the 'question' was a dispute between the governments of the then empire of brazil and great britain, which occurred between 1862 and 1865. the question christie resulted in the suspension of diplomatic relations between england and brazil for two years.

as a result, during these two years fortifications were built and reinforced, such as the forte do pico. furthermore, the existing weaponry was improved, to strengthen the defenses against a possible attack at the hand of the english.