This october we celebrate one year ever since it was decided to carry on with an old idea of writing about royals, known by the public in general or not. So one has decided to open it with a figure that for a while was neglected by the Brazilian historians, Emperor Dom Pedro II.
In our previous posts concerning the history of royals inside Brazil's dynasty of Orléans-Bragança, we have already discussed Pedro II's stepmother, Amélie de Leuchtenberg, and his wife, Teresa of Two-Siciles. Today, we turn our eyes instead to the second, but sadly the last emperor to rule Brazil. Being the direct descendant of Louis XIV of France and Maria Theresa of Habsburg, Pedro was ignored mostly in the 20th century by the Brazilian historiography because of the republicanism and its influence in 'making history'. Nonetheless, in our recent days, there has been a recent attempt to change that, and a few biographies about Pedro and the royal family in general can be found in libraries and on the internet.
Born Pedro of Alcântara João Carlos Leopoldo Salvador Bibiano Francisco Xavier of Paula Leocádio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga of Habsburg and Braganza, the future Emperor was the seventh child of Pedro I of Brazil & IV of Portugal and Maria Leopoldina, archduchess of Austria who was one of the daughters of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. On the side of his mother, Pedro had Habsburg blood, and was a great great grandson of Empress Maria Theresa, also already discussed on a topic here, and on the side of his father he was a grandson of Dom João VI of Portugal and his consort Carlota Joaquina.
When he was a year old, Pedro lost his mother, Empress Maria Leopoldina, and two years later, his father would remarry to Amélie of Leutchenberg, to whom Pedro would remain attached for the rest of his life and exchange letters until the end of her days. Following the year of 1831, Pedro I abdicated the throne to the then Prince Imperial, selecting José Bonifácio de Andrada as the boy's guardian, and departing to Portugal to fight for Pedro's sister Maria's throne, which was usurped by Dom Miguel, Pedro I's brother. Mariana de Verdana, affectionately called by Pedro II as Dadama, held her post as his governess. Another one left in charge to take care of Pedro was a man named Rafael, a veteran who fought the War of Cisplatine next to the young emperor's father. Rafael was already an employée of the Palace of São Cristóvão who carried the duty of looking after Pedro II throughout the rest of his life.
Pedro II's childhood was not very happy. He "spent his days studying, with only two hours set aside for amusement. (...) He was able to acquire knowledge with great ease. However, the hours of study were strenuous and the preparation for his role as monarch was demanding. He had few friends of his age and limited contact with his sisters. All that coupled with the sudden loss of his parents gave Pedro II an unhappy and lonely upbringing. The environment in which he was raised turned him into a shy and needy person who saw books as a refuge and retreat from the real world."
As for his early days as sovereign of such a large country, those were marked by instabilities, such as a Civil War between the Crown and the South in a long dispute by this latter's desire of independence amongst other rebellions. Because the regency was seen as failure by many, especially through the eyes of the liberals, "the possibility of lowering the young Emperor's age of majority, instead of waiting until he turned 18, had been floated since 1835. His elevation to the throne had led to a troublesome period of endles crises. (...) According to historian Roderick J. Barman, by 1840, "they had lost all faith in their ability to rule the country on their own. They accepted Pedro II as an authority figure whose presence was indispensable for the country's survival". When asked by politicians if he would like to assume full powers, Pedro II shyly accepted. On the following day, 23 July 1840, the General Assembly (the Brazilian Parliament) formally declared the 14-year-old Pedro II of age. He was later acclaimed, crowned and consecrated on 18 July 1841."
Having been raised to a monarch filled with sense of duty, Pedro would bring great development throughout the years he reigned in Brazil. An Emperor who could speak nine languages, with great interest for sciences, technologies and arts, Pedro II collected a variety of friends, from republicans to scientists. When he travelled, especially to United States where he was acquainted to Alexander Graham Bell and president Ulysses S. Grant, his "down to earth " manners earned him the nickname of "Yankee emperor"; in Europe too, where he often visited, he insisted not only to pay such travels himself, refusing to use the government's economy for such, but also to be treated humbly as Pedro of Alcântara, avoiding to caught attention from the press.
