On November 15th 1889 one of the shortest run empires in history came to an end. The second and final Brazilian Emperor, Pedro II, was deposed in a military coup. The Brazilian monarchy had only started in 1822, and Pedro II ruled it from 1831, when he was just five years old.
The Brazilian Empire originated in the country's long running drive for independence from its Portuguese rulers. In 1822 Brazil was governed by Dom Pedro, the father of Pedro II, and son of King John VI of Portugal. He had created a council of advisors who favoured a totally independent Brazil. On the other hand, the Portuguese royal family and government wanted to completely re-colonise the country and take much more direct control.
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