Due to napoleon's ongoing war with Portugal back in Europe, Rio de Janeiro became the temporary capital of Portugal, then called United Kingndom of Portugal and Algarves, between 1808 and 1821, and it was at this time that the royal court was transferred to Rio onboard of 40 ships. The Portuguese royal family arrived in in Rio in 1808, bringing along 20,000 members of the Portuguese court, as well as refined architectural standards, artists, studious, and academics, and the desire for churches and modern diplomatic practices.

Rio became capital of the Brazilian empire in 1822, further expanding trades and commerce with Europe and the rest of the world. During this period, the principal activity in the capital was the production of coffee, leading to the creation of various farms and the building of many mansions still in existence. Coffee production significantly boosted the economy and commerce, and later became one of the most important exports of Rio de Janeiro, making coffee popular in all corners of the world on an unprecedented scale.