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Origins

The origins of the Imperial Navy was full of obstacles. By the time Brazil achieved its independence, the war fleet at disposal of the new-born country relied on 7 vessels and some small ships(merchantmen converted into war vessels). At the same time, the Portuguese fleet present at the coast was formed of 13 ships and some others small vessels..

Meanwhile, the crew aboard the brazilian ships were at most constitued of Portuguese seamen and foreigners. Thus, the seamen was not entirely reliable to the cause of Brazil's independence. Even the officers were Portuguese or Englishmen paid to wage war against Portugal. Less than half of the ship's crew wereBrazilian sailors. To make things worst, they were at most untrained seamen since the work aboard ships and ports was prohibited to those who were not a Portuguese native when Brazil was not a free country.

Although the performance of the ships during the war of independence was far from suitable, it was sufficient to guarantee the defense of the coast, depriving the enemy troops on land of supplies coming from the metropolis, forcing, this way, the withdrawal of Portuguese forces. When the fight against the Portugal was over in 1823, the conflict against Provincias Unidas do Prata emerged. The Imperial Navy played a importand roll in blocking Buenos Aires seaports. In 1852 the navy was once again called to intervene in the southerners conflicts when a revolt against Buenos Aires was raised in the Argentinean provinces.
During the Triple Alliance War (1864-1870) the Imperial Navy played a series of activities, being responsible for the control of the rivers and for the passage of the Humaita Fortress.
Despite many problems, the navy gained much recognition for its support both in internal and external conflicts. By 1880 the Imperial Navy was the greatest naval force of Latin America and the sixth of the world.
When Republic was proclaimed in 1889, the army became a main political force, while the navy was put aside, losing its previous status.

The Commanders

First units

The Conflicts