Memory of the World

The Royal Charter is a priceless symbol of the historical changes on the 19th century international scene. It resulted in changes that led to the subsequent independence of Brazil, as well as to the development of international liberalism, that emerged from the Industrial Revolution and its English supremacy. By terminating the monopoly between Brazil and Portugal, the Charter contribute to the development of English commercial hegemony and marked the beginning of direct trade between Brazil and other countries. Following the promulgation of the Charter, Rio de Janeiro took Lisbon's place as the "customs" of the commerce between Portuguese colonies and other countries.