Citation

Smith J. History 2007; 92(308): 472-495.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-229X.2007.00409.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article uses events in Brazil at the close of the nineteenth century as a case study to investigate how nations on the ‘periphery’ contested the efforts of the great powers to control their behaviour. The article concentrates on Brazil's diplomatic relations with Britain and the United States. It examines the failure of the foreign office to negotiate a commercial treaty to match the reciprocity arrangement concluded between Brazil and the United States in 1891. The set-back is seen as a reflection of the limits of Britain's diplomatic influence and ability to halt the rising economic influence of the United States, but it also illustrates Brazil's success in pursuing an independent foreign economic policy. This is further illustrated by the Brazilian Naval Revolt (1893–4) during which the representatives of the foreign powers have been usually depicted as exercising a superior role in directing events. This article uses evidence from Brazilian diplomatic archives to argue that the most significant factor in determining the outcome of the revolt was the combination of firmness and skilful diplomacy shown by the Brazilian government of Floriano Peixoto rather than the activities of the foreign powers, including Britain and the United States.