In this alternate timeline, the history of Brazil diverges significantly from the one we know, as it is populated largely by Indigenous Amazonian tribes. The Portuguese arrived in the mid-1700s, establishing a few small coastal colonies and trading posts. In contrast to real-world events, Brazilian Indigenous groups mounted sustained resistance to colonization and fought a series of prolonged independence wars lasting from the late 18th century into the 20th.
The Portuguese, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral, first arrived in the mid-1700s, drawn by the region's abundant natural resources, including timber, coffee, and spices. However, they encountered robust Indigenous resistance from various Amazonian tribal groups, such as the Kaingang, Tupinambá, and Tupiniquim. The Portuguese were forced to consolidate power in several coastal footholds, including in modern-day Rio de Janeiro and Recife.
Indigenous groups in Brazil fiercely resisted Portugal's attempts at colonization and expansion. The Tupi Wars, a series of Indigenous uprisings spanning the late 18th and early 19th centuries, saw widespread destruction, massacres, and territorial losses. Despite these conflicts, the Indigenous groups managed to maintain their cultural identities and traditional ways of life, which influenced the ultimate course of Brazilian independence.
By the early 20th century, anti-colonial sentiment galvanized Indigenous groups, leading to a series of escalating Indigenous Independence Wars. The protracted conflicts, fought on jungle terrain with guerrilla tactics, eventually convinced the Portuguese authorities that maintaining control over the region was no longer feasible or economically viable. In 1922, the Treaty of São Paulo officially recognized Brazil as an independent nation, formally known as the Union of Indigenous Nations of Brazil. The country, now predominantly inhabited by Indigenous tribes, possessed a unique cultural and political landscape.
After liberating itself from colonial rule, Brazil embarked on a journey to become a major economic, cultural, and military force in South America. The Indigenous groups, bound by shared history and values, created a pluralistic society that preserved its cultural heritage but was open to innovation and progress. However, this new nation also faced continual challenges from European colonizers who held sway over other parts of the continent, and Brazil had to maintain a robust military to safeguard its lands and interests.
In this alternate timeline, the Union of Indigenous Nations of Brazil is a key player in South America, boasting a thriving economy fueled by abundant natural resources and a unique cultural heritage. However, it faces constant challenges from those who seek to exploit its resources, expand their own territories, or impose foreign values. Despite this, the union remains dedicated to preserving its culture, fostering multiculturalism, and resisting the imposition of colonial powers on South America.
The Union of Indigenous Nations of Brazil serves as a powerful example of how historical divergence can create an alternative course in the development of nation-states and the story of colonialism.
