NationMaster - Discussion - Brazil Profile

Independence Day: September 7 1822 (From Portugal after a 322-year rule). Brazil then became an Empire, not a Republic, and the Emperor was the heir to Portugal's throne who decided to rebel against his daddy and live here instead.
Major armed conflicts? Before Independence, the French and Dutch tried to establish themselves in Brazilian territory but failed.
After the Independence, the big conflict was Paraguayan War. In which Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay teamed up against Paraguayan crazy dictator Solano Lopez. The Paraguayan armed forces were at the time stronger than everyone else combined, but they still failed because of poor planning. The bloodshed was such that half of the Paraguayan population was killed.
This war, despite a victory, was a major blow to the Brazilian economy. The subsequent crisis strenghtened the desire for a big reform of the government system, and we decided to turn into a Republic in 1889.
And Brazil was also the only Latin American nation to fight in European soil during WW-II. Sided with the Allies, of course. Brazilian army won some battles in Italy.
Today the Armed forces are experiencing some hardships in Brazil because the government is making an effort to reduce expenditures, and there's not much need for a powerful Defense system in the relatively peaceful region of South America.

Federico
9th October 2005

When was the independence of Brazil and what have been his major armed conflicts?

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