orig. Dom Pedro de Alcântara
born Dec. 2, 1825, Rio de Janeiro, Braz.
died Dec. 5, 1891, Paris, Fr.
Second and last emperor of Brazil (1831–89).
He became emperor at age five when his father, Pedro I , abdicated. After a period of regency, he was crowned in 1841. His concern for his subjects, skill at arbitrating political disputes, and leadership in economic matters brought stability to the country. He led Brazil into the Paraguayan War , which brought Brazil prestige and territory. His support eroded primarily over the issue of the imperial prerogatives. Emancipation was proclaimed in 1888; in 1889 Pedro II was removed in a military coup, and a republic was established. See also José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva .