At first there were huge empires in South America, the Incas, and the Maya. They were crushed under the conquerors from Europe, Spain, and Portugal. Portugal conquered Brazil, made it a colony, and brought black slaves from Africa to the sugar fields.
Later they will try to integrate into the new country, but under severe restrictions and racism. They were second-class citizens, who did not enjoy equal conditions and opportunities. The Dutch also saw Brazil as an economic opportunity and occupied large areas. Holland, for those who don't know, was a maritime empire for many years.
In 1645 they decided to expel the Dutch from the territories they had conquered, mostly for financial reasons. As their force was relatively small, they were assisted. Enrique Diaz was the son of freed slaves; unlike others of his class, he received a broad education. He managed to advance through the ranks thanks to his knowledge of reading and writing and became an attraction and associate of wide circles.
When war began between the Netherlands and Portugal, Enrique Díaz recruited many warriors and participated in the battles himself. He managed to receive medals and titles of nobility and was the first black to receive a medal from the King of Portugal. This can be seen as a historical event, beyond the removal of the Dutch occupier.
The slaves began to be partners in the government and became its servants, which created an opening to receive additional rights. The Díaz unit was founded in his name, and even Díaz a slave revolt for the Portuguese crown.
Towards the end of his life, he preached a lot for the establishment of the idea of unity between the different races and the establishment of an independent Brazil. His ideas were well received by the Portuguese crown, which caused him to be removed from the centers of power and his death in extreme poverty. Today he is considered a national hero, mainly because of the change that took place during his lifetime.
