History of Brazil, 1500-2000

"From its discovery by Cabral in 1500 to the end of the millennium in 2000, Brazil developed from a precarious colonial outpost to become the giant of South America and one of the largest and most populated nations in the modern world." "During the colonial period that lasted for three centuries, the land was colonized and conquered by the Portuguese. At the same time a society of ethnic diversity emerged and an economic pattern of boom and bust was experienced by the sugar and mining industries. Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822, but remained a monarchy until 1889 when the country became a republic. The republican system of government endured during the 20th century and economic growth ensured that Brazil entered the 21st century as a society which was still ethnically diverse but markedly different from that of the colonial period." "Including a useful guide to further reading, A History of Brazil provides an invaluable informative synthesis of the key developments and events of Brazilian history."--Jacket.