Today marks the 190th anniversary of Brazil‘s declaration of independence. Dom Pedro, the heir to the throne of Portugal, spent much of his early life in Brazil, after Napoleon’s conquest of Portugal forced the royal family into exile. When his father returned to Portugal, Pedro remained in Brazil and championed the cause of Brazilian independence. Defying the Portuguese government, Pedro declared independence on September 7, 1822, and soon fashioned himself as Pedro I, emperor of Brazil. His reign was less than glorious, but his son, Pedro II, presided over nearly a half-century of economic growth and stability. He was eventually deposed in a nonviolent coup, and the subsequent transition from military to civilian rule set the stage for the modern Brazilian state. So, let’s celebrate Brazil’s independence with a look at the country and its people.
Carnival dancers, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: Andre Penner/AP
Downtown São Paulo. Credit: Caio do Valle
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: © Digital Vision/Getty Images
Iguaçu Falls, Brazil. Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images
A circle of capoeiristas in Brazil's northeastern Bahia state. Credit: Tibor Bognar/Alamy
The Amazon River near Manaus, Brazil. Credit: Shutterstock.com