On September 7, 1822, on the banks of the Ipiranga River in São Paulo, an important chapter in the history of Brazil was written with the “Cry of Ipiranga.” It was at this moment that Dom Pedro I proclaimed the political independence of Brazil from Portugal, using the memorable words “Independence or Death.” This event marked the end of Portuguese rule in Brazilian territory, becoming a milestone in national history.
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.
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.
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.
In August 1888, the city of Rio de Janeiro welcomed the return of Emperor Dom Pedro II after a year-long trip to Europe for medical treatment. As they sighted Guanabara Bay, they saw the tribute made by the students of the Military School, then located at Praia Vermelha. They had placed a twelve-meter sign on top of Sugarloaf Mountain with the word “Salve” (Hail).
The book “Why I Still Remain a Monarchist” by Joaquim Nabuco is a work that explores the personal and historical reasons of the author for maintaining his monarchical position in a republican context. Published in 1913, the book, which was originally released as a letter to the Diário do Comércio, presents arguments based on tradition, political stability, and the characteristics of the monarchical system that Brazil experienced before the military coup of 1889.
The book The Kingdom That Was Not of This World: Chronicle of an Unproclaimed Republic was published in 2015 by Valentina Publishers. This non-fiction work was written by Marcos Costa, and I read it in the Kindle version. Marcos Costa initially considered becoming an architect but soon changed his mind and pursued History at UNESP – Assis campus. He obtained a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Social History, also from UNESP.
Marcos Costa is a historian, university professor, researcher, and writer. He has authored numerous articles published in academic journals, as well as the books The Obscure Book of the Discovery of Brazil, The History of Brazil for Those in a Hurry, and The Man Who Did Not Want to Be Immortal.
I finished reading the book “My Formation” by Joaquim Nabuco, a book that reveals many details about Brazil and the world in the 19th century and sheds light on the author’s personality. I have already written my review of the book “Abolitionism,” where you can find the roots of the abolitionist movement and the actions taken by Joaquim Nabuco and his companions in support of this ideal.
It is no secret to anyone the case of revocation of the Princess Isabel Order of Merit by the Ministry of Human Rights, which is seen by Dom João de Orleans e Bragança, the great-grandson of Princess Isabel, as “another revengeful primacy” of recent governments. The Order, created by former president Jair Bolsonaro in December of last year, has now been revoked by the Lula government, which has instituted the Luiz Gama Human Rights Prize in its place.
Machado de Assis was one of the most renowned and influential Brazilian writers. Born on June 21, 1839, in Rio de Janeiro, he is considered one of the greatest masters of Portuguese-language literature. His works span various genres, including novels, short stories, poems, chronicles, and plays.
Throughout his life, Machado de Assis witnessed significant transformations in Brazil, from the end of the Empire to the Republic, and his work reflects this transition. His writings are marked by a profound psychological analysis of the characters and insightful social criticism, as well as a unique literary style characterized by irony and subtlety.
