The Recognition of Brazilian Independence
The struggle for independence in Brazil was influenced decisively by the intimate and unique ties which bound Portuguese America to Europe. The direction which the revolution assumed and the outcome of the movement were determined to a large extent by relations with the European powers. Independence, in the final analysis, was won not on the field of battle but by diplomacy. The conflict focussed on three major actors: Brazil, the impatient adolescent demanding recognition of its majority; Portugal, the reluctant mother country, seeking to perpetuate the maternal bonds; and Great Britain, the traditional guardian of Portuguese affairs, striving to settle the family row with due regard to the international complexities of the day and with the greatest benefit to Rio, Lisbon, and London. The question at issue was not independence for it was obvious to the European powers, even to Lisbon, that Portugual alone was unable to impose her will on Brazil. It was the recognition of that independence which constituted the vital problem: only prompt recognition would preserve the precarious social and institutional stability of the new state. The action of the three was determined by motives and circumstances peculiar to each. An analysis of the position of each, therefore, will render more intelligible the action taken in the process of the negotiations. When, on September 7, 1822, the young Pedro proclaimed the independence of Brazil he announced a fact, not an aspiration, for the foundations of the new state had already been laid. Late in 1807, John, regent for the demented Queen Maria, abandoned Portugal to Napoleon and fled to the colony. He took with him the personnel, the paraphernalia, and the habit of government. He had his councilors of state, justices of superior courts, army and navy chiefs of staff, treasury officials, royal personages with courtiers, the monsignori, musicians, domestics and hangerson. He had state archives, law codes, customs ledgers, the royal library, and half of the money in circulation. The government and from eightto fifteen-thousand persons were moved bodily to