of Brazil to be declared?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Brazil always had a strategic importance for Portugal and even served as a refuge for the royal family, when the Napoleonic Troops invaded Lisbon.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dom João, soon to be D. João VI, moved to Brazil to escape the French Army occupation of Lisbon and during his stay he reformed all of the political, social, legal and economic structures of the colony, transforming Rio de Janeiro and making Brazil a colony much more independent from its metropolis. Rio de Janeiro was for over 13 years the center of the Portuguese Empire and where all the Portuguese crown and nobility lived.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When the Napoleonic troops were forced out of Lisbon and Portugal, with the help of the British army, King D. João VI was forced to return to Portugal and rule over the empty throne. His son Prince D. Pedro stays in Brazil appointed by the King as Prince regent.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4678″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]In Portugal, the Portuguese court is not pleased with the king’s decision and requests the Prince to return to Lisbon. D. Pedro refuses and stays in Brazil as regent.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]D. Pedro continues his father’s reforms striving to make Brazil a more independent country. One day in the riverbank of Ipiranga he learns that the Portuguese court rejects most of his reforms and continues to demand his return to Portugal. He then unsheathes his sword and utters the famous Cry of Ipiranga – “Independence or Death!”, claiming Brazil’s Independence.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4679″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The role of D.Leopoldina, D.Pedro’s wife and supporter of the Independence of Brazil.
D.Leopoldina of Austria, the wife of D.Pedro, also has a huge role in the independence of Brazil. During her interim regency, D.Leopoldina became aware of the Portuguese intention to return Brazil to a colony status it is then that she summons the Council of State and signs in September 2nd, 1822 the decree of independence of Brazil.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4676″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
2 Famous Sentences of the independence of Brazil
1: Leopoldina writes to D.Pedro after signing the decree, making the prince aware of the decision to go against Portugal’s wishes. And she says: “the fruit is ripe, harvest it before it’s rotten” urging the prince to claim the independence of Brazil.
2: January 9th is known in Brazil as the “I’ll stay day” a day to celebrate the decision of Dom Pedro for refusing to return to Portugal, declaring in public,” If it is for the general happiness of the nation, I’m ready! Tell the people I will stay…” [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The fight for independence continued, even after the coronation day of D. Pedro I as Emperor of Brazil in December 1st, 1822. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4677″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]
Visit Lisbon find out the history from the Age of Discovery until the Independence of Brazil, learn more on board Caravel on Wheels.
Find out everything about the discoveries and the arrival of the Portuguese to the lands of Vera Cruz in our Caravel on Wheels.
Visit Lisbon and discover a Lisbon tour that tells more about the history of Portugal and Brasil. An experience you shouldn’t miss.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Book your tour now!” color=”primary” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caravelonwheels.com%2Fbuy-tickets|||”][vc_message]Recommended posts:
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