French colonization Brazil, France Antarctique, France Équinoxiale, cultural relativism, Enlightenment philosophy, slavery abolition, indigenous peoples, Montaigne, Villegagnon
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Abstract
Explore the historical influence of France on Brazil, from colonization attempts to cultural impacts.
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[...] It is first the Brazil wood and the sugarcane that attract the colonizers, but it is especially the gold deposits discovered at the end of the 17th century that spark the interest. If the colonization of Brazil was mainly the work of Portugal, France still played an important role, even if little known. I - A great French influence Historical reminders 2 attempts at "soft" colonization in Brazil by France: France Antarctique and France Équinoxiale. France Antarctique (1555-1560): Tordesillas treaty places Brazil under Portuguese authority. François Ier does not accept it and sends several expeditions. But it is his successor Henri II who will make the 1ère true French colony in Brazil. [...]
[...] Cultural Influences These attempts at colonization were mainly commercial but also for population (with the goal of establishing an autonomous society). Today: French influence on the pronunciation of Portuguese in northern Brazil still visible. Under the Empire, Emperor Peter decides to make Rio de Janeiro a 'new Paris', which will push him to expel the poorest populations to the hills, thus giving birth to the famous favelas. Even after the colonial period: French influence ravages the country. However, French influence was not entirely negative. [...]
[...] the indigenous remain a source of entertainment for French artists, who draw inspiration from what they saw during their travels to fuel their work. La Condamine) Conclusion Even today, centuries after the colonization of the country, the traces of French colonization attempts are still visible in Brazil. There is a great reciprocal admiration between the two countries, and culturally the two peoples are very close. The rivalries of the colonial period should not be forgotten, as both powers pursued the same goal of exploitation and destruction of the indigenous culture. [...]
