Pedro II (1825 - 1891)
Deodoro da Fonseca (1827 - 1892)
November 15th 1889: Brazilian coup
On this day in 1889, a military coup occurred in Brazil and the country became a republic. The coup overthrew Emperor Pedro II and was led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, who later became the first President of the Republic. The Brazilian monarchy had been unsteady for many years, since Pedro II’s son died, leaving him with only a female heir which many considered unacceptable. Whilst the monarchy was popular with the people, both Pedro and his daughter were indifferent to the continuance of the monarchy. Thus a republican minority was able to overthrow the monarchy and establish the republic.
