Figure 1.--This is Afonso, Prince Imperial of Brazil, the eldest son of Pedro II. ohann Moritz Rugendas (1802–58) painted the portrait in 1846. It was painted in Rio de Janeiro, but the background does not look like Rio. Afonso wears a white dress with a lace collar and open neck. With his dress he wears long pantalettes, wjite socks , and black strap shoes. The blue band was the Order of the Southern Cross. He would have been nearly 2 years old when the portrait was taken.

Brazil became independent somewhat later than neighboring countries and had one of the few Latin American monarchies. Portugal for a time was Britain's only ally on the continent. This made the country a target for the French. The British landed a small army comanded by Wellington, but it was not large enough to resist a French inbvasion forcehand had to be withdrawn. The French moved on Lisbon. The Prince Regent departed seeking refuge in Brazil (1807). Dom Joao established Rio de Jneinro as the temporary capital of the Portuguese Empire. Napoleon's defeat in Russia (1812) fatally weakened France and the French had to withdraw from Iberia (1814). Napoleon was finally defeated at Waterloo (1815). Dom Joao did not return to POrtugal, however, until several years later (1821). Dom Joao left his son Dom Pedro in charge of Brazil when he returned to Portugal (1821). Dom Joao attempted to resume the traditional system of colonial rule. Dom Pedro decided to declare Brazuil's independence from Portugal and his independence from his father (1822). Brazil's economy changed significantly in the 19th century as coffee became an increasingly important crop. There was considerable Europeam immigration in the 19th century, especially from Italy. Dom Pedro II's daughter, the Princess Imperial married Gaston de'Eu (1868). Gaston was the grandson of Louis Phillipe, the deposed French king. The Brazilian monarch was overthrone (1889).

Created: 7:16 AM 7/4/2010
Last updated: 7:16 AM 7/4/2010