A systematic account of Brazil's historical development from 1798 to 1852, this book analyzes the process that brought the sprawling Portuguese colonies of the New World into the confines of a single nation-state.
Isabel, the elder daughter of an emperor, was poised to inherit the Brazilian monarchy after Dom Pedro II. Serving as regent three times, she adhered to her father's directives while navigating the political landscape. During her final regency, rather than seeking power, Isabel championed the Gold Law of 1888, which abolished slavery in Brazil. This pivotal act not only dismantled a cornerstone of the monarchy but also hastened its decline, highlighting her commitment to social change over personal ambition.