The bicentennial of Brazil-U.S. relations

“If Brazil was to be truly free,” José Silvestre Rebello wrote in the years after Latin America’s largest nation gained its independence, “it would have much to learn from the United States.” Born in Portugal, Mr. Rebello came to Brazil as a young man, becoming a successful entrepreneur and bureaucrat. After embracing the cause of independence, he helped negotiate U.S. recognition for the new Brazilian Empire. 

From 1824 to 1829, he would serve as Brazil’s first official representative in Washington. Mr. Rebello noted his differences with Americans, but felt an abiding kinship with them. “The Fourth of July celebrations offered a good opportunity to express the brotherhood between our two nations, though I could not say the same for the monarchies of Europe, whose absence on such days proves that they have no such desire,” he observed. 

The relationship that Mr. Rebello helped establish turns 200 in 2024. 

Indeed, this year there is likely to be much discussion of that friendship, which has generally been characterized by cooperation, commercial and cultural exchange, and shared ideals. 

From the early recognition of Brazilian independence to the joint efforts during World War II and collaboration on global challenges like climate change, the two nations have forged a bond that transcends pro forma diplomacy. 

The Brazilian government will almost certainly seek to use this anniversary as a platform to strengthen collaboration on pressing global issues, build bridges of understanding and cultural exchange, and demonstrate the power of partnership in facing a complex, multipolar world.