Between 1821 and 1822, Dom Pedro I held the position of Prince Regent of Brazil. Even lasting a brief period of time, Dom Pedro's provisional government was marked by a set of quite intense transformations. At the time, his father, Dom João VI had left the government in his hands to participate in the political reform process that had taken over Portugal since 1820. Here in Brazil, this same news had important historical consequences.