Maria I of Portugal

Maria I ruled Portugal from 1777 to 1816 and became its first queen regnant. Her reign brought political change, while her later incapacity led the royal court to relocate to Brazil.

Transfer of the Portuguese Court to Brazil: The relocation of Portugal’s royal court to Brazil in 1808 during the Napoleonic Wars. Maria’s illness left Prince Regent João to oversee the court’s Atlantic relocation.
João VI of Portugal: King of Portugal from 1816 to 1826, who served as prince regent during Maria I’s incapacity. He assumed governing authority and led the court’s move to Brazil.
Joseph I of Portugal: King of Portugal from 1750 to 1777 and Maria I’s father. His death brought Maria to the throne.
Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo: Portuguese statesman, known as the Marquis of Pombal, who dominated government under Joseph I. Maria’s accession ended his political dominance and brought his policies under scrutiny.
Viradeira: The political reversal after Maria I’s accession, which curtailed the influence of Pombal and altered his reforms. It distinguishes Maria’s early government from the ministerial regime she inherited.
United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves: A state formed in 1815 by uniting Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves under one crown. Its creation formalized Brazil’s elevated status while Maria’s court remained in Rio de Janeiro.
Prince regent: A person who governs a monarchy temporarily on behalf of a sovereign unable to rule. João exercised royal powers while Maria remained queen but could not govern.
House of Braganza: The Portuguese royal dynasty that ruled Portugal from 1640 to 1910. Maria inherited the crown as a member of this dynasty.
Martinho de Melo e Castro: Portuguese statesman who served as secretary of state for the navy and overseas dominions. His ministry connected Maria’s government to Portugal’s imperial administration.
Suppression of the Society of Jesus: The worldwide abolition of the Jesuit order by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. Maria’s government permitted Jesuits to return to Portugal after Pombal’s expulsion of them.

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