History of Brazil

Brazil Tours / History - Brazil's colonial history (Colonial Brazil) started with the foundation of São Vicente by Martim Afonso de Sousa in 1532 and ended with the proclamation of Independence by Dom Pedro I in 1822.

During this time, the portuguese coloy was divided first in so-called hereditary captaincies (1532 - 1549) and afterwards in general captaincies which were adminitered by a general governor.

Economically, the colonial period was divided into a sugar cane and a gold cycle. The labour force was first provided by the Indians and from 1550 on by African slaves. The Indians were catequized in more than 60 Jesuit reductions which were under constant atack from the Bandeirantes.

See also: Hans Staden