On This Day: September 7, 1822 – Brazil Declares Independence from Portugal
Looking Back at the days Brazil Declares Independence from Portuguese Rule
“Independence or Death!” were the words Dom Pedro pronounced as he raised the sword at the Ipiranga River. These words freed Brazil. This marked the end of three centuries of Portuguese tyranny. The new name of the country added to the Portuguese empire was Brazil. It got its independence on, September 7, 1822.
The Road to Brazil’s Independence
It was 1808 and the situation for Portuguese was already dire. Not for the kings and queens of the country, though. They had to run away and create a new place called Rio de Janeiro. This was the new hub of the Portuguese empire as Brazil became the head and the center of the empire.
“That as a Colony, our nation, Brazil, deserves a lot of rights.” These were the words of the elite as the empire experiences changes in the political and the trade center. Since the King was mainly in control, he had to go to Dom Pedro and stay as the ruler in Brazil.
Rising Tensions Between Brazil and Portugal
‘There is a new decree! Lower the Brazillian citizenship hipshed in the Por.” These were the words that were in the order. The Portuguese didn’t care that Brazil had shown its worth. The leaders of the country asked Dom Pedro not to go to Portugal as they had lost a lot of the advances previously made.
On January 9 1822 Pedro declared what became known as the Dia do Fico, saying, “If it is for the good of all and the general happiness of the nation, I am ready. Tell the people I am staying.” This vow bolstered the proclamation of independence and aimed Brazil for the slanted trajectory away from Portugal.
The Cry of Ipiranga: Independence or Death
On the 7th of September 1822, while out near the vicinity of São Paulo, Dom Pedro had received letters from his wife and some of his advisors which, brought to him most urgently. The content was unequivocal: Portugal had denied Brazil’s obtained goals for independence. TAt the Ipiranga River, he stopped, took out his sword, and shouted the now famous words, “Independence or Death!”.
This is how these days he is known for, the Cry of Ipiranga, which marked out the most important point during Brazil’s Independence Day. In contrast with numerous countries of Latin America, the independence of Brazil was granted in a short period of time and with not much bloodshed.
A New Nation Under Dom Pedro I
Not much time after, Dom Pedro was given the throne as Brazil’s Emperor Pedro I, making the nation a constitutional monarchy. This was the first time a country in the whole region was not a republic, which is what most of the neighbouring countries became.
You still notice contradictions during Brazil’s independence. While speaking about freedom, slavery went on. For decades, bondage was the only existence for millions of enslaved africans, proving that liberty was nowhere near equal.
Why September 7 Matters in Brazilian History
Today, 7th September is recognised in Brazil as the Day of Independence. Citizens of all regions take part in the rituals of the day in the form of dances, songs, and exhibiting patriotism.
The tale about Brazil separating from Portugal is more than a history book: it demonstrates the intersection of leadership, opportunity, and public will to transform the destiny of a country. The very first Cry of Ipiranga resonates in the identity of Brazil and more than two hundred years have passed.
Quick Facts About Brazil’s Independence
-
Date: September 7, 1822
-
Leader: Dom Pedro I
-
Event: Cry of Ipiranga (“Independence or Death!”)
-
Outcome: End of Portuguese colonial rule in Brazil
-
Legacy: Brazil became the largest independent nation in South America
Final Thoughts
The day in history is when Dom Pedro I announced the separation from Portugal, thus birthing a new country. The aftermath of 1822 was a turning point for Brazil, and for Latin America. The Dia do Fico and the Cry of Ipiranga serve to remind us more than anything the role of willpower and the importance of making the right choices in order to transform the future.
References
