Dom Pedro

Born October 1798, Dom Pedro was the son o John VI of Portugal and Charlotte of Spain. When Napoleon conquered Portugal in 1807, Pedro accompanied the royal family in its flight to Brazil. He remained there as regent when King John returned to Portugal in 1821. He issued a declaration of Brazilian independence on Sept. 7, 1822 and three months later he was crowned king, no war necessary. Dom Pedro went on to rule and eventually died of natural causes in Portugal.