The document summarizes the history of the Portuguese Empire from its origins to the establishment of Brazil as a sugar colony. It details how Portugal gained independence in 1128 and officially became a recognized state in 1143. It then recounts Portugal's reconquest of territory from the Moors and its expansion across Africa and Asia under explorers like Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. This led Portugal to establish trading posts and claim new lands, including signing the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 to divide colonial territories with Spain. Brazil was then established as a sugar colony after its discovery in 1500, with the importation of African slaves becoming integral to its economy.