Conquista do Brasil

The Conquista do Brasil refers to Portugal’s process of exploring, claiming, and establishing control over what is now Brazil in the early 16th century. Initiated by Portuguese explorers like Pedro Álvares Cabral in 1500, the conquest involved claiming territory, establishing settlements, and developing resources such as sugar plantations. It was driven by European trade interests, competition with other nations, and the desire for wealth. This period led to significant cultural, social, and economic changes, as Indigenous populations were often displaced or affected by colonization, shaping Brazil's history and identity.