• Until 1815, was a colony under Portugal
  • Brazil was forced to solely export goods to Portugal
• In 1808, King Joao fled to Brazil because of French invasion into Portugal
• With King Joao in Brazil, began to gain more political power
  • Eventually got equal status with Portugal in 1815
• As Brazil was gaining political power, Portugal was losing power
• Joao was forced to leave Brazil and return to Portugal
  • Took all the money from the Brazilian treasury with him
  • In Portugal, Liberal Revolution creates constitutional monarchy
  • Portuguese Courts revoked number of laws in Brazil
• In September 1822, Pedro, son of Joao, declares Brazilian independence
  • Led to war in which Portuguese were defeated
  • In December 1822, Pedro declares himself as emperor of Brazil