Lower Peru, Brazil, & Paraguay

South American in the midst of evolution and revolution.

Napoleon’s invasion of the Iberian Peninsula and subsequent forced abdication of the Spanish king reverberated across the world. In Spanish South America, generations of native-born inhabitants who were at odds with the aristocratic elite began to rebel against efforts to maintain Spanish authority. Efforts towards independence were consolidated and organized by charismatic leaders like Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, who waged successful wars against supporters of the royal crown.

Brazilian sovereignty followed a slightly different path. It remained a part of the Kingdom of Portugal until 1822, when Dom Pedro, a member of the Portuguese royal family, defied the Constitutional Assembly in Lisbon and declared independence.

This map, published by Daniel Lizars in Edinburgh around 1831, shows the political situation in South America just a few years after the dust settled from these devastating conflicts. However, as the image reflects, further bloodshed would be necessary before today’s borders would be finalized.

The Empire of Brazil retained broad swathes of territory across the continent, while Peru and Paraguay (shown in pink and green, respectively) would experience subsequent internal wars in the decades following publication. Skillfully engraved details present a fascinating snapshot of South America during a nebulous period of political development.