Historical events of Brazil

The Portuguese arrive in Brazil under the command of Pedro Alvares Cabral, who claimed this new land as his own.

1630 - The Dutch desire Brazilian occupancy and domination and choose this year to invade the country, now occupied largely by the Portuguese.

1654 – The Dutch are finally driven from Brazil by the Portuguese, who once again claim ownership.

1822 - Brazil breaks ties with Portugal, finally announcing its independence.

1888 – A mammoth step forward occurs when slavery is finally abolished in this year.

1946 - A new constitution is implemented in the country, which restores the rights of individuals.

1964 – For a time, military leaders take control of the Brazilian government.

1985 - Brazil’s government is finally returned to civilian rule.

1988 - The Constituent Assembly ensures a wide distribution and consciousness of the new constitution of Brazil, which gives its citizens more individual rights.

2011 - Dilma Rousseff becomes Brazil's first women president.