Andrada e Silva, Jose Bonifacio de, << an DRAH duh ee SEEL vuh, zhoh ZEH `boh` nee FAH syoo duh >> (1763-1838), was a Brazilian statesman known as the “architect of Brazilian independence.” He supported land reform, the ending of slavery, and rule by a monarchy. In 1822, he guided Brazil out of the Portuguese empire, and served the new emperor, Pedro I. He fell from favor and was banished temporarily. Pedro later named him guardian of his son, the future Pedro II (see Pedro I ; Pedro II ).
Andrada was also an accomplished scientist. In 1783, he went to Portugal to study philosophy and law at the University of Coimbra. In 1790, the king sent him on a 10-year tour. He studied chemistry in Paris, and mining and metallurgy in Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and England. He taught at the University of Coimbra and held important government posts. Andrada returned to Brazil in 1819. He was born in Santos, Brazil. He died on April 6, 1838.
