Emperor of Brazil
Pedro II was the
second and last ruler of the
Empire of Brazil, reigning for over 58 years. Born in
Rio de Janeiro, his father
Pedro I's abrupt abdication and flight to Europe in 1831 left him as Emperor at the age of five. Inheriting an Empire on the verge of disintegration, Pedro II turned Brazil into an emerging power in the international arena. On
November 15, 1889, he was overthrown in a
coup d'état by a clique of military leaders who
declared Brazil a republic. However, he had become weary of emperorship and despaired over the monarchy's future prospects, despite its overwhelming popular support, and did not support any attempt to restore the monarchy.
Photo: Mathew Brady/Levin Corbin Handy
