Declaration of Majority of Pedro II| Native name | Declaração da Maioridade |
|---|
| Date | July 23, 1840 |
|---|
| Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
|---|
| Also known as | Majority Coup |
|---|
| Outcome | Pedro II takes over as Emperor |
|---|
The Declaration of Majority of Pedro II (Portuguese: Declaração da Maioridade de D. Pedro II) was a document signed by the General Assembly of Brazil on July 23, 1840. It declared the 14-year-old Pedro II of Brazil to be of legal age, allowing him to assume the full powers of Emperor, earlier than the usual age of 18.[1]
The declaration was meant to bring an end to the regency that had governed Brazil in Pedro II's name since the abdication of his father, Pedro I, in 1831. The regency had been plagued by political crises and unrest, such as the Ragamuffin War, the Sabinada, and the Cabanagem.[2][3]
Background
Pedro II was declared emperor in the context of significant social and political turmoil. His premature rise to power was intended to bring stability to Brazil, with the hope that his authority as emperor would quell the ongoing revolts.
Aftermath
To assist the young emperor, a new ministry was formed, known as the Ministry of the Majority, which included prominent figures such as the Andrada brothers and the Cavalcanti brothers. The declaration marked the beginning of the Second Reign of Pedro II, which would last until 1889.
See also
References