History Various groups inhabited the area when Pedro Alvarez Cabral arrived in 1500 and claimed it as Portugal. Dutch and French both attempted to establish colonies but were eventually driven out. Spain controlled Brazil from 1580 - 1640. Colonization took several decades. Expansion didn't begin until after 1650. Napoleon captured Libson, Portugal, in 1808. Royal family fled Brazil. Royal family established Rio de Janeiro. Royal family returned to Portugal in 1821, leaving Dom Pedro (the first) to govern. Pedro declared Brazil's independence in 1822. Dictator Getulio Vargas ruled from 1903 - 1945. In April 1995, Brazil's President Henrique Cardoso met with President Clinton. Brazil has alway been known for its talents in soccer. Great soccer players from Pele to Ronoldo come from Brazil; soccer is their game. Brazil has won four world cups - the most ever won by any country!

Recent Events Elections in 1989 brought Fernando Collor de Mello to office as first elected president in 29 years. Collor's stopped spending, and the economy was hurt. Collor resigned in December, 1992, before being impeached. Vice President Itmar Franco assumed the presidency until elections in October 1994. Economy began to boom in 1994. 1995 Cardosa took office. Cardosa found a solution to poverty, human rights abuses, and clashes between wealthy landowners and landless peasants.

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