Pedro ii of brazil biography definition

Pedro ii of brazil biography definition us history

His father's abrupt abdication and departure to Europe in left the five-year-old as emperor and led to a lonely childhood and adolescence, obliged to spend his time studying in preparation for rule. His experiences with court intrigues and political disputes during this period greatly affected his later character; he grew into a man with a strong sense of duty and devotion toward his country and his people, yet increasingly resentful of his role as monarch.

Pedro II inherited an empire on the verge of disintegration, but he turned Brazil into an emerging power in the international arena. The nation grew to be distinguished from its Hispanic neighbors on account of its political stability, freedom of speech, respect for civil rights, vibrant economic growth, and form of government—a functional representative parliamentary monarchy.

Pedro ii of brazil biography definition

Brazil was also victorious in the Platine Warthe Uruguayan Warand the Paraguayan Waras well as prevailing in several other international disputes and domestic tensions. Pedro II pushed through the abolition of slavery despite opposition from powerful political and economic interests.

The Emperor established a reputation as a vigorous sponsor of learning, culture, and the sciences, and he won the respect and admiration of intellectuals such as Charles DarwinVictor Hugoand Friedrich Nietzscheand was a friend to Richard WagnerLouis Pasteurand Henry Wadsworth Longfellowamong others.