In matters of his personal life, Pedro II was betrothed to Teresa Christina of Two-Siciles, a granddaughter of Maria Theresa of Habsburg's daughter, Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples, also a first cousin to Pedro's mother, Maria Leopoldina. Teresa's brother sent a portrait that beautified her features, but in reality to him, as they first met, it became a great disappointment for him. Teresa was not the beauty expected, but neither she was ugly. Despite Pedro II's extra marital affairs, whose infamous mistress was the Countess of Barral, who was supposedly disliked by the Empress, the two developed an affectionate relationship, even though it did not turn out to be a match love. Teresa gave Pedro a few children, of whom only two survived to adulthood: the princesses Isabel and Leopoldina. These two would later be well married to princes whoses houses were connected to the traditional monarchies in Europe, especially in the 19th century: Isabel's husband, Gastón, Count of Eu, was a member of the ancient french house of Orléans and also a grandson to the french king Louis Philippe; whilst Leopoldina's husband, Prince Ludwig, was a cousin twice removed of Queen Victoria of United Kingdom and her husband Prince Albert from the side of the house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Because of these close relations, Pedro was often seen in Germany. He also visited Great Britain, having been received by Queen Victoria in her Scottish residence in Balmoral.
Where it concerns his rule in Brazil, it is important to take notice he was careful to drive a country divided by factions and marked by a slavery culture which shaped a great part of conservative members leaded by farmers. However, even with great opposition faced by a new party, formed by Republicans, the Emperor greatly encouraged freedom's speech. There were several journals that criticized his rule but none of them was closed. He also managed to hold the crown throughout rebellions that exploded in his reign, and had a great concerned with education and public schools. One of his most famous quotes state that: "Were I not an Emperor, I would like to be a teacher. I do not know of a task more noble than to direct young minds and prepare the men of tomorrow." This fondness for teaching and culture would reflect directly in "the creation of the Brazilian Historic and Geographic Institute to promote research and preservation in the historical, geographical, cultural and social sciences. The Imperial Academy of Music and National Opera and the Pedro II School were also founded, the latter serving as a model for schools throughout Brazil. The Imperial Academy of the Fine Arts, established by his father, received further strengthening and support. Using his civil list income, Pedro II provided scholarships for Brazilian students to study at universities, art schools and conservatories of music in Europe. He also financed the creation of the Institute Pasteur, helped underwrite the construction of Wager's Bayreuth Festspielhaus, as well as subscribing to similar projects. His efforts were recognized both at home and abroad. Charles Darwin said of him: "The Emperor does so much for science, that every scientific man is bound to show him the utmost respect."." It is also said that Pedro II amazed Friedrich Nietzsche with his intelect and that Victor Hugo claimed D.Pedro II was the grandson of the great Julius Cesar. The Emperor was also a member of the Royal Society, Russian Academy of Arts, American Geographical Society, amongs others. In 1875 he was elected to be part of the French Academy of Arts, of which only Napoléon Bonapart and Peter the Great of Russia were selected members.
He was also "interested in expanding his country's primary agricultural commodities and in making Brazil a major cotton producer. After the defeat of the Confederate States in the U.S. Civil War, the emperor invited successful Confederate cotton planters to settle in Brazil. Between 1867 and 1871, when slavery was still legal in Brazil, at least three thousand Confederate families passed through the port of Rio de Janeiro. About 80 percent of the families returned to the United States, but one successful American settlement in Brazil--Americana, founded by Colonel William Hutchinson Norris (1800-1893) of Mobile, Alabama--still exists."
Back to domestic politics, Pedro II was forced to deal with Parliament, Senate and, as early mentioned, factions that were divided by liberals and conservatives. At first, this would make him head of state in a similar manner Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was, but with a small difference: Pedro held the moderation power (Portuguese: poder moderador), which meant "he could affect legislation already proposed, but could not initiate much of anything himself. He used his power judiciously, and the factions in the legislature were so contentious among themselves that Pedro was able to effectively wield much more power tha he supposedly had."
From 1850 on, an internal improvement could be seen, through the reforms that aimed to develop economy, conciliate the divided factions that struggled for power by promoting less partisanship and forward infrasctruture. We can better comprehend it in the next paragraph:
"The Emperor's more notable political successes were achieved primarily because of the non-confrontational and cooperative manner with which he approached both issues and the partisan figures with whom he had to deal. He was remarkably tolerant, seldom taking offense at criticism, opposition or even incompetence. He did not have the constitutional authority to force acceptance of his initiatives without support, and his collaborative approach towards governing kept the nation progressing and enabled the political system to successfully function. The Emperor respected the prerogatives of the legislature, even when they resisted, delayed or thwarted his goals and appointments. Most politicians appreciated and supported his role."
