Alexandre de Gusmão (1695-1753)

In this exquisite biographical essay, Synesio Sampaio Goes Filho presents to the reader, in an accessible and attractive way, the trajectory of Alexandre de Gusmão and the most important territorial negotiation in the history of Brazil.

In the 18th century, Brazil's territorial situation was complicated: gold mines had been discovered in the west; the Colonia del Sacramento had been founded on the Río de la Plata, directly across from Buenos Aires; dozens of Portuguese religious missions had been established in the Amazon. All of this, however, was beyond the borders established at Tordesillas. The colony had become wealthy, but it had no borders.

The penetrations and occupations of the bandeirantes in Spanish lands would have come to nothing if there had not been on Portugal's side, at the opportune moment, as private secretary to D. João V (in practice, almost a prime minister), a vigorous political personality, as well as a notable writer.

With a profound knowledge of the geography and history of his homeland, Alexandre de Gusmão was the principal drafter and negotiator of the 1750 Treaty of Madrid, which granted Brazil two-thirds of its territory. He was also the mastermind behind the Mapa das Cortes, upon which the final negotiations took place and where, for the first time, the country appears with the broad, massive, almost triangular shape familiar to us today.

Alexandre de Gusmão's greatest achievement was his ability to legalize the immense expansion of Brazil's territory. Intellectual preparation was carried out, practical measures were taken, and negotiations proved difficult. At every stage, the king's secretary's leading role is undeniable. An agreement of this magnitude is unparalleled in world history. Few have done so much for Brazil's greatness.