Lesson 1207 – The Estrada Real–Brazil’s Highway of Gold
For nearly two centuries Portuguese explorers, settlers, and prospectors combed the Brazilian countryside in vain, searching for deposits of gold. At the end of the 17th century rich lodes were finally discovered far inside the Brazil’s interior in a mountainous, craggy region. The King ordered a highway built from the sea to those deposits to guarantee the safe transit to his coffers of precious metals. Towns, then cities exploded with miners, slaves, and a new generation of Brazilians of immense wealth. Today we can follow that same road from the coast to towns now recognized as colonial gems.
Learning Objective
Students will learn how the discovery of gold in Brazil’s interior led to the development of the Estrada Real and shaped colonial settlement, wealth, and historic cities.
Social Studies Standards
People, Places, & Environments: I, J
Discussion Prompts
- How would the road the King wanted help him control gold, people, and trade? Which one was the most difficult to control? Why?
- How did the Atlantic Forest and the new road help the Portuguese crown get richer and stronger? Talk with your classmates about possible problems that they caused to the land and people.
- How do you think people on Ilha Grande live without cars? What would be the mode of transportation for people and goods? Brainstorm possible answers and share with a partner.
- How do you see the way of life of the quilombolas? Where do you see resilience and sustainability? Discuss what is most interesting to you about the quilombolas.
Lesson Activities
- Many plants and animals live only in the Atlantic Forest. Choose one endemic plant or animal and create a biodiversity rescue poster that explains why the species is important and describes one way people can protect it. Then share your poster with the class.
- Pedro II became an emperor at the age of 15. Create an essay explaining why you would prefer to have a young leader with fresh ideas than have an older leader with more experience.
- How are quilombos like and different from Native reservations? Think about their history, purpose, culture, and connection to land. Create a chart highlighting these points to share with your peers.
- Tiradentes, Aleijadinho, and Pedro II each helped shape Brazil in different ways. Create a drawing representing their gifts, leadership, and legacies.
Vocabulary
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- agroecology
- emperor
- endemic
- eradicate
- funneling
- indigenous
- monarch
- monoculture
- prospectors
- quilombo