European colonialism in Latin American ended duri

European colonialism in Latin American ended during the 19th century, with Spain surrendering its possessions while Brazil won independence from Portugal. Brazil's attempts at self-government began with a monarchy and finally evolved into a republic, echoing a process that had taken place over centuries in Britain. This paper will compare and contrast the republicanism of Brazil and Britain during the 19th century.

Portugal claimed Brazil early in the 1500s, at a time when approximately two million Indians lived in a vast area (Burns, 1980, p. 17). Portugal exploited Brazil's many resources, and soon the South American colony became Portugal's prize overseas possession. Europe's Latin American empires began to crumble early in the 19th century, as Napoleon overran Spain and Portugal. The Portuguese king fled to Brazil in 1808, to rule in exile. Once the British stopped Napoleon in 1815, it became apparent that the Latin American colonies were no longer tenable (Burns, 1980, p. 144).

Three centuries of Portuguese rule left Brazilians with little example to follow once they gained independence in 1822. Brazil's size had prevented Portugal from exercising anything more than nominal control over many areas. In many respects, Brazilians had enjoyed a high level of autonomy. Indeed, Brazilian independence movements began only after Portugal tried to assert more control during the 18th century (Burns, 1980, p. 160).

The Portuguese king returned home after Napoleon's

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g the vast majority of the population. Federalism also infused the new constitution, granting broad powers to Brazil's 20 states. The states retained authority over their exports and also retained the right to maintain militias (Burns, 1980, p. 290-91). Marshal Deodoro, the head of the army and the leader the coup d'Ttat, became the first elected President of Brazil. He immediately quarreled with Congress, and 1891 looked a lot like 1823. Deodoro dissolved Congress in November 1891, just nine months after the constitution had taken effect. However, this time, the executive's action met with widespread disapproval, and Deodoro resigned (Burns, 1980, p. 292). Vice President Floriano, another military man, succeeded Deodoro. By 1893, however, he faced full-scale revolt. The navy, dominated by aristocrats, soon joined in the rebellion and sought Floriano's ouster. The intervention of foreign powers, particularly the U.S., helped end the conflict and keep Floriano in power (Burns, 1980, pp. 295-97). Elections brought President Prudente de Morais to power in March 1894. He reversed the government's industrialization policy and once again emphasized agriculture. Coffee planters expanded their power and influence in Braz

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