What natural resources and industries did the Portuguese exploit in Brazil?

Answer 1

The Portuguese exploited a variety of Natural Resources in Brazil, primarily focusing on sugarcane, which became the cornerstone of the colonial economy. They also extracted valuable resources like gold and diamonds, particularly in the Minas Gerais region during the 18th century. Additionally, Brazil's vast forests provided timber and Brazilwood, used for dye production. The exploitation of these resources was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, which played a significant role in the development of Brazil's economy.