Paço de São Cristóvão, seat of the Imperial Throne, home of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil
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Paço de São Cristóvão, seat of the Imperial Throne, home of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil
Nação do Brasil (as of 1861)
International Affairs
National Statistics
Conflicts
Social Movements
Internal Affairs
Reform of the Imperial Army (1861 thru n/a)
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Política do Império
Emperor Of Brazil; Pedro II (age 35)
The Emperor is the head of the state and one of two heads of the government. Although the Emperor shares power with the President of the Council Of Ministers who acts as a prime minister he possesses considerable influence on the choosing of ministers. The constitution requires that all ministers be nominated by the Emperor but both the assemblies of the parliament must approve of them before they can serve. In an era and region where governments are desperately trying to keep their young nations together the Emperor represents the unity and strength of the Brazilian people.
President of the Council of Ministers; Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Duke of Caxias
The President acts as the Prime Minister of the state. He is nominated from the dominant political party in parliament which is currently the Conservatives. While the Emperor is solely responsible for handling war and international affairs the president handles the formation of the government, the passing of legislation for the Emperor's signature, and administration of the nation beyond the most exceptional situations.
Congresso Nacional:
The national parliament is divided between the Senate and Chamber Of Deputies. The Senate is made up of the wealthiest citizens of the empire and can qualify only if they meet a higher income threshold and be at least forty years old. Senators are elected for life and typically represent the interests of the aristocracy and private business. Meanwhile the Chamber Of Deputies are elected in proportion to their province's population. They have a much lower income threshold and representatives can be twenty five years of age. They are elected for terms of four years unless they're dissolved earlier.
Senado Federal: Conservative Party (Dominant)
Câmara dos Deputados: Liberal Party (Dominant)
The Conservative Party supports increasing the power of the monarchy and the nobility. Formed from the remnants of the Restorationist Party and Moderate Party during the regency it sought to protect the empire from republican forces. They support free enterprise as many of them make up the owners of many large Brazilian businesses.
The Liberal Party supports greater rights and expanded suffrage for the Brazilian people. They want a true republican government and the reduction of imperial power. Despite their views they look favorably toward Pedro II.
The Electorate:
Only freemen are allowed to vote but they must meet annual income standards to be allowed to serve in the government. Both Senators and Deputies are elected by popular vote within their province. Race does not restrict voting rights as long as one meets the income requirements and free status. Most of the people support the monarchy although there is a significant disparity between the poor and wealthy. The great quantity of resources and sheer opportunity within the empire to build one's own fortune has prevented any serious civil discontent from destroying the nation however.
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Departamento de Registros
Era de Tranquilidade (1861)
Reform of the Imperial Army (1861)
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Era de Tranquilidade (1861)
The Ascent of Pedro II
At the open of the decade the young nation of Brazil stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the jungle depths of the Amazon Rainforest and was emerging into modernity through the efforts of its brilliant Emperor Dom Pedro II. A man born to the first emperor of Brazil who abdicated the throne to pursuit his interests back home in Portugal he was the total opposite of his father. Patient, studious, and most importantly moderate. Pedro II was only a young boy of fourteen when his father abdicated and returned to Portugal after years of fighting liberals who wished to roll back the powers of the Emperor specifically in choosing ministers and state policies without the consent of the parliament. Despite his father's abandonment of the nation to fight in the Carlist War the teenager emperor received letters of advice on a wide range of policies and issues. Pedro II at an early age had been raised to be Emperor and spent his youth studying languages eventually learning upward of twelve in his life, politics from which he developed a moderate conciliatory approach toward the vested interests and parliament of the nation, and a vast range of subjects covering engineering, philosophy, sciences, and humanities. At twenty years of age the young emperor asserted his imperial authority over the politics of the country and ended a fractious regency. Since his coming of age the Emperor has faced and ended successfully several potential crisis including the illegal importation of slaves which was ended by the Eusebio de Queiros Law which ended the practice which Great Britain accepted in 1850. The Platine War and the overthrow of the Argentine dictator of Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1852 which saw Brazil act as a keeper of peace and stability between the burgeoning South American nations. Perhaps most importantly the Praieira revolt in 1848 which consisted of radical liberal elements of the society representing the remnants of anti-monarchial forces that developed during the regency. With the end of these disturbances Pedro II ushered in an era of tranquility that has persisted until the current year. His practice of moderate power use and enlightened liberal views has created a balance between the radical forces of his nation and the will of the monarchy. His reputation has become that of a rational central power figure using his genius and patience to guide the nation into the modern age.
