Baron of Rio Branco

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José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, the Baron of Rio Branco (Rio de Janeiro, April 20, 1845 - Rio de Janeiro, February 10, 1912), is the patron of Brazil's diplomacy. Son of José Maria da Silva Paranhos – the Viscount of Rio Branco –, Paranhos made his career as a diplomat, geographer, historian, politician, and professor. His nobility title (Baron) was granted by Emperor Dom Pedro II a few days before the Proclamation of the Republic, in 1889, when monarchic rule came to an end in Brazil. Paranhos continued to use the title throughout his life, despite Government prohibition, because of his monarchist beliefs and in respect for his father. Being a monarchist was no impediment, however, for his success as a diplomat: Paranhos reached the heights of his career during the Republic, when he was Minister of Foreign Affairs, for 10 years, and settled all of Brazil's remaining border disputes by peaceful means.

He began his political career as a congressman in the House of Commons. From 1876 on he was the Brazilian Consul General in Liverpool, England. He was also the Brazilian Ambassador in Berlin in the beginning of the XX century.

Rio Branco's most important legacy to his country was his successful effort, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, in defining Brazil's borders with all of its neighbours. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1902 and retained office until 1912, under four different Presidents, a feat unequalled in Brazilian History.

Before and during his term, he negotiated territorial disputes between Brazil and some of its neighbours and consolidated the borders of modern Brazil. He is considered one of the most prominent Brazilian statesmen ever, as his proverbial work capacity, knowledge and skills were essential for the successful outcome of difficult boundary disputes, submitted to international arbitration, against Argentina and France, as well as for incorporating new territory.

As a mediator he negotiated and settled disputes between the United States and many European countries. On those occasions, he never abandoned his belief in diplomacy as the means to handle international questions, thus helping establish Brazil's reputation as a peace-loving nation.

In 1903 he signed the Treaty of Petrópolis with Bolivia, putting an end to the dispute involving the present Brazilian state of Acre. The region was settled mostly by native Brazilians, but the Bolivian government had come close to lease this rubber-rich area to American private entrepreneurs. Nowadays, the state's capital bears the name of Rio Branco as a token of gratitude.

In 1909 he was encouraged to run for Presidency, but he declined to so as he could not envisage consensus around his name.

As a writer he wrote many books, dealing mostly on Brazilian history, and was awarded and occupied the 34th seat of the Brazilian Academy of Literature.

The Baron of Rio Branco is the patron of the Brazilian foreign service.