Maria II of Portugal

Reign: 1826 – 1828; 1834 – 1853
Life: 1819–1853

She was known as "the Educator". Maria was born in Rio de Janeiro during the reign of her paternal grandfather, King Dom João VI. In 1826, her father became king of Portugal but quickly abdicated in favour of the seven-year-old Maria. Both Pedro and Maria remained in Brazil, and her aunt Dona Isabel Maria initially served as regent for them in Portugal. Maria remained outside Portugal throughout her first reign, finally arriving in Gibraltar just in time to learn of her deposition. She proceeded to England and then returned to Brazil.

During Maria II of Portugal's reign, Isabella II of Spain ruled Spain, Nicholas I of Russia ruled Russia, and Ferdinand I of Austria ruled Austria.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire by A. R. Disney

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Maria II of Portugal

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A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire

A. R. Disney

Maria II and the civil wars of the 1830s, Miguelist reaction and constitutional settlement.

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Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire
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Crowley on the age of exploration and the Portuguese kings who built the first oceanic empire.
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