The Braganzas: The Rise And Fall Of The Ruling Dynasties Of Portugal And Brazil, 1640–1910

Description

For two hundred and seventy years, the House of Braganza provided the kings and queens of Portugal. During a period of momentous change, from 1640 to 1910, this influential family helped to establish Portuguese independence from their powerful Spanish neighbors and saved the monarchy and government from total destruction by the marauding armies of Napoleon. The Braganzas also ruled the vast empire of Brazil from 1822 to 1889, successfully creating a unified nation and preventing the country from splitting into small warring states. In his fascinating reappraisal of the Braganza dynasty, Malyn Newitt traces the rise and fall of one of the world’s most important royal families. He introduces us to a colorful cast of innovators, revolutionaries, villains, heroes, and charlatans, from the absolutist Dom Miguel to the “Soldier King” Dom Pedro I, and recounts in vivid detail the major social, economic, and political events that defined their rule. Featuring an extensive selection of artworks and photographs, Newitt’s book offers a timely look at Britain’s “oldest ally” and the role of monarchy in the early modern European world. Cover......Page 1 Title Page......Page 4 Imprint Page......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 1: The Idea of Monarchy and the Rise and Fall of the Dynastic State......Page 10 2: The Early History of the Portuguese Monarchy......Page 20 3: Overview of the Braganza Dynasty and the Culture of Royalty......Page 40 4: The Rise of the Braganza Ducal Family and the Reign of D. João IV......Page 68 5: The Children of D. João IV......Page 87 6: D. João V: The Golden Age......Page 116 7: D. José: The Reformer......Page 138 8: D. Maria I and D. Pedro III......Page 162 9: D. João VI: The Merciful......Page 180 10: D. Pedro and D. Miguel......Page 202 11: The Constitutional Monarchs: D. Maria II, D. Fernando and their Sons, D. Pedro v and D. Luís......Page 234 12: The Twilight of the Gods: D. Carlos and D. Manuel......Page 270 13: D. Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil......Page 299 Dynastic Tree......Page 325 Glossary......Page 328 References......Page 330 Bibliography......Page 349 Acknowledgements......Page 357 Photo Acknowledgements......Page 358 Index......Page 360