Imperial - Brazilian History

08/20/2023Categories: Imperial, War of Paraguay

The paraguayan cannon “El Cristiano”

The War of Paraguay, which took place between 1864 and 1870, was one of the most brutal wars in the history of South America. It involved the Triple Alliance, composed of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, against Paraguay. Brazil entered the war due to the seizure of the ship Marquês de Olinda on the Paraguay River and the invasion of Paraguayan troops in Mato Grosso. Argentina also declared war on Paraguay after the Paraguayan invasion in the Corrientes region.

08/15/2023Categories: Imperial, Independence

The painting “Independence or Death” by Pedro Américo

In 1886, during the final years of the Monarchy, the painter from Paraíba, Pedro Américo, was commissioned by the imperial government to create a painting depicting the events that led to the foundation of the Brazilian Empire by Emperor Dom Pedro I in 1822.

08/11/2023Categories: Imperial, Republican, Republican Coup

Floriano Peixoto and the Fall of the Brazilian Monarchy

The last cabinet of the Brazilian Empire appointed Floriano Peixoto (1839-1895), a distinguished soldier and veteran of the Paraguayan War, to the position of army adjutant-general. He was originally from Alagoas and had a strong association with the Liberal Party. Like Deodoro, he had participated extensively in the campaign against Lopez. He returned as a lieutenant colonel.

Florianópolis: A monument in honor of those who died in the Paraguayan War

08/08/2023Categories: Imperial, War of Paraguay

A monument in Florianópolis in honor of those who died in the Paraguayan War

The monument in honor of the Santa Catarina people who died in the Paraguayan War was inaugurated in 1876 at Praça XV in the city of Florianópolis, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. The work was intended to be named the “Commemorative Column,” but it became known as the monument to the 51 Santa Catarina natives who died in the Paraguayan War (1864-1870).

08/07/2023Categories: Colonial, Imperial, Republican

The Evolution of the Cityscape: From Slaughterhouse to Cultural Heritage

Throughout history, cities have undergone transformational changes, shedding old practices and embracing new ones. The city of Rio de Janeiro, with its rich tapestry of memories, is no exception to this phenomenon. Within its boundaries lie numerous examples of places and practices that have faded into the past, and among these, the Matadouro da Cidade (City Slaughterhouse) stands out as a poignant reminder of bygone eras.

08/05/2023Categories: Colonial, Imperial, Independence

Discover how the independence of Brazil happened

The Independence of Brazil, which occurred on September 7, 1822, represents a fundamental moment in the country’s history. On that day, Prince Regent Dom Pedro I proclaimed Brazil as an independent nation from Portugal, marking the end of over three centuries of colonial rule and the beginning of a new journey towards freedom and sovereignty.

08/05/2023Categories: Imperial, Independence

Dom Pedro I, the composing emperor

The First Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro I, had a highly refined musical education, as was customary among the Bragança family. Among his teachers were Marcos Portugal and Sigismund Neukomm. He played the bugle, flute, violin, bassoon, trombone, and harpsichord.

08/04/2023Categories: Imperial, Republican

The Monument to the Viscount of Mauá in Rio de Janeiro City

Mauá Square marks the beginning of Avenida Rio Branco and also the Port of Rio de Janeiro, as the numbering of warehouses starts at the square. The center of the square is occupied by the statue of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, the Baron/Viscount of Mauá, a pioneer in various areas of Brazil’s economy. The Baron/Viscount of Mauá, who also gives his name to the square, was responsible for the construction of the Mauá Railway and the creation of the Bank of Brazil, among other achievements. Placed on a column, the sculpture is the work of the sculptor Rodolfo Bernardelli and was inaugurated in 1910 by the initiative of the Engineering Club.

08/02/2023Categories: Imperial

Palacete do Caminho Novo: The place where Mauá and the Marquesa de Santos lived

The Palacete do Caminho Novo in São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, is a rare architectural exemplar from the 19th century, and it is one of the first buildings listed as a national historic and artistic heritage site by the Brazilian Institute of National Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) in 1938. Designed by Jean Pierre Pézerat, the Emperor’s architect, it is adorned with decorative paintings by Francisco Pedro do Amaral and stucco work by the Ferrez brothers. The building once housed the Museum of the First Reign and currently houses the Museum of Brazilian Fashion.

The beginning of electric lighting in Brazil

07/31/2023Categories: Imperial

When electric lighting arrived in Brazil

Electricity arrived in Brazil primarily for public lighting, which proved to be more efficient than previously adopted methods such as gas or kerosene, during a historical period when the country was among the global pioneers in the application of electric power. This was made possible by the interest of Emperor Dom Pedro II, a science enthusiast, in the emerging technology.