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In contrast to the political anarchy, econmic dislocation, and military destruction in Spanish America, Brazil's drive toward independence from Portugal proceeded as a relatively bloodless transition between 1808 and 1822. The idea of Brazilian independence first arose in the late eighteenth century as Brazilian reaction to the Portuguese policy of tightening political and economic control over the colony in the interests of the mother country. The first sigificant conspiracy against Portuguese rule was organized from 1788-1799 in the provice of Minas Gerais, where rigid governmental control over the production and prices of gold and diamonds, as well as heavy taxes, caused much discontent. But thisconspiracy never went beyond the stage of discussion and was easily discovered and crushed. Other conspiracies in the late eighteeth century as well as a brief revolt in 1817 reflected the influence of republican ideas over section of the elite and even the lower strata of urban society. All proved abortive or were soon crushed. Were it not for an accident of European history, the independence of Brazil might have been long delayed.

The French invasion of Portugal in 1807 followed by the flight of the Portuguesecourt to Rio de Janeiro brought large benefits to Brazil. Indeed, the transfer of the court in effect signified achievement of Brazilian independence. The Portuguese prince and future King Hoao VI opened Brazil's ports to the trade of friendly nations, premitted the rise of local industries, and founded the Bank of Brazil. In 1815 he elevated Brazil to the legel status of a kingdom coequal with Portugal. In one sense, however, Brazil's new status signifified the substitution of one dependence for another. Freed from Portuguese control, Brazil came under the economic dominance of England, which obtained major tariff concessions and other privileges by the Strangford Treaty of 1810 beteen Portugal and Great Britain. The treaty provided for the importation of British manufactures into Brazil and the export of Brazilian agricultural produce to Great Britian. One result was an influx of cheap machine made goods that swamped the handicrafts industry of the country.

Brazilian elites took satisfaction in Brazil's new role and the growth of educational, cultural and economic opportunities for their class. But the feeling was mixed with resentment toward the thousands of Portuguese courtiers and hangers on who came with the court and who competed with Brazilians for jobs and favors. Thus, the change in the status of Brazil sharpened the conflict between Portuguese elites born in Brazil and elites born in Portugal and loyal to the Portuguese crown.

The event that precipitated the break with the mother country was the revolution of 1820 in Portugal. The Portuguese revolutionaries framed a briberal constitution for the Kingdom, but they were conservative or reactionary in relation to Brazil.They demanded the immediate return of King Joao to Lisbon, an end to the system of dual monarchy that had devised, and the restoration of the Portuguese commercial monopoly. Timid and vacillating, King Joao did not know which way to turn. Under the pressure of his courtiers, who hungered to return to Portugal and their lost estates he finally approved the new constitution and sailed for Portugal. He left behind him, however, his son and heir, Pedro, and in a private letter advised him that in the event the Brazilians should assume leadership of the movement and set the crown of Brazil on his head.

Soon it became clear that the Portuguese parlianment intended to set the clock back by abrogating all the liberies and concessions won by Brazil since 1808. One of its decrees insisted on the immediate return of Pedro from Brazil.

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