A Brief History of Brazil

by Teresa A. Meade

Only slightly smaller in size than the United States, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. It is home to exotic Rio de Janeiro, the mighty Amazon River, the world-renowned Carnival, and of course, its shrinking rainforests. "A Brief History of Brazil" offers a concise yet comprehensive account of the rich and varied history of Brazil, placing the political, economic, and cultural events of today into broad historical context. The book opens with an overview of pre-colonial Brazil and goes on to examine the history of Portuguese exploration, through the early years of the slave trade between Africa and the Americas, and the creation of the largest slaveholding society in the modern world. During this era, a vibrant African culture left its mark, joined by influences from European, Asian, and Middle Eastern immigrants, all of which combined to create modern Brazil. After a short-lived First Republic at the turn of the twentieth century, Brazil experienced more than three decades of military dictatorship before it developed the vibrant democracy that characterizes the country today. "A Brief History of Brazil" also examines key historical figures and the hallmarks of Brazilian popular culture: soccer, Carnival, music, and television. This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Genres: History

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Teresa Meade is Florence B. Sherwood Professor of History and Culture at Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Reviews

[Liv Møller]

I read this for school purpose and I am pleasantly surprised. Normally you get a book that is dry and boring but this one was neither. Meade really makes a brief history of Brazil that touches everything you need to know and to make you more curious. It was really good and a book I know I will use many times in the future.

[Zach M]

A Brief History of Brazil is a quick stroll through the big evolutions and moments in Brazil's history. The book covers the indigenous population, how Brazil was colonized, the various rulers/government, social issues, entertainment, and much more.

I finished with the ability to look into a lot of the topics and events covered with a very strong foundation thanks to this book.