History+of+Brazil

__History of Brazil __
The landmass known today as Brazil was originally claimed in 1500 by the Portuguese. The Portuguese began to colonize the land in 1534. Through numerous military conquests against French and British forces, the Brazilian territory was increased throughout the 16th and 17th century. In 1808 the Portuguese empire fled Portugal and established itself in Rio de Janeiro to avoid the conquering forces of Napoleon.

The Portuguese empire returned to Europe in 1821 and attempted to return Brazil's status to a colony of Portugal. Brazil refused to yield their status and achieved official independence for their nation in 1822. Brazil began itself as somewhat of a military dictatorship but in 1902 began to adopt peaceful and just policies. Democracy was finally established in 1946 when Brazil elected their leader for the first time in history.

Elected in 2002 and 2006, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is presently president of the nation. Under his diligent and respectable leadership, Brazil is enjoying a time of long-sought political stability. Brazil is the political and economic leader of Southern America and on the cusp of becoming a global power through its newly acquired economic prosperity and political power.

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