Question

why did the Portuguese first settle Brazil? A. to control the brazelwood trade B. to participate in slave trade C. to spread Christianity D. to find gold

Answer 1

Answer

To explore Brazil economically

Explanation

Portugal was the first to make a claim on Brazil with the agenda of exploring it economically. The Portuguese were attracted by  Brazil because it had trees that could be used as pigments for textile production. In addition to the plant that branded Brazil the name ‘pau-brasil’ there was a favorable climate for sugar growing. Portugal increased its concentration on Brazil when they discovered gold in Minas Geraes region.

Answer 2

In April 1500, the Portuguese arrived on the Bahian shores of Rio Buranhém, under the direction of Pedro Alvares Cabral.  Although the Portuguese sailors stayed for only nine days, the indigenous inhabitants, who greeted them with peace offerings upon landing on the beach, soon became fascinated by the iron tools used, the Catholic mass service observance and the alcoholic beverages that they observed. Because of this perceived interest in the Roman Catholic religion, the Portuguese assumed that these ones would quickly convert to Christianity once educated.  

Even though, Portugal did not really appreciate the value of Brazil, the New Christian investors traded in brazilwood ( which provided a rich red dye,  valuable in the coloring of textiles and clothing). Such monopoly was share with the Portuguese king, who would allow private investors to conquer certain areas for their own benefit, but at their own costs.

When other European nations, such as the French and Spanish, saw the opportunity to conquer and occupy parts of Brazil, Portuguese fought determinedly against their invasion, dispatching strong fleets to clear the coast. Another effort led by Portuguese in order to oppose conquering of Brazil from other nations was to establish permanent settlements. The first of these was São Vicente, established in 1532.