Slavery in Brazil began long before the first Portuguese settlement was established in 1532. Since some forms of slavery had existed on the African continent for centuries, Brazilian historians used to say that we blacks imported coming from across the Atlantic, they were ready to accept their new status as "Slaves". Slave labor was the driving force behind the growth of Brazil's sugar economy. Deposits of gold and diamonds were discovered in Brazil around 1690, which sparked an increase in the importation of African slaves to feed this new market. For many depressed characteristics, Brazil is identified as a developing country, however it occupies a special place in the list of these countries. Having huge potential and a high level of economic development, Brazil has found a place in the list of the highest slavery rates. Having said this then you could already conclude that where many slaves were imported into the country, Brazil. Brazil had the largest slave population in the world, substantially larger than that of the United States. The Portuguese who settled in Brazil needed labor to work the large estates and mines of their new Brazilian colony. They turned to slavery which became central to the colonial economy. It was especially important in the mining and sugar cane industries. Slavery was also the mainstay of Caribbean islands with sugar-centered economies. Estimates suggest that approximately 35% of captured Africans involved in the Atlantic slave trade were transported to Brazil. Estimates suggest that more than 3 million Africans have reached Brazil, although no precise figures exist. Brazil had begun to turn to slavery in the 15th century as explorers began moving along the coasts of Africa... middle of paper... guns to reach considerable numbers in the 1880s. Italian immigration was particularly important. In addition to helping restructure the labor system, these new immigrants viewed slavery as immoral. The many slaves freed since 1850 also constituted another group that opposed slavery. So yes, slavery was a good idea for Brazil because it made a lot of money. But slavery also, in a way, destroyed Brazil, because when the whole "Golden Law" was signed slavery had just stopped and they didn't start getting as much income as they did in the beginning. For many characteristics Brazil is identified as a developing country, however it occupies a special place in the list of these countries. Having huge potential and a high level of economic development, Brazil has found a place in the list of the highest slavery rates.