The recorded history of Brazil is brief when compared to most European countries, having been discovered by Portuguese sailor and explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral just over five hundred years ago. Since then, however, its history has been turbulent, blighted by rebellion, cruelty, dictatorship and poverty. But, it is also a vibrant, exciting and ethnically diverse nation that has, in the face of great adversity, emerged as one of the world's fastest growing major economies. A Short History of Brazil examines the events that have led to Brazil's ascendancy, looking at the indigenous peoples.

Cover; Blurb; About the Author; Title; Dedication; Acknowledgements; Contents; Introduction; Chapter One: The Geography of Brazil; Chapter Two: Pre-Colonial Peoples; Chapter Three: Colonial Brazil; Chapter Four: Imperial Brazil; Chapter Five: The First Republic; Chapter Six: The Vargas Era; Chapter Seven: Flirting with Democracy; Chapter Eight: Military Government, Democracy and Economic Miracles; Suggested Further Reading; Copyright.