Keeping Touch with the Goulart Lobby

Professor Horowitz concludes his study about Brazil by making an appeal in favor of some basic education in this country about “the realities of Latin America and Brazilian America.” Indeed. But the knowledge of realities requires care and humility. Neither of these qualities is evident in this book.

Professor Horowitz writes (p. 87) that “during the Portuguese Empire period of 1822-31, Dom Pedro I, aided by his able Prime Minister, José Bonifácio de Andrade e Silva, successfully fought the economic and political institution of slavery.” Inasmuch as Brazil achieved its independence from Portugal in 1822, Brazilians may resent that the American public is being taught that 1822-31 is a part of the “Portuguese Empire period.” Pedro I broke with José Bonifácio de Andrada who resigned in July 1823 and so was in the picture only very little between 1822 and 1831. Moreover, Brazilians would surely question that Pedro I and José Bonifácio successfully fought slavery. And the misspelling of Andrada may not surprise Brazilians, but on the other hand, may not be insignificant.

JD

About the Author

John W. F. Dulles

Featured Tags

Professor Horowitz concludes his study about Brazil by making an appeal in favor of some basic education in this country about “the realities of Latin America and Brazilian America.” Indeed. But the knowledge of realities requires care and humility. Neither of these qualities is evident in this book.

Professor Horowitz writes (p. 87) that “during the Portuguese Empire period of 1822-31, Dom Pedro I, aided by his able Prime Minister, José Bonifácio de Andrade e Silva, successfully fought the economic and political institution of slavery.” Inasmuch as Brazil achieved its independence from Portugal in 1822, Brazilians may resent that the American public is being taught that 1822-31 is a part of the “Portuguese Empire period.” Pedro I broke with José Bonifácio de Andrada who resigned in July 1823 and so was in the picture only very little between 1822 and 1831. Moreover, Brazilians would surely question that Pedro I and José Bonifácio successfully fought slavery. And the misspelling of Andrada may not surprise Brazilians, but on the other hand, may not be insignificant.