Pedro I

Full Name: Dom Pedro I, known as "the Liberator" in both Brazil and Portugal, also King Dom Pedro IV of Portugal, sometimes known as "the Soldier King".
Profession: Emperor of Brazil and King of Portugal

Biography: Pedro I of Brazil, also known as Dom Pedro IV of Portugal, was a member of the House of Braganza and played a pivotal role in the establishment of an independent Brazil, breaking away from Portuguese rule.

The fourth son of King John VI of Portugal, Pedro was not initially expected to inherit significant responsibilities. The Napoleonic Wars, however, and the subsequent flight of the Portuguese royal family to Brazil changed this path.

When his father returned to Portugal in 1821 due to political pressures, Pedro was appointed as regent of Brazil with the instruction to manage it as a subordinate part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.

The growing tensions between Brazilian nationalists and Portuguese loyalists, however, soon came to a head, culminating in Pedro's fateful decision to defy his father's orders and stay in Brazil. This event, known as the "Dia do Fico" (I'll Stay Day), occurred on January 9, 1822, and marked a turning point in Brazilian history.

Within months, on October 12, 1822, Pedro declared Brazil's independence from Portugal, famously drawing his sword and shouting "Independência ou Morte!" (Independence or Death!). He was crowned Emperor Pedro I of Brazil on December 1 of the same year.

Pedro I's rule was marked by both promise and turbulence. He was a constitutional monarch, and one of his first acts was to establish a parliamentary system in Brazil. His tenure was marred by conflicts, however, including a war with Argentina over the Cisplatine Province (modern-day Uruguay), and a series of internal rebellions.

His personal life was also filled with scandal and unpopular alliances, including his troubled marriage with Empress Leopoldina and subsequent relationship with Domitila de Castro.

In 1831, facing increasing opposition and plummeting popularity, Pedro I abdicated the Brazilian throne in favor of his five-year-old son, who would later be Emperor Pedro II.
Pedro I then sailed for Portugal to support his daughter Maria da Glória in her struggle for the Portuguese throne as Queen Maria II. He abdicated the Portuguese throne in her favor and fought against his brother Miguel I, who had usurped the throne.

Born: October 12, 1798
Birthplace: Queluz Palace, Lisbon, Portugal
Star Sign: Libra

Died: September 24, 1834 (aged 35)