1500-Portuguese land in the area and claim it to the Portuguese crown.
1822-Son of Portuguese king declares independence from Portugal and crowns himself Peter I, Emperor of Brazil.
1888-Slavery was abolished. Large influx of European immigrants over the next decade.
1889-Monarchy overthrown, federal republic established with central government controlled by coffee interests. Brazil produces 65% of world's coffee by 1902.
1939-45 - Brazil initially declares itself neutral but in 1943 joins Allies in World War II.