In Romantic contexts, it is called "the first generation of Brazilian Romanticism", being succeeded by the "Ultra-Romanticism" and the "Condorism".

After the independence of Brazil from Portugal in 1822, a heavy wave of nationalism spread through the Brazilian people.

Inspired by this, poets and writers began to search for an entity that could represent and personify the newly created Brazilian nation.

Influenced by Enlightenment ideals, especially works by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the "noble savage" archetype, the authors chose the Brazilian Indian to represent the new nation.

The poetry is very patriotic and nationalistic, exalting Brazilian fauna, flora, riches and people.