The Brazilian nobility originated from the
Portuguese nobility, during the time of
colonial Brazil; the noble titles were a sign of
political power among the elite. Some of the nobles were members of Portuguese noble lineages and even of the high nobility, especially the
families that arrived during the first centuries of the colonization of
Bahia,
Sergipe,
Pernambuco,
Rio de Janeiro and
São Paulo. The elevation of Brazil to the status of
Kingdom, under the
United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves in 1815, led to the creation of the first Brazilian noble titles. With the
Independence of Brazil from
Portugal in 1822, the Empire of Brazil established its own system of nobility. According to the
Brazilian Constitution of 1824, only the Emperor had
the right to confer titles and ranks on non-nobles. Unlike the former Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian titles—and most systems of aristocracy—a Brazilian noble title was only for the holder's lifetime and could not be inherited, similar to a
British life peer. All nobles, regardless of title and rank, were entitled to the
style of
Excellency. During the reign of
Dom Pedro II and the advent of the commercialization of
coffee, it was the great coffee-growers who began to collect such titles, being acquaintances of the coffee barons. According to Affonso de Taunay, around 300 holders had their income linked to coffee: farmers, bankers and traders. The title of baron thus became a symbol of the legitimization of local power, making those who held it intermediaries between the people and the government. During this period the
Brazilian Imperial Family sought to efface republican sentiments with a wide distribution of titles, mainly among important political leaders in the provinces, some aristocrats and also members of provincial oligarchies; 114 were awarded in 1888, and 123 in 1889.
Republic , famous diplomat who served in both imperial and republican governments. With the proclamation of the republic in 1889, the aristocracy was abolished and all Brazilian titles of nobility were banned. It was also prohibited, under penalty of accusation of
high treason and the suspension of
political rights, to accept noble titles and foreign decorations without the permission of the State. However, nobles of greater distinction, out of respect and tradition, were allowed to use their titles during the republican regime; a well-known example is the
Baron of Rio Branco. The Imperial Family was not allowed to return until 1921, when the Law of Exile was repealed by President
Epitácio Pessoa. ==Acquisition==