During the colonization of Brazil, we observed that the relationships and differences between the metropolis and the colonial population they promoted an opposition situation that, at times, extended to a dispute between Brazilians and Portuguese. The Peddler War, for example, expressed this type of situation well, when the farmers of Olinda turned against the Portuguese traders in Recife. In the Johannine period, we see that this same situation continued.
When we reached our independence, we saw that this rivalry was preserved in the figure of D. Peter I. On several occasions the emperor, of Portuguese descent, became involved in matters of the old metropolis and made decisions that often called into question its commitment to the interests of the nation that commanded. Several of his ministers were Portuguese and many of them unreservedly defended the strengthening of imperial authority in the country.
Reaching the last years of the empire, we see that this situation of distrust and criticism of the emperor was aggravated when Líbero Badaró, a journalist with a liberal tendency and fierce opponent of D. Pedro I was mysteriously murdered. Before long, the incident was taken by the population as a disobedience by the emperor. Due to the troubled situation, D. Pedro I organized a delegation in search of support and prestige in other provinces in the territory.
Heading first to Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais, the imperial retinue was harassed with the doors of the houses closed and covered in black robes. Disturbed by the reprisal, D. Peter decided to return to the capital of the empire. In the meantime, the Portuguese living in the city of Rio de Janeiro decided to organize a party to welcome the emperor. Through this action, the Portuguese intended to reinforce their already known support for the ruler's actions.
News of the event left Brazilians uncomfortable with a tribute to a political figure who was only questioned. Thus, they began to harass the Portuguese calling them “foreigners” or shouting “death at the feet of lead”. In a short time, the offenses turned into a huge and violent riot between Portuguese and Brazilians in the city's streets. Attacking the Portuguese with bottles, shards and stones, the event ended up being known as “The night of the bottles”.
From a political point of view, this was one of the last events that preceded the withdrawal of D. Peter I of the scenario. Before that, the emperor still tried to work around the situation by promoting the election of a ministry formed only by Brazilians. However, the measure ended up not lasting and new demonstrations against the emperor forced him to abdicate the Brazilian throne.
By Rainer Sousa
Master in History
Brazil School Team
Curiosities - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiab/a-noite-das-garrafadas.htm