May 19, 2010

Brazilian Stamp of the Week: The Opening of the Ports

A friend of mine found out I collected stamps and gave me this Brazilian piece from 1908. It commemorates the centennial of the opening of the ports.

What is the significance of the opening of the ports?

I'm glad you asked.

From 1500 to 1808 Portugal had a monopoly on Brazil's ports. Only Portuguese ships could do business in Brazil's harbor cities. On January 24th, 1808, the Portuguese royal family arrived in Brazil on British ships, having escaped Napoleon's invading forces in the homeland. Four days later the prince regent of Portugal declared the Brazilian ports open to friendly nations. By "friendly nations" he meant, specifically, the British.

This act had an enormous positive impact on Brazil's economy. The partnership with the British would such modern inventions as railroads and cotton-related technology to Brazil. It also paved the way for Brazil's abolition of slavery, which was based on the fact that Britain had outlawed the trade.

Ultimately, the opening of the ports paved the way for the Gospel, as the first Protestant missionaries to gain a permanent foothold in Brazil were British.

A couple details to note on the stamp: Notice that Brazil is spelled with a "z", whereas today it is spelled with an "s". Also, along the bottom edge you can read the name of the establishment that printed the stamp: "American Bank Note Co. N.Y."

Talk back to the missionary: If you can think of anything related to stamps or to the opening of ports, by all means share in the comments section.

Posted by Andrew on May 19, 2010 2:32 PM.