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Private Notes
Lisbon, Portugal, November 30th, 1807. Napoleon’s troops have entered the city, and the unthinkable
has happened. The House of Braganza has fled! Ships that carry the queen and prince regent can be seen in the distance and the whole court has abandoned the heart of their empire. Fleeing into exile and reestablishing its rule in its wildest and largest imperial territories, Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro, November 6th, 1817. Today is something Brazil has never seen before, a royal wedding! Prince Pedro I, son of John VI, has just met his wife, the Austrian archduchess
Maria Leopoldina. Who is clever, sincere, and has prepared herself for this new world.
Learning her seventh language, Portuguese, and bringing with her a collection of interesting plants and minerals to introduce to Brazil. However, this marks the beginning of a struggle between the ruling powers of Portugal and the budding new independence of Brazil.
Rio De Janeiro, November 12th, 1823. It's the early hours of the morning and Brazil's Constitutional assembly is in crisis! Originally formed to choose which Portuguese laws would apply to Brazil. The assembly has decided that instead, they will draft a Brazillian constitution. With the Brazillian party wanting to restrain the power of the monarchy and the rival Portuguese party wanting greater royal power, Emporer Pedro had to step in. Ensuing what is now called The Night of Agony.
Rio De Janeiro, April 7th, 1831. The crowds are celebrating as Emperor Pedro I has abdicated the throne and left for Portugal. The Brazillian people are overjoyed to see the native-born and raised Pedro II take power but will this 15-year-old boy be able to calm the rising tension and unite the people?
Philadelphia, May 10th, 1876. Prosperous and stable, Brazil has gained international respect as a second great American power but at home in Brazil, people were no longer cheering for Pedro II. Brazils' many social issues had been neglected and left unsolved and war was on the horizon. A long and deadly Paraguayan War, which would change the people of Brazil forever.
