<P> In spite of the conspiracies, the rule of Portugal in Brazil was not under serious threat . Historian A.R. Disney states that the colonists did not until the transferring of the Kingdom in 1808 assert influence of policy changing due to direct contact, and historian Gabriel Paquette mentions that the threats in Brazil were largely unrealized in Portugal until 1808 because of effective policing and espionage . More revolts would occur after the arrival of the court . </P> <P> In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal, and Dom João, Prince Regent in place of his mother, Dona Maria I, ordered the transfer of the royal court to Brazil . In 1815 Brazil was elevated to the status of Kingdom, the Portuguese state officially becoming the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves (Reino Unido de Portugal, Brasil e Algarves), and the capital was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro, the only instance of a European country being ruled from one of its colonies . There was also the election of Brazilian representatives to the Cortes Constitucionais Portuguesas (Portuguese Constitutional Courts), the Parliament that assembled in Lisbon in the wake of the Liberal Revolution of 1820 . </P> <P> Although the royal family returned to Portugal in 1821, the interlude led to a growing desire for independence amongst Brazilians . In 1822, the son of Dom João VI, then prince - regent Dom Pedro I, proclaimed the independence of Brazil on September 7, 1822, and was crowned Emperor of the new Empire of Brazil . Unlike the Spanish colonies of South America, Brazil's independence was achieved without significant bloodshed . </P> <P> At the height of European colonialism in the 19th century, Portugal had lost its territory in South America and all but a few bases in Asia . During this phase, Portuguese colonialism focused on expanding its outposts in Africa into nation - sized territories to compete with other European powers there . Portugal pressed into the hinterland of Angola and Mozambique, and explorers Serpa Pinto, Hermenegildo Capelo and Roberto Ivens were among the first Europeans to cross Africa west to east . </P>

What was the colonial holding in south america that was governed by portugal