In essence, he was a peacemaker, but this did not stop him in getting Brazil to a war against Paraguay. This, in an alliance with Argentina and Uruguay that was known by the name of Triplice Alliance, was a result of ambitious moves from Paraguay's dictator Francisco Lopes. Though Pedro preferred to use a dialogue at first, he had no choice but send imperial troops after Lopes invaded Mato Grosso do Sul, in an attempt to attach it. This conflict happened almost at the same time tensions with Great Britain threatened to lead to war, due to diplomatic issues of both sides, when the British ambassador "sent an ultimatum containing abusive demands arising out of two minor incidents at the end of 1861 and beginning of 1862. The first was the sinking of commercial barque on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul after which its goods were pillaged by local inhabitants. The second was the arrest of drunken British officers who were causing a disturbance in the streets of Rio. The Brazilian government refused to yield, and Christie issued orders for British warships to capture Brazilian merchant vessels as indemnity" until he "chaned his tenor and proposed a peaceful settlement through international arbitration."
Few conflicts marked his reign with the same importance of these wars as the abolitionist movement. Though Pedro II, who never owned any slaves, was one of the few who openly supported the abolitionists, he delayed the abolition for political purposes: Brazilian's monarchy was greatly supported by the farmers who owned slaves, and by that time more than 50% of the country's economy was moved by agriculture. Little by little, though, he initiated these steps with three important laws: the first one, known as law of the free belly, was promulgated in 1871 and regarded to set free the children of slaves, though they should continue working until they reached 21 years old. The second law, known as the law of Sexagenarian, was promulgated in 1885 and released from slavery those who were 65 years old and above. Yet it received a launch of criticism due to the state a slave reached in life.
It would not be until 1888 that 'Golden Law' (Portuguese: Lei Áurea) were promulgated. Signed by Pedro II's eldest daughter, princess Isabel, this law came to abolish effectively slavery in all Brazil. It was one of the last western countries to do so. But it had its consequences. Pedro II was getting sick by this time, and was on his travels around Europe when this happened. Isabel was left regent, though against his will. Although Pedro and his family were popular, monarchy was not. In November 15th, 1889, a coup d'état replaced monarchy to republicanism. There was not, unlike other countries that sought to make such a transition, popular involvement into this. Dissastified farmers, once owners of slaves, joined the militars who sent away Pedro II, his consort and children to exile. Many would be surprised after the deposition of Emperor Pedro, who was very liked by brazilian population. He died in exile, missing the country he loved and it was not until 1921 he would be buried in the city of Petrópoles, in Rio de Janeiro.
In matters of his personal life, Pedro II was betrothed to Teresa Christina of Two-Siciles, a granddaughter of Maria Theresa of Habsburg's daughter, Maria Carolina, Queen of Naples, also a first cousin to Pedro's mother, Maria Leopoldina. Teresa's brother sent a portrait that beautified her features, but in reality to him, as they first met, it became a great disappointment for him. Teresa was not the beauty expected, but neither she was ugly. Despite Pedro II's extra marital affairs, whose infamous mistress was the Countess of Barral, who was supposedly disliked by the Empress, the two developed an affectionate relationship, even though it did not turn out to be a match love. Teresa gave Pedro a few children, of whom only two survived to adulthood: the princesses Isabel and Leopoldina. These two would later be well married to princes whoses houses were connected to the traditional monarchies in Europe, especially in the 19th century: Isabel's husband, Gastón, Count of Eu, was a member of the ancient french house of Orléans and also a grandson to the french king Louis Philippe; whilst Leopoldina's husband, Prince Ludwig, was a cousin twice removed of Queen Victoria of United Kingdom and her husband Prince Albert from the side of the house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Because of these close relations, Pedro was often seen in Germany. He also visited Great Britain, having been received by Queen Victoria in her Scottish residence in Balmoral.