Growth As A Nation
Beginning in the 1850s the nation of Brazil was already patching its large unsettled regions together with the urban coast via railroad, telegraph, and steamship lines that was enabling Brazil to exploit the vast mineral and agricultural potential of its interior. Politically the young emperor could not force his choice of ministers onto the parliament but like in other constitutional imperial systems he had to win approval by vote in the national parliament. Likewise the emperor was expected to ask the dominant party either the Conservatives who supported greater imperial authority or the Liberals who wanted a transition to democracy to form a cabinet in which he often approved if some of his choices for the cabinet were approved. He influenced by becoming an active and respected part of the governance process via his powers as emperor but he acted as a mutual partner rather than a man obsessed with power and unreceptive to moderate views. By the sixties the Emperor was respected and appreciated as a mechanism of influence that could settle petty disputes as well as a force of progress in an age that begged for it. Unlike other nations on the continent there's had managed to build a stable system leading millions to prosperity and freedom. Slavery remained in Brazil although the import of slaves had ended a decade ago. The institution is deeply entrenched in the fabric of the nation but it is considerably less cruel than the system in the American South. Pedro II often holds audiences with any of his subjects including slaves if they wish to speak with him. The system of slavery in Brazil has a long established practice of selling slaves along with their entire families and often work as craftsman, prostitutes, miners, gardeners, and house servants.
Brazilian nobility unlike their compatriots in Europe and elsewhere do not inherit their status but rather those wishing to receive noble status either purchase the titles as with the case as the great coffee growing families in the past or earn it through service to the Emperor. The nobility of Brazil therefore is attached and contributes to the national economy as most bought their titles from money earned growing cash crops, operating mines, and owning other businesses. Any Brazilian despite race or past as a slave can become a noble under this system although only the very wealthy can obtain the privileges of this class. Brazil's primary exports and economic activity is agrarian although this is beginning to change with the construction of railroads and modern infrastructure throughout the country. The quantity of goods sold on the international market and the growing population has seen Brazil's tax income grow to the eighth largest in the world. Despite the abundance of resources and money collected by the state the majority of the people are impoverished as much of the economy is controlled by a small minority of oligarchs kept in check by the powerful monarchy.
The Military
After independence was achieved the military of Brazil engaged in three conflicts, the Cisplatine War, Platine War, and Uruguayan War, and numerous uprisings winning all of them. The army possesses a core of battle hardened and talented officers but currently logistical issues and poor conditions and pay has led the ranks of the army populated by criminals, the poor, and unreliable. The navy has been constantly adapted to the cutting edge technologies of the era such as steam power and is the pride of the nation. The military is adapted to modern American and European standards of organization and equipment. Members of the military can participate in politics although they only represent geographic locations.
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Official Statement from a Representative of the King of Portugal to the Emperor of Brazil
His Most Faithful Majesty Pedro V of Portugal wishes to express his desires for bountiful relations between his people and the people of his great uncle, His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Pedro II. Sadly, His Most Faithful Majesty cannot personally ask of this due to his current sickness. He hopes that the Empire of Brazil and the Kingdom of Portugal can go into this new decade as allies and friends bound by history, by a common language, and by a common culture.
