Pedro I (1798–1834) was the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil. As King Dom Pedro IV, he reigned over Portugal. Acting as regent on his father's behalf, he declared the independence of Brazil from Portugal on 7 September 1822. His acclamation as Brazilian emperor was followed by a victorious war against Portuguese armies. From the onset his reign was troubled by a long ideological conflict between him and a sizable parliamentary faction over the role of the monarch in the government. Other obstacles arose concurrently. In 1826 he briefly became king of Portugal before abdicating in favor of his eldest daughter, Dona Maria II. Her crown was later usurped by Prince Dom Miguel, Pedro I's younger brother. At the same time the unsuccessful Cisplatine War against the neighboring United Provinces of South America led to the secession of a Brazilian province (later to become Uruguay). Unable to deal with both Brazilian and Portuguese affairs, Pedro I abdicated on 7 April 1831 and immediately departed for Europe to restore his daughter to her throne. He invaded Portugal ahead of an army and defeated his brother, dying soon after of tuberculosis at age 35.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_I_of_Brazil
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1571:
Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, was arrested for his involvement in a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridolfi_plot
1652:
Chinese peasants on Taiwan began a rebellion against Dutch rule before being suppressed four days later. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guo_Huaiyi_Rebellion
1776:
American Revolutionary War: Sergeant Ezra Lee made the first documented attack using a submersible when he piloted the Turtle (replica pictured) to attempt to attach explosive charges on the hull of HMS Eagle in New York Harbor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Turtle
1812:
Napoleonic Wars: The French Grande Armée forced the Russians to withdraw at the Battle of Borodino. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Borodino
1986:
Desmond Tutu became the first black person to lead the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
iatrogenesis: (medicine) Any adverse effect (or complication) resulting from medical treatment. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/iatrogenesis
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty… But I am too busy thinking about myself. --Edith Sitwell https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Edith_Sitwell
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