Today in Latin American History
Dom Pedro I Declared Brazil Independent From Portugal in 1822
Photo: Dom Pedro I
Today in Latin American history, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil independent from Portugal in 1822.
Pedro declared the independence of Brazil and, after waging a successful war against his father’s kingdom, was acclaimed on October 12th as Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil.
The new country was huge but sparsely populated and ethnically diverse. Unlike most of its Hispanic republic neighbors, Brazil had political stability, freedom of speech, respect for civil rights and vibrant economic growth. Its bicameral parliament was elected under comparatively democratic methods for the era, as were the provincial and local legislatures.
Other events that occurred on this day:
- Today in LatAm history, Argentine composer Waldo de los Ríos who transformed classical into pop music was born in 1934
- Today in LatAm history, Mexican painter José Clemente Orozco known for his remarkable murals died in 1949
- Today in LatAm history, Brazilian singer Morris Albert known for his 1975 hit “Feelings” was born in 1951
- Today in LatAm history, Costa Rican footballer Harold Wallace who played for the National team & L.D.A. was born in 1975
- Today in LatAm history, Panama & US signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaties transferring control of the canal in 1977
- Today in LatAm history, Argentine footballer Gabriel Milito who played for the National team & Barcelona S.C. was born in 1980
- Today in LatAm history, Brazilian footballer Rafinha who plays for the National team & Bayern was born in 1985