Pedro II of Brazil

Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, in full, Pedro II de Alcântara João Carlos Leopoldo Salvador Bibiano Francisco Xavier de Paula Leocádio Miguel Rafael Gabriel Gonzaga, By the Grace of God and Unanimous Acclamation of the People, Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil was the second and last Emperor of Brazil.

He was born December 2, 1825 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He succeeded his father, Pedro I, upon the elder Dom Pedro's abdication, April 7, 1831.

Dom Pedro II was married September 4, 1843 to Princess Teresa of the Two Sicilies.

Their children include:

• Isabella, who married Louis Philippe Marie Ferdinand Gaston, comte d'Eu, son of Louis Charles Philippe Raphael, duc de Nemours

Liberal in outlook, he took steps to industrialize Brazil and abolish slavery. This, however, brought him into conflict with the more conservative elements of Brazilian society. At the same time, the liberal elements, which he encouraged, eventually decided that Pedro was not willing to go far enough fast enough and also rejected his rule. He was deposed on November 15, 1889, and the imperial family was exiled. He died on December 5, 1891 in Paris, France.

See also

• Empire of Brazil
• History of Brazil

Preceded by: Pedro I

List of Brazilian monarchs

Succeeded by: Presidents of Brazil