FORMAÇÃO DO TERRITÓRIO BRASILEIRO
The Formation of Brazilian Territory
The regional division of Brazil as known today was established in 1970, despite the country being conquered in 1500. The initial territorial divisions occurred after the Portuguese arrival in 1533, leading to the creation of private systems like hereditary captaincies.
Initial Territorial Divisions
- The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided the world between Portugal and Spain before Brazil's conquest in 1500.
- Portugal created a system of hereditary captaincies in 1533 due to challenges in administering such a vast colony.
- These captaincies, managed by noble appointees, faced difficulties such as resource shortages and indigenous attacks.
Evolution of Territorial Structure
- By around 1750, unsuccessful captaincies were integrated into public domain, coinciding with the Treaty of Madrid legitimizing territorial ownership.
- Internal regional divisions were slow due to cultural and economic diversity; proposals for geographical divisions emerged over time based on climate, vegetation, and terrain.
Evolution of Regional Divisions
Over time, Brazil's regional divisions evolved from physical characteristics to encompass social and economic aspects. Official regionalization proposals aimed at facilitating geography education emerged throughout history.
Proposals for Regionalization
- In 1913, a proposal based on climate, vegetation, and terrain divided Brazil into five regions: Northern, Northeastern, Central Eastern, and Southern.
- In 1940, the IBGE proposed an official regionalization considering physical as well as social and economic factors but with different region names: North-South-Northeast-West-Center.
Modern Regionalization
By the mid-20th century onwards, Brazil underwent various reconfigurations reflecting political and social concerns. Brasília's construction marked a significant period leading to modern regional delineations.
Modern Reconfigurations
- In 1945, new territories like Rio Branco were recognized alongside seven regions: North-Central West-Western Northeast-Eastern Northern-Southern East-Southern.