Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada

Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada (9 April 1775 – 23 February 1844) was a Brazilian politician who played a prominent role in the declaration of Brazil's independence and held various government roles during the early years of the Brazilian Empire. He was twice appointed as Minister of Finance under Emperor Pedro I and Pedro II.

 Early life 
Martim Francisco Ribeiro de Andrada was born in Santos, São Paulo on 9 April 1775. He was the son of Colonel José Bonifácio Ribeiro de Andrada and Maria Bárbara da Silva. His brothers were Antônio Carlos and José Bonifácio de Andrada, both notable political figures in Brazil. Martim attended the University of Coimbra in Portugal, where he earned degrees in philosophy and mathematics in the late 1790s. He later received a PhD in Natural Sciences.

 Political career 

 Regency period 
In January 1822, Martim's brother, José Bonifácio de Andrada, was heavily involved in promoting Brazil's independence. Martim served as Secretary of State for Business and Finance in the first cabinet of the Empire of Brazil, starting in July 1822. During his time in office, he pursued nationalist policies to stabilize the economy, imposing taxes on imports, especially those from Portugal.

He refused to take foreign loans, opting instead for a ten-year compulsory loan secured by the income of the state of Rio de Janeiro. This policy helped generate public support by promising to modernize Brazil's economy.

 Later years and death 
Ribeiro de Andrada resumed his role as Minister of Finance in 1840 under Emperor Pedro II. He passed away in Santos, São Paulo on 23 February 1844 at the age of 68.

 References 

Category:1775 births
Category:1844 deaths
Category:Politicians from São Paulo