I loved reading about Emperor Pedro II of Brazil. He’s… awesome. Pretty much the polar opposite of any awful stereotypes people have of nobility and folks born into power. Throughout his fifty year reign Pedro keeps changing, evolving and improving, his rule aging like a fine wine. Initially concerned about his lack of heirs — all Pedro’s sons die young and only daughters remain — he ultimately comes to accept the fact that his dynasty will die with him.
In fact, Dom Pedro prefers it that way. He believes it isn’t right for him to hold power and he would like to see Brazil become a republic. But since he is in power, he decides to simply do his best and that he does. Pedro is instrumental in abolishing slavery in Brazil once and for all, against the wishes of the wealthy elites. He invests a LOT in science and education of Brazilian people. He tours the world, from Europe to the Middle East, Egypt, America… meets and befriends Charles Darwin who says: "The Emperor does so much for science, that every scientific man is bound to show him the utmost respect". Famed author Victor Hugo says to Pedro: "Sire, you are a great citizen, you are the grandson of Marcus Aurelius!”
While in power, Pedro set high standards for himself and all politicians to whom he delegated tasks — he gave politicians an eight-hours-a-day minimum, no slacking allowed. He also absolutely abhorred luxury, fancy balls and expensive foods. "I believe that useless expenditure is robbing the Nation,” he was quoted as saying and whenever offered a ‘raise’ the Emperor would refuse this, ensuring his palace only spent less and less with each passing year. Meanwhile he kept building schools, apppointing scientists and scholars to high positions and funding the arts. In 1889, he was deposed in what many now consider one of the world’s most unnecessary and uncalled for coups…
When told he had been deposed, the Emperor simply said: “I guess this is retirement. That’s okay, I’m tired anyway.” He packed his belongings and moved to Europe with his family, where he died just two years later in 1891. Brazilians mourned the old Emperor greatly, especially the slaves he had freed. Many greatly regretted sending him away and bemoaned that no chosen politician that came after Pedro ever came close to his greatness.
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