Where it concerns his rule in Brazil, it is important to take notice he was careful to drive a country divided by factions and marked by a slavery culture which shaped a great part of conservative members leaded by farmers. However, even with great opposition faced by a new party, formed by Republicans, the Emperor greatly encouraged freedom's speech. There were several journals that criticized his rule but none of them was closed. He also managed to hold the crown throughout rebellions that exploded in his reign, and had a great concerned with education and public schools. One of his most famous quotes state that: "Were I not an Emperor, I would like to be a teacher. I do not know of a task more noble than to direct young minds and prepare the men of tomorrow." This fondness for teaching and culture would reflect directly in "the creation of the Brazilian Historic and Geographic Institute to promote research and preservation in the historical, geographical, cultural and social sciences. The Imperial Academy of Music and National Opera and the Pedro II School were also founded, the latter serving as a model for schools throughout Brazil. The Imperial Academy of the Fine Arts, established by his father, received further strengthening and support. Using his civil list income, Pedro II provided scholarships for Brazilian students to study at universities, art schools and conservatories of music in Europe. He also financed the creation of the Institute Pasteur, helped underwrite the construction of Wager's Bayreuth Festspielhaus, as well as subscribing to similar projects. His efforts were recognized both at home and abroad. Charles Darwin said of him: "The Emperor does so much for science, that every scientific man is bound to show him the utmost respect."." It is also said that Pedro II amazed Friedrich Nietzsche with his intelect and that Victor Hugo claimed D.Pedro II was the grandson of the great Julius Cesar. The Emperor was also a member of the Royal Society, Russian Academy of Arts, American Geographical Society, amongs others. In 1875 he was elected to be part of the French Academy of Arts, of which only Napoléon Bonapart and Peter the Great of Russia were selected members.
He was also "interested in expanding his country's primary agricultural commodities and in making Brazil a major cotton producer. After the defeat of the Confederate States in the U.S. Civil War, the emperor invited successful Confederate cotton planters to settle in Brazil. Between 1867 and 1871, when slavery was still legal in Brazil, at least three thousand Confederate families passed through the port of Rio de Janeiro. About 80 percent of the families returned to the United States, but one successful American settlement in Brazil--Americana, founded by Colonel William Hutchinson Norris (1800-1893) of Mobile, Alabama--still exists."
Back to domestic politics, Pedro II was forced to deal with Parliament, Senate and, as early mentioned, factions that were divided by liberals and conservatives. At first, this would make him head of state in a similar manner Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was, but with a small difference: Pedro held the moderation power (Portuguese: poder moderador), which meant "he could affect legislation already proposed, but could not initiate much of anything himself. He used his power judiciously, and the factions in the legislature were so contentious among themselves that Pedro was able to effectively wield much more power tha he supposedly had."
From 1850 on, an internal improvement could be seen, through the reforms that aimed to develop economy, conciliate the divided factions that struggled for power by promoting less partisanship and forward infrasctruture. We can better comprehend it in the next paragraph:
"The Emperor's more notable political successes were achieved primarily because of the non-confrontational and cooperative manner with which he approached both issues and the partisan figures with whom he had to deal. He was remarkably tolerant, seldom taking offense at criticism, opposition or even incompetence. He did not have the constitutional authority to force acceptance of his initiatives without support, and his collaborative approach towards governing kept the nation progressing and enabled the political system to successfully function. The Emperor respected the prerogatives of the legislature, even when they resisted, delayed or thwarted his goals and appointments. Most politicians appreciated and supported his role."
In essence, he was a peacemaker, but this did not stop him in getting Brazil to a war against Paraguay. This, in an alliance with Argentina and Uruguay that was known by the name of Triplice Alliance, was a result of ambitious moves from Paraguay's dictator Francisco Lopes. Though Pedro preferred to use a dialogue at first, he had no choice but send imperial troops after Lopes invaded Mato Grosso do Sul, in an attempt to attach it. This conflict happened almost at the same time tensions with Great Britain threatened to lead to war, due to diplomatic issues of both sides, when the British ambassador "sent an ultimatum containing abusive demands arising out of two minor incidents at the end of 1861 and beginning of 1862. The first was the sinking of commercial barque on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul after which its goods were pillaged by local inhabitants. The second was the arrest of drunken British officers who were causing a disturbance in the streets of Rio. The Brazilian government refused to yield, and Christie issued orders for British warships to capture Brazilian merchant vessels as indemnity" until he "chaned his tenor and proposed a peaceful settlement through international arbitration."
