Marquis de Pombal & Brazil
nThe Marquis of Pombal directed Portuguese affairs from 1755 to 1776.
nHe labored to strengthen the Portuguese economy and to lessen his country's dependence upon England, especially regarding the flow of Brazilian gold to London.
nThe authoritarian Pombal suppressed opposition to his policies;
•The Jesuits were expelled from the empire in 1759.
•Reforming administrators worked in Brazil to end lax or corrupt practices.
•Monopoly companies were formed to stimulate agriculture.
•Rio de Janeiro
became the capital.
nPombal abolished slavery in Portugal, but not in Brazil.
nThe trade balance first improved, but then suffered when demand for Brazilian products remained low.