Miguel I, Maria Evaristo of Braganza, King of Portugal

MIGUEL I, Maria Evaristo di Braganza, king of PORTUGAL. – Second son of Giovanni VI of Portugal and younger brother of Pedro, first emperor of Brazil, b. on 26 October 1802 in Lisbon, d. on 14 November 1866 at Bronnbach Castle (Germany). In 1823, while his father was still alive, he took part in an insurrection aimed at restoring absolute government in Portugal. King Giovanni VI abolished the constitution, without, however, gaining the confidence of the country’s more reactionary elements, who, in April 1824, proclaimed M. king in a new coup d’état. The intervention of England and other foreign powers in favor of the deposed sovereign completely nullified the advantages obtained by M.’s supporters, and he was forced to go abroad.

Upon the death of Giovanni V (1826), Pedro, the legitimate heir and successor, in order to contribute to the pacification between liberals and absolutists, had the crown transferred to his daughter Maria Gloria, on condition that she unite in matri-

marriage to M., who in turn was to swear allegiance to the new liberal constitution granted by Pedro. M. accepted; but, having returned to Portugal in 1828 as regent, he considered himself released from every obligation toward his brother, proclaimed himself sovereign, and initiated an anti-liberal absolutist policy, which led to civil war. In 1834 he was once again compelled to leave the country, never to return. During his reign the Catholic Church enjoyed the protection of the State, and the preceding anti-ecclesiastical policy was brought to a halt. The Jesuits as well, expelled during the time of the Marquis of Pombal, were recalled.