Tensions between Portuguese
Tensions between Portuguese and Brazilians increased, and the Portuguese Cortes, guided by the new political regime imposed by the 1820 Liberal Revolution, tried to re-establish Brazil as a colony.[87] The Brazilians refused to yield, and Prince Pedro decided to stand with them, declaring the country’s independence from Portugal on 7 September 1822.[88] A month later, Prince Pedro was declared the first Emperor of Brazil, with the royal title of Dom Pedro I, resulting in the foundation of the Empire of Brazil.[89]
The Brazilian War of Independence, which had already begun along this process, spread through the northern, northeastern regions and in Cisplatina province.[90] The last Portuguese soldiers surrendered on 8 March 1824;[91] Portugal officially recognized Brazil on 29 August 1825.[92]
On 7 April 1831, worn down by years of administrative turmoil and political dissent with both liberal and conservative sides of politics, including an attempt of republican secession,[93] and unreconciled to the way that absolutists in Portugal had given in the succession of King John VI, Pedro I went to Portugal to reclaim his daughter’s crown, abdicating the Brazilian throne in favor of his five-year-old son and heir (who thus became the Empire’s second monarch, with the royal title of Dom Pedro II).[94]