-Representative of His Most Faithful Majesty Pedro V, The King of Portugal and the Algarves, of either side of the sea in Africa, Lord of Guinea and of Conquest, Navigation and Commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia and India, etc
Official Statement from a Diplomat of the Emperor of Brazil to the King of Portugal
His Majesty, Pedro II of Portugal received your message with joy and wishes to express his admiration of his young nephew's vision of reform for his nation. He is also aware of his majesty's current illness after courageously visiting the sick poor in his country. Our family has always remained close despite persisting on two sides of the ocean. His Majesty says that if his young nephew requires any assistance he can come to him for assistance. Remain hopeful in regard to your illness, you have too much to give to your people to perish so soon!
His Majesty, Pedro II of Portugal received your message with joy and wishes to express his admiration of his young nephew's vision of reform for his nation. He is also aware of his majesty's current illness after courageously visiting the sick poor in his country. Our family has always remained close despite persisting on two sides of the ocean. His Majesty says that if his young nephew requires any assistance he can come to him for assistance. Remain hopeful in regard to your illness, you have too much to give to your people to perish so soon!
To His Imperial Majesty, Pedro II,
I write to you not in a civil role as a fellow statesman, but as a fellow Emperor, desirous of managing his family and keeping his legacy enriched with blood of a most noble stock, a notion of which I am sure you share. Thus, and I shall be swiftly to the point, which I hope does not seem crass, I must inquire regarding the Princess Imperial, Isabel, and future plans regarding marriage.
Recognizing the boon of aligning our two imperial dynasties, of which I do hope you agree would better both our houses' standing, I would venture to extend the following request to be undertaken by us both; let us seek to find within the House of Hapsburg-Lothringen a suitor for the Princess Imperial, so that we may bring our empires closer together, while providing for Isabel a husband capable of helping govern an empire and foster many well-bred and noble children.
I write to you not in a civil role as a fellow statesman, but as a fellow Emperor, desirous of managing his family and keeping his legacy enriched with blood of a most noble stock, a notion of which I am sure you share. Thus, and I shall be swiftly to the point, which I hope does not seem crass, I must inquire regarding the Princess Imperial, Isabel, and future plans regarding marriage.
Recognizing the boon of aligning our two imperial dynasties, of which I do hope you agree would better both our houses' standing, I would venture to extend the following request to be undertaken by us both; let us seek to find within the House of Hapsburg-Lothringen a suitor for the Princess Imperial, so that we may bring our empires closer together, while providing for Isabel a husband capable of helping govern an empire and foster many well-bred and noble children.
His Imperial and Royal Majesty Franz Joseph
To His Imperial Majesty, Franz Joseph,
"Although we welcome strengthened ties between our two nations it is I feel a difficult proposition that you have sent me. The issue of succession weighs on my mind but any child born of a foreign family will not be looked favorably upon by the nobles or my people in regard to inheriting the throne. It is my aim to find Isabel a suitable husband from within the empire to strengthen her claim if a crisis so arrises. But my daughter the Princess Leopoldina although still young has not been promised a husband and I would welcome a marriage between our imperial houses in five years time when my daughter will be of age to marry. If this is acceptable to his imperial majesty then I await your reply with a proposed suitor."
His Imperial Majesty, Pedro II
"Although we welcome strengthened ties between our two nations it is I feel a difficult proposition that you have sent me. The issue of succession weighs on my mind but any child born of a foreign family will not be looked favorably upon by the nobles or my people in regard to inheriting the throne. It is my aim to find Isabel a suitable husband from within the empire to strengthen her claim if a crisis so arrises. But my daughter the Princess Leopoldina although still young has not been promised a husband and I would welcome a marriage between our imperial houses in five years time when my daughter will be of age to marry. If this is acceptable to his imperial majesty then I await your reply with a proposed suitor."
