---
node: sa_pedro_i
type: person
slug: pedro_i_of_brazil
title: "Pedro I of Brazil"
lead: "Pedro I (1798–1834) declared Brazil's independence and became its first emperor. He turned a Portuguese colony into an independent monarchy."
published: 2026-07-13
updated: 2026-07-13
image_file: pedro_i_of_brazil.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pedro_I_of_Brazil_1830.jpg"
image_author: "Simplício Rodrigues de Sá"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Who they were

Son of the Portuguese king, Pedro remained in Brazil as regent when the royal court returned to Lisbon. In 1822 he defied orders to return and proclaimed independence, then was crowned emperor.

## What they did

He granted Brazil its first constitution in 1824 but clashed with parliament and provincial revolts. In 1831 he abdicated the Brazilian throne in favor of his young son and returned to Europe.

## Legacy

Pedro I secured Brazil's independence and its unity as a single monarchy. He later fought to restore his daughter's throne in Portugal before his early death in 1834.