Introduction

The teacher introduces herself as Professor Natália Freitas and discusses the main characteristics of the First Reign in Brazil, which lasted from 1822 to 1831.

Main Characteristics of the First Reign

• The First Reign began in 1822 after the independence process and ended in 1831 when Dom Pedro I abdicated in favor of his son, Pedro de Alcântara, who would become Dom Pedro II.

• Dom Pedro I was the first Emperor of Brazil but was not Brazilian himself. He was born in Portugal and came to Brazil at the age of nine during the transfer of the Portuguese court.

• The reign of Dom Pedro I was marked by constant crises, including conflicts with various layers of Brazilian society, especially with the Brazilian party elite who opposed his centralization of power.

• One major point of contention was when Dom Pedro I dissolved the constituent assembly that had drafted a constitution known as "Constituição da Mandioca" (Cassava Constitution), which never came into effect. This dissolution led to political arrests and exile, known as "Noite da Agonia" (Night of Agony).

• Another significant conflict during his reign was the Confederation of Ecuador, a republican separatist revolt that questioned Dom Pedro I's authoritarianism and centralization. It started in Pernambuco and spread throughout northeastern provinces.

• Dom Pedro I faced criticism from Brazilian newspapers such as "A Malagueta" and "Aurora Fluminense," which criticized his authoritarianism both politically and personally due to his tumultuous personal life.

• The economy during the First Reign suffered from crises, including bankruptcy declared by Banco do Brasil in 1829. Additionally, there were revolts across Brazil, further straining resources.

Political Parties and Legal Developments

The teacher discusses the formation of political parties and legal developments during the First Reign.

Formation of Political Parties

• Two elitist political parties gradually formed during Dom Pedro I's reign: the Brazilian Party and the Portuguese Party.

• The Brazilian Party, composed mainly of wealthy Brazilians, opposed Dom Pedro I's rule.

• In contrast, the Portuguese Party, also consisting of wealthy individuals but predominantly Portuguese, supported Dom Pedro I.

Legal Developments

• During the First Reign, significant legal developments took place in Brazil.

• The Faculty of Law in São Paulo was established, along with faculties in Olinda and Recife.

• In 1830, the first penal code of Brazil was created.

Conclusion

The First Reign in Brazil under Dom Pedro I was marked by constant crises, including conflicts with various sectors of society and revolts such as the Confederation of Ecuador. Dom Pedro I faced criticism from newspapers for his authoritarianism and had a tumultuous personal life. The economy suffered from bankruptcy and revolts across Brazil. Additionally, political parties formed during this period: the Brazilian Party opposing Dom Pedro I and the Portuguese Party supporting him. Legal developments included establishing law faculties and creating the first penal code in Brazil.

Abdication of Dom Pedro and the Regency Period

This section discusses the abdication of Dom Pedro I and the subsequent regency period in Brazil.

Abdication of Dom Pedro I

• Dom Pedro I abdicated the Brazilian throne and organized his return to Portugal.

• He left the throne for his son, Pedro de Alcântara, who was only five years old at the time.

Regency Period

• Instead of assuming the throne immediately, Pedro de Alcântara had to wait until he was older.

• The transition period from 1831 to 1840, during which Brazil was governed by regents, is known as the Regency Period.

• It was expected that Pedro de Alcântara would assume the throne at 18 years old, but he ended up becoming Emperor at 14 or 15 years old.

The transcript is in Portuguese.