Eoin Purcell

No, really!
War brings the oddest changes to the world and for Brazil the wars on mainland Europe in the late 18th and early 19th century brought a new importance, elevation within the empire of Portugal when it served as the capital of the government of Portugal in exile, headed by the King of Portugal, John VI.

The Portuguese royal family lived in Rio de Janeiro and the eldest son and heir apparent Pedro stayed behind in Brazil on his family’s return to Europe in 1821. Pedro founded the Empire of Brazil and declared himself Emperor in rather dramatic fashion (See below) splitting from Portugal in the process. He was crowned n 1 December, hence the post today.

Brazil and the Brazilians Portrayed in Historical and Descriptive Sketches By Daniel Parish Kidder, James Cooley Fletcher

But it doesn’t end there
Pedro served briefly as King of Portugal before abdicating in favour of his daughter, a trick he pulled again in Brazil, in favour of his son on this occasion. He then fought a war to reinstate his daughter as Queen of Portugal as she has been usurped by his Absolutist brother Michael. The dynastic drive of some of these royal families is truly impressive. Emperors and Queens all in one generation of Portuguese Hapsburgs!

This requires further reading I think!
Eoin