Brief History of Brazil

by Teresa A. Meade

A Brief History of Brazil, Second Edition offers a concise yet comprehensive account of the rich and varied story of Brazil, placing the political, economic, and cultural events of today into broad historical context. The book opens with an overview of precolonial 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, which led to the creation of modern Brazil. After more than three decades of military dictatorship, Brazil is now a democracy. It is also a self-sufficient country, thanks to recent discoveries of offshore oil and gas, and it stands on the brink of becoming a major world player in the oil industry. A Brief History of Brazil, Second Edition examines key historical figures and the hallmarks of Brazilian popular culture, including soccer, music, and television dramas.

Genres: History

280 pages, Hardcover

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.