Few conflicts marked his reign with the same importance of these wars as the abolitionist movement. Though Pedro II, who never owned any slaves, was one of the few who openly supported the abolitionists, he delayed the abolition for political purposes: Brazilian's monarchy was greatly supported by the farmers who owned slaves, and by that time more than 50% of the country's economy was moved by agriculture. Little by little, though, he initiated these steps with three important laws: the first one, known as law of the free belly, was promulgated in 1871 and regarded to set free the children of slaves, though they should continue working until they reached 21 years old. The second law, known as the law of Sexagenarian, was promulgated in 1885 and released from slavery those who were 65 years old and above. Yet it received a launch of criticism due to the state a slave reached in life.
It would not be until 1888 that 'Golden Law' (Portuguese: Lei Áurea) were promulgated. Signed by Pedro II's eldest daughter, princess Isabel, this law came to abolish effectively slavery in all Brazil. It was one of the last western countries to do so. But it had its consequences. Pedro II was getting sick by this time, and was on his travels around Europe when this happened. Isabel was left regent, though against his will. Although Pedro and his family were popular, monarchy was not. In November 15th, 1889, a coup d'état replaced monarchy to republicanism. There was not, unlike other countries that sought to make such a transition, popular involvement into this. Dissastified farmers, once owners of slaves, joined the militars who sent away Pedro II, his consort and children to exile. Many would be surprised after the deposition of Emperor Pedro, who was very liked by brazilian population. He died in exile, missing the country he loved and it was not until 1921 he would be buried in the city of Petrópoles, in Rio de Janeiro.
So, looking back at his reign, we can generally observe that "Pedro II was popular, but his policies in economic and social matters proved problematic. Entanglements in Latin American wars also plagued his reign. In 1850, the slave trade was prohibited; in 1871, gradual emancipation was granted; and in 1888, with Pedro II absence in Europe, his daughter Isabel, acting ruler, signed a law abolishing slavery. The nature of Brazil's agrarian economy and the power of plantation owners led to opposition to the nature of these laws. A growing coalition of the urban middle class, plantation owners, and military leaders united in opposition to the traditional monarchy (...). Pedro II wrote late in his reign 'If I were not an emperor, I should like to be a school teacher. i know of no calling greater or noble than that of directing young minds and of training the men of the future" (Williams, 1937, p 214). (...) During his reign, progress was made to foster in Brazil the quest for learning. After the war with Paraguay, he learned of efforts to erect an equestrian statue of him. Pedro II promptly wrote a letter encouraging that the money be used for the construction of more primary school buildings or improvements in existig public buildings. "
Pedro of Alcantara was a simply man, with fine tastes, and had an important part in the development of Brazilian's culture. On the current days, he is no longer seen as an emperor who was deposed in favor of a better democracy; a better recognition has been working to change this image. Emperor Pedro II might have had his faults, as any politician -being a royal or not- had in any of the period we study, but he did his best for the country he loved. He was respected by his enemies, adored by his subjects, and definitely improved the image of the royal family that his father left damaged as he was sent to exile. Unfortunately, Pedro II followed the destiny of Pedro I, but his inheritance is thankfully being recovered and his character, studied, as should be.
Biography:
http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=427
http://biography.yourdictionary.com/pedro-ii
http://www.wfmz.com/features/History-s-Headlines/historys-headlines-the-emperor-pays-a-call-dom-pedro-ii-ruler-of-brazil-dazzled-lehigh-valley-with-a-visit/21409658
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_II_of_Brazil
http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/thehistoryofbrazil/p/Emperor-Pedro-Ii-Of-Brazil.htm
http://madmonarchist.blogspot.com.br/2009/07/monarch-profile-emperor-pedro-ii-of.html
http://international.loc.gov/intldl/brhtml/br-1/br-1-5-2.html
http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/brazilian-history-biographies/pedro-ii
http://www.lexiophiles.com/english/dom-pedro-ii-brazils-last-emperor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaston,_Count_of_Eu#Early_years
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Ludwig_August_of_Saxe-Coburg_and_Gotha
http://www.historiadobrasil.net/brasil_monarquia/leis_abolicionistas.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Ludwig_August_of_Saxe-Coburg_and_Gotha
http://www.historiadobrasil.net/brasil_monarquia/leis_abolicionistas.htm
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