Brazil and the United States

The Empire’s Case for Recognition

Brazil’s first Washington mission sought recognition of both independence and the imperial dynasty. In January 1824, Foreign Minister Luís José de Carvalho e Melo instructed José Silvestre Rebelo to appeal to American interests in commerce and resistance to European intervention. Rebelo was also to explain why a monarchy and a republic could cooperate despite their different constitutions. Monroe’s reception of him on 26 May established recognition and diplomatic relations with the Empire of Brazil. [1] [2]

During the empire, commerce and transport gave the relationship much of its practical substance. The 1828 Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation and a steamship connection established in 1865 facilitated exchange. Neutral rights and wartime trade could also produce disputes, while Britain remained more influential in Brazil’s external commerce. [6]

Rebelo was to secure an exchange of political agents, seek reciprocal treatment for consuls, and publish material favorable to Brazil in American newspapers. His authority had limits: he was not to commit the imperial government to a commercial treaty. The American legation in Rio de Janeiro followed in October 1825, when Condy Raguet presented credentials to Pedro I. [1] [2]

Ambassadors and Regional Mediation

The two governments raised their representation to ambassadorial rank in 1905. Joaquim Nabuco became Brazil’s first ambassador in Washington, while Washington appointed David Thompson to the corresponding rank in Rio. Embassy diplomacy soon extended to regional mediation. At Niagara Falls in May 1914, Ambassador Domício da Gama joined Argentine and Chilean representatives in bringing American and Mexican delegates together. Washington refused to recognize the Mexican government represented at the conference, although its delegates participated. [3] [2] [4]

Military Cooperation and Its Limits

Brazilian troops fought alongside American forces in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. Later military agreements became a point of contention over American human rights policy. In September 1977, Foreign Minister Antônio Francisco Azeredo da Silveira notified Ambassador John Crimmins that Brazil was ending four military arrangements, following its earlier denunciation of the 1952 assistance agreement. The Brazilian note reaffirmed willingness to cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and noninterference. The American embassy stated that it did not regard the decision itself as a deterioration of diplomatic relations and that Washington’s human rights policy remained unchanged. [2] [5]

Dictatorship, Democracy, and a Broader Agenda

Cold War policy also tied Washington to Brazil’s internal political struggles. As the military moved against President João Goulart in March 1964, American officials discussed a naval task force, petroleum supplies, ammunition, and economic assistance for a government they expected to favour the West. The resulting Brazilian dictatorship suppressed constitutional rights and lasted until 1985. [7] [8]

The democratic relationship that followed encompassed environmental and social questions as well as trade and defence. In February 2023, Lula and Biden made protection of democratic institutions, human rights, and climate cooperation central to their joint statement. They revived work through the bilateral climate group and discussed Amazon conservation, clean energy, food security, investment, research, and reform of international institutions. [9]

Related Reading

• ABC Diplomats Mediate the Veracruz Crisis at Niagara Falls [4] [3] [2]