Declaration of majority of Pedro II
The Declaration of majority of Pedro II (Portuguese: Declaração da Maioridade de D. Pedro II ) was a document signed by the General Assembly of Brazil on 23 July 1840 which invested 14-year old Emperor Pedro II of Brazil with legal majority before the normal age of 18, in order to end the troublesome regency that ruled on his behalf and was mired in crises. The Liberal Party had mobilized the public, who pressured the Senate to declare Pedro II of legal age before he turned 15. In an 1834 precedent, the Portuguese Parliament had already declared the majority of Pedro II's sister Maria II, who became Queen of Portugal at age 15 without a regent.
Legislative document on the coming of age of Pedro II | |
| Native name | Declaração da Maioridade |
|---|---|
| Date | July 23, 1840 |
| Location | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Also known as | Majority Coup |
| Outcome | Pedro II takes over as Emperor The Second Reign begins |
The main purpose of this act was to transfer power to Pedro II in order that he, although inexperienced, could put an end to the political disputes that were affecting Brazil through his authority. They believed that the figure of the Emperor would prevent the revolts occurring in the country, such as the Ragamuffin War, the Sabinada, the Cabanagem, the Malê Revolt and the Balaiada.
To assist Pedro II, the liberal Ministry of the Majority was created. It was also known as the Ministry of the Brothers, because it was composed, among others, of the Andrada brothers - Antônio Carlos and Martim Francisco, from São Paulo - and the Cavalcanti brothers - the future Viscounts of Albuquerque and Suassuna, from Pernambuco.