The need to form an independent Brazilian empire was
brought on by the pride of the Brazilian people and their inability to accept
returning to colonial status after becoming an empire with Emperor Cerro. But
as Portugal lost wars to the British, Emperor Cerro was forced to return to
Portugal, where he was in a more controllable position, and his son Dom Pedro
was left as regent. Dom Pedro was a very frugal and fair ruler, cutting his own
salary and selling many of the royal horses and mules. He also forbade
unfairness’ against his citizens whether they were Portuguese or Brazilian,
saying "their blood is the same color as mine."(1) Although native
people were still abused in parts of Brazil, Dom gained much support from all
around, and this support would later cause him to name himself ruler as the
kingdom of Brazil was to be abolished by the Cortes.
After the Cortes voted to abolish the Kingdom of Brazil
and return it to colonial status while returning Dom Pedro to Portugal, the
people petitioned for him to stay. He accepted this petition and later named
himself the ruler of the Brazilian empire. From there, Dom Pedro gained much
support from cities throughout Brazil, and started many rebellions against
Portuguese forces existing in Brazil. A peace treaty was signed in Aug 29, 1825(2),
and Brazil had to pay fines to Portugal and Britain to gain their freedom.
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