Portuguese navigator, Pedro Alvares Cabral, claimed Brazil for Portugal in 1500. Portugal wanted Brazil for its natural resources such as sugarcane. They built plantations (large farms) and began exporting, or shipping, sugarcane and sugar products to Europe. These products then spread all over the world.

Question

Enslaved by the Spanish, many natives died due to bad working conditions on plantations and European diseases. The Portuguese wanted a cheap source of labor and began importing slaves from Africa through the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The African slaves were forced to work on sugar and coffee plantations and in gold and diamond mines.
Brazil declared independence from Portugal in 1822. The slave trade ended in 1850; however, slavery continued in Brazil. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish (end) slavery in 1888.
what is the Native Point of View

Answer 1

The Native Point of View regarding the arrival of Portuguese colonizers and the subsequent impact on indigenous peoples in Brazil would likely encompass a range of feelings and perspectives, deeply rooted in their experiences and the dramatic changes that occurred due to European colonization. Here are some key aspects that may represent the Native Point of View:

1. Loss of Land and Resources: Indigenous peoples experienced the invasion of their territories, resulting in the loss of land and access to traditional resources. The establishment of plantations for sugarcane and other crops displaced native communities and disrupted their way of life.

2. Cultural Disruption: The arrival of the Portuguese brought foreign cultures, religions, and practices that often undermined indigenous traditions, beliefs, and social structures. The imposition of European customs would have been seen as a threat to their identity and heritage.

3. Devastating Effects of Colonization: Interaction with Europeans often led to the spread of diseases to which indigenous populations had no immunity, resulting in significant decline and, in many cases, extinction of entire groups. This would foster feelings of vulnerability, fear, and grief.

4. Forced Labor and Exploitation: Indigenous peoples were often subjected to forced labor on plantations, mirroring the plight of African slaves. The harsh working conditions and exploitation would have left deep scars on communities that were once self-sufficient.

5. Resistance and Resilience: Many indigenous groups resisted colonization, which included armed conflict, forming alliances, or incorporating new strategies to protect their communities. The Native Point of View may include narratives of resilience, survival, and adaptation in the face of overwhelming challenges.

6. Displacement and Migration: As colonization progressed, many indigenous people were forced to flee, leading to internal migrations and the fracturing of communities. This displacement could have resulted in a sense of dislocation and a struggle to maintain cultural practices and communal bonds.

7. Perspective on Slavery: While indigenous peoples themselves faced enslavement, they may have viewed the arrival of African slaves with a nuanced perspective, understanding the shared suffering and exploitation across different racial and ethnic groups.

8. Future Generations: Finally, the impact on future generations—how colonization changed the trajectory of indigenous cultures, identities, and demographics—would be a significant concern, tying into hopes for preservation and revitalization of native cultures amidst ongoing challenges.

Overall, the Native Point of View would be characterized by a complex mix of anger, sorrow, resilience, and the drive to preserve their identity and rights in the face of colonization and its long-lasting effects.