The Rising of Brazil

The movement of the Royal Family could be said as the main factor that caused the Independence of Brazil in 1822. When Napoleon attempted to stop other countries to trade with Great Britain, Portugal continued the trade treaties with Britain. Napoleon, unhappy with the Portuguese, therefore signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Spain to divide Portugal. Not long after, Napoleon sent troops to attack Portugal, but before the troops could reach them, the royal family of Portugal left for Brazil.(6) The arrival of the royal family made some changes in the economic environment in Brazil. Prince Joao VI decided to invalidate some Portuguese laws such as prohibiting local manufacturing of textiles gunpowder and guns, as well as the building of wheat mills. Brazil later also had a higher level of autonomy(freedom from external control or influence) and modernization.(6)