Knowra Empire of Brazil Empire of Brazil The Empire of Brazil was a constitutional monarchy in South America from 1822 to 1889. It was ruled by the House of Braganza until a military coup established the republic.
Brazilian War of Independence : The conflict from 1822 to 1824 through which Brazil secured independence from Portugal. The war established the political independence that made the empire possible.
Moderating power : A constitutional authority assigned to Brazil’s emperor to arbitrate among the branches of government. It gave the monarch influence over ministries, legislation, and political balance.
Maria Leopoldina of Austria : Brazil’s first empress, who served as regent during Pedro I’s absence in 1822. Her political counsel and regency supported the move toward independence.
Paraguayan War : A South American war from 1864 to 1870 involving Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The war expanded Brazil’s military and sharpened tensions between the army and civilian government.
First Mexican Empire : A short-lived Mexican monarchy ruled by Agustín de Iturbide from 1822 to 1823. Its rapid collapse contrasts with Brazil’s decades-long dynastic monarchy.
Pedro I of Brazil : Brazil’s first emperor, who declared independence and ruled from 1822 until his abdication in 1831. His declaration founded the empire, and his abdication opened a regency.
Parliamentary system : A system of government in which the executive depends on the support of a legislature. Brazilian cabinets operated through parliament, though the emperor retained decisive constitutional powers.
José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva : A Brazilian statesman who helped shape independence and served as a leading minister under Pedro I. He helped build the new state while advocating a strong, unified monarchy.
Slavery in Brazil : The system of forced labor that persisted in Brazil until its abolition in 1888. Slavery shaped imperial wealth and politics, while abolition destabilized royal alliances.
Second Mexican Empire : A monarchy established in Mexico under Maximilian I from 1864 to 1867. Its foreign-backed intervention contrasts with Brazil’s long-standing native imperial dynasty.
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