Around The World
Brazil Timeline
Travel through our timeline of major events in Brazil's history.
9000 B.C.
Communities develop in the Amazon region.1500 A.D
Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral lands in Brazil. He claims it for Portugal.1555
French forces occupy Rio de Janeiro harbor. Two years later, Portugal regains control and establishes the city of Rio de Janeiro.1695
Gold is discovered in Brazil’s interior.1822
Brazil gains independence from Portugal. Pedro I, the son of Portugal’s king, establishes the Brazilian empire.1888
Slavery is abolished in Brazil.
1889
The military forces Emperor Pedro II to give up his throne. Brazil becomes a republic with a president.1890s
Southeastern Brazil becomes a coffee growing center. Coffee becomes the country’s most important crop.
1960
Brasília is chosen to replace Rio de Janeiro as Brazil’s capital.1970s
The Trans-Amazonian Highway project encourages settlement in the Amazon. Native species are put in danger.1992
More than 100 world leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro for the first international Earth Summit. They discuss ways to protect the environment.2006
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reelected.