At one time or another, nearly all of us are descendants of immigrants.
The Brazilian Monarchy and the German Immigration
During the Brazilian monarchy period, which lasted from 1822 to 1889, Brazil was a prosperous and growing country that was actively seeking immigrants to help expand its agricultural economy.
The Brazilian Emperor Pedro II, who ruled from 1831 to 1889, was raised in a multicultural and multilingual environment and he spoke several languages, including German. He was of Habsburg descent through his mother, Empress Leopoldina. He was the grandson of Emperor Francis II (the last Holy Roman Emperor and the first Emperor of Austria) and the great grandson of Emperor Leopold II and Maria Luisa of Spain.
The Habsburgs dynasty, who had strong ties to Germany, encouraged German immigration to Brazil as a means of strengthening the country's ties with Europe and used their influence to promote the benefits of immigration to Brazil and helping to establish German colonies in the country.
The Brazilian royal family offered land grants and other incentives and many Germans, from the southern regions of Germany, including the Krohling family, were drawn to the promise of new opportunities in Brazil.
The German immigrants who arrived in Brazil during this period established themselves in a variety of industries, including agriculture, industry, and commerce. They brought with them their culture and traditions, which helped to enrich Brazilian society. Many of these immigrants also played a role in shaping the political landscape of Brazil, with several German Brazilians holding positions of power and influence in the government.
German immigrants in Brazil established their own communities and institutions, including schools and churches, where they could preserve their language and culture.
Today, the legacy of the Habsburgs and the German immigrants to Brazil can still be seen in the country's culture and economy.
I was born and raised in Brazil and lived in Germany and in the UK for some years.
Today when I close my eyes and I think about home, is the US that comes to my mind!