Pedro II of Brazil
1825–1891 · Brazilian (Rio de Janeiro / Petrópolis / Paris) · Imperial Brazil, 19th Century
Known for: Enlightened emperor who ruled Brazil for 58 years—abolished slavery and was overthrown for it
Pedro II became emperor at age 5 and ruled Brazil for 58 years—the longest reign in Brazilian history. He was an intellectual who corresponded with Darwin, Hugo, and Pasteur, spoke 14 languages, and personally funded scientific expeditions. He abolished slavery in 1888 and was overthrown by slaveholders and the military the following year.
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