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Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva is one of the most important men in
Brazilian history. Without the leadership of Bonifacio, Brazil
may have never been united and could have been split into
several different countries. He has been known as the “Patriarch
of Independence” of Brazil. Although he is one of the greatest
statesmen in world history, he is unknown to much of the
American public. Bonifacio’s success with Brazil starts with his
own personal knowledge. Bonifacio was very well educated. He
studied mathematics, philosophy, astronomy and law at some of
the best universities of his time. He received a philosophy
degree in 1787 and his law degree in 1788. He also did further
research in the top universities in France, Germany and
Scandinavia. He was also associated with some of the best
scientists of his day like Vauquelin, Priestley, Lavoisier and
many others. His personal travels also contributed to his vast
knowledge. He traveled extensively through o