His Imperial Majesty, Pedro II
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The Reform of the Imperial Army (1861)
After independence the Brazilian army was modeled after other systems in the Americas which is the adaptation of European methods merged with emergency conscription. There was little trust in maintaining a professional army in Brazil in the first years of the Empire and the nation gravitated on developing its naval power which by 1861 was one of the most modern navies in the world although it was relatively small. After the instabilities of the previous decades and the war in Uruguay the army gained prestige with its own people and with the world. Its officers are battle hardened and there is talent and experience but the enlisted ranks are filled with criminals, the poor, and wretched elements of the society. In times of war Brazil can easily raise large enough armies but the lack of training and professionalism makes them no better or worse than the soldiers of any other country on the continent.
Reforms of the Imperial Army (1861)
I. The pay rate for all ranks enlisted and officer shall be increased to acceptable rates. The range of pay for enlisted shall range from 5 to 20 reals to 20 to 50 reals. Officers shall have a rate range of 100 to 150 reals to 160 reals to 250 reals.
II. The system of private recruitment patron-state relationships will be allowed to persist. The government shall establish an office attached to the Ministry of War that shall be responsible for the state's recruitment and mustering of soldiers. This office shall set recruitment quotas for every year. Recruits can be of any race, free class, and nationality.
III. It shall be the goal of the empire to establish a permanent professional land army of 80,000 regulars at the end of a ten year period beginning at the passing of this legislation.
IV. The Imperial Army shall have resources dedicated to the modernization of its arms where it is needed, the supply of ammunition, artillery guns, new uniforms and boots, flags, and the training of recruits to meet the new standards this legislation enforces.
V. All subjects of the Empire will submit their name to the conscription office and are eligible for conscription. A man called to service may send another man in his place. If this man be a slave they will be granted freedom at the time of their signature or mark.
VI. The officer corp is encouraged to increase the number of commissions to enlisted men and the elimination of buying rank. In consideration of the wealth of talent within the aristocracy, twenty five percent of officer slots shall be reserved for those in possession of noble titles.
After independence the Brazilian army was modeled after other systems in the Americas which is the adaptation of European methods merged with emergency conscription. There was little trust in maintaining a professional army in Brazil in the first years of the Empire and the nation gravitated on developing its naval power which by 1861 was one of the most modern navies in the world although it was relatively small. After the instabilities of the previous decades and the war in Uruguay the army gained prestige with its own people and with the world. Its officers are battle hardened and there is talent and experience but the enlisted ranks are filled with criminals, the poor, and wretched elements of the society. In times of war Brazil can easily raise large enough armies but the lack of training and professionalism makes them no better or worse than the soldiers of any other country on the continent.
Reforms of the Imperial Army (1861)
I. The pay rate for all ranks enlisted and officer shall be increased to acceptable rates. The range of pay for enlisted shall range from 5 to 20 reals to 20 to 50 reals. Officers shall have a rate range of 100 to 150 reals to 160 reals to 250 reals.
II. The system of private recruitment patron-state relationships will be allowed to persist. The government shall establish an office attached to the Ministry of War that shall be responsible for the state's recruitment and mustering of soldiers. This office shall set recruitment quotas for every year. Recruits can be of any race, free class, and nationality.
III. It shall be the goal of the empire to establish a permanent professional land army of 80,000 regulars at the end of a ten year period beginning at the passing of this legislation.
IV. The Imperial Army shall have resources dedicated to the modernization of its arms where it is needed, the supply of ammunition, artillery guns, new uniforms and boots, flags, and the training of recruits to meet the new standards this legislation enforces.
V. All subjects of the Empire will submit their name to the conscription office and are eligible for conscription. A man called to service may send another man in his place. If this man be a slave they will be granted freedom at the time of their signature or mark.
VI. The officer corp is encouraged to increase the number of commissions to enlisted men and the elimination of buying rank. In consideration of the wealth of talent within the aristocracy, twenty five percent of officer slots shall be reserved for those in possession of noble titles.