Land of Brazil: The Lusitanian Conquest and the Tupinambá Genocide

A compelling and meticulously researched account of the Portuguese conquest of Brazil and its devastating impact on the indigenous Tupinambá people.

In this groundbreaking work, historian Mário Maestri offers a fresh perspective on one of the most significant and tragic events in Brazilian history: the Portuguese conquest of Brazil and the subsequent genocide of the Tupinambá people. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, Maestri paints a vivid and detailed picture of the events that unfolded during this tumultuous period, shedding new light on the motivations and actions of the Portuguese colonizers and the devastating consequences they had for the indigenous population.

The Portuguese Conquest

In 1500, a Portuguese fleet led by Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived on the shores of Brazil, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Americas. The Portuguese quickly established a foothold in the region, and over the next few decades, they expanded their control over much of the Brazilian coast.

The Portuguese were driven by a desire for wealth and power, and they saw Brazil as a land of opportunity. They were eager to exploit the region's natural resources, including its valuable timber and minerals, and they were also interested in converting the indigenous people to Christianity.

The Tupinambá Genocide

The Tupinambá were one of the most powerful and influential indigenous groups in Brazil. They lived along the coast of what is now the state of Bahia, and they had a complex social and political structure. The Tupinambá were also skilled warriors, and they were known for their fierce resistance to the Portuguese invaders.

The Portuguese were determined to conquer the Tupinambá, and they used a variety of brutal tactics to achieve their goal. They launched military campaigns against the Tupinambá, and they also used disease and starvation to weaken them. The Portuguese also enslaved many Tupinambá, and they forced them to work in the sugar plantations and other industries.

As a result of the Portuguese conquest, the Tupinambá population was decimated. By the end of the 16th century, there were only a few thousand Tupinambá left, and they had been marginalized and dispossessed of their land.

A Legacy of Violence

The Portuguese conquest of Brazil and the Tupinambá genocide had a profound and lasting impact on Brazilian society. The violence and brutality of the conquest set a precedent for the treatment of indigenous peoples in Brazil, and it contributed to the development of a racist and discriminatory society.

The legacy of the Portuguese conquest and the Tupinambá genocide is still felt in Brazil today. Indigenous peoples continue to face discrimination and marginalization, and they are often denied their rights to land and resources. The history of the Portuguese conquest and the Tupinambá genocide is a reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality for all people.

Why You Should Read This Book

• Land of Brazil is a meticulously researched and well-written account of one of the most significant and tragic events in Brazilian history.
• Maestri offers a fresh perspective on the Portuguese conquest and the Tupinambá genocide, drawing on a wealth of primary sources to provide a vivid and detailed picture of the events that unfolded during this tumultuous period.
• This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Brazilian history, indigenous studies, or the history of colonialism.
• It is also a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality for all people.

Order Your Copy Today!

Land of Brazil is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and learn more about this important and fascinating chapter in Brazilian history.