A Vinda da Família Real ao Brasil - Toda Matéria

Summary

In 1808, the Portuguese royal family and court arrived in Brazil as a political move by Prince Regent Dom João to safeguard Portugal's independence against Napoleon's invasion. Supported by England, they relocated to Brazil, where Dom João opened ports to friendly nations, fostering trade and cultural exchange. This event marked significant changes in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro, with the establishment of institutions like the Royal Botanical Garden and the Bank of Brazil. The Treaty of Alliance with the UK in 1810 furthered commercial ties, and by 1815, Brazil became part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, ending its colonial status. The royal family's presence was crucial for Brazil's territorial unity and accelerated its path to independence.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Portuguese royal family and court arrived in Brazil in 1808 as a political maneuver by Prince Regent Dom João to ensure Portugal's independence from Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion.
• 🤝 England supported the Portuguese crown, aiding in the expulsion of Napoleonic troops, and was part of a secret agreement that moved the seat of the Portuguese kingdom to Brazil.
• 🚢 The transfer to Brazil involved approximately 15,000 people, including ministers and employees, and required eight ships, with British naval support.
• 🛳️ The voyage was made under unsanitary conditions and lasted 54 days, with the royal family disembarking in Salvador on January 22, 1808.
• 🎉 In Salvador, the royal family was welcomed with festivities and stayed for over a month, during which Dom João signed a treaty opening ports to friendly nations and established the Bahia School of Surgery.
• 🌐 The opening of ports shifted trade from Portugal to Brazil, ending the colonial pact that established a commercial monopoly between the metropolis and the colony.
• 🏛️ Dom João created several institutions in Rio de Janeiro, including the Royal Botanical Garden, the Powder Factory, the Bank of Brazil, and the Real Military Academy, impacting various sectors.
• 📚 The Royal Library of Portugal was transferred entirely from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro, forming the basis of the current National Library.
• 🎭 The Real Teatro São João was founded in 1813, and composers like Marcos Portugal and Padre José Maurício wrote beautiful melodies that captivated audiences across the Americas.
• 📜 In 1810, Dom João signed the Treaty of Alliance, Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation with the United Kingdom, establishing import tariffs and other agreements, including the end of the slave trade and the prohibition of the Inquisition in Brazil.
• 🏙️ The presence of the royal family in Brazil until 1820 was crucial for maintaining territorial unity and contributed to the acceleration of Brazil's independence process.

Q & A

Why did the Portuguese royal family and court arrive in Brazil in 1808?

The Portuguese royal family and court arrived in Brazil in 1808 as a political maneuver by Prince Regent Dom João to ensure Portugal's independence in the face of Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion. This move was supported by England, which also helped in expelling Napoleonic troops.

What was the impact of Napoleon Bonaparte's Continental Blockade on Portugal?

The Continental Blockade, decreed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, was intended to close European ports to British trade. However, it did not affect England as intended but instead impacted countries like Portugal that depended on trade to sell their products.

Why did Portugal not adhere to the Continental Blockade?

Portugal did not adhere to the Continental Blockade due to its long-standing political alliance with England.

What was the significance of the secret convention signed between Dom João and King George III of England on October 22, 1807?

The secret convention transferred the seat of the Portuguese kingdom to Brazil, established that England would provide military support to Portugal, and that England would only recognize Dom João as the heir to the Portuguese throne.

How did the French invasion of Portugal influence Dom João's decision to move the royal court to Brazil?

The French invasion of Portugal in November 1807, orchestrated by Napoleon Bonaparte after Dom João refused to comply with his orders, led to Dom João's decision to transfer the entire royal court to Brazil.

What were the conditions of the journey for the Portuguese royal family and court to Brazil?

The journey to Brazil was made under unsanitary conditions and lasted 54 days until they arrived in Salvador on January 22, 1808.

What changes did the arrival of the royal family bring to Brazil, particularly to Rio de Janeiro?

The arrival of the royal family led to significant changes in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro, which became the capital of the Portuguese kingdom. New public buildings were constructed, and the opening of ports led to a shift in trade and services.

What was the role of the Real Biblioteca (Royal Library) in the cultural impact of the royal family's transfer to Brazil?

The Royal Library of Portugal was transferred entirely from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro in 1810, becoming the origin of the current National Library. It had an initial collection of 60,000 volumes, including books, maps, manuscripts, prints, and medals.

What was the Treaty of Alliance and Friendship of Commerce and Navigation signed by Dom João in 1810 with the United Kingdom, and what were its terms?

The Treaty of Alliance and Friendship of Commerce and Navigation established preferential import tariffs for English products at 15%, Portuguese products at 16%, and other countries at 24%. It also included commitments to end the slave trade, abolition of slavery, and provisions for the rights of British subjects in Portuguese territories.

How did the presence of the royal family in Brazil contribute to the country's independence process?

The presence of the royal family in Brazil accelerated the country's independence process by unifying the elite and population around the figure of the sovereign, and by maintaining the territorial unity of Brazil.

What was the outcome of the Liberal Revolution of Porto in 1820 regarding the royal family's presence in Brazil?

The Liberal Revolution of Porto in 1820 demanded the return of King Dom João VI and the re-establishment of exclusive trade with Brazil. Fearing a possible declaration of independence by the Brazilian elite, Dom João left his son and heir, Dom Pedro, as Prince Regent in Brazil, which eventually led to the political separation between Portugal and Brazil.