Brazil during World War I

During World War I (1914–1918), Brazil initially adopted a neutral position. They did this in accordance with the Hague Convention, in an attempt to maintain markets for its export products, those being mainly coffee, latex and industrially manufactured items.

However, following the repeated sinking of Brazilian merchant ships by German submarines, President Venceslau Brás declared war against the Central Powers in 1917. Brazil was the only country in Latin America to be directly involved in the war. The major participation was the Brazilian Navy's patrol of areas of the Atlantic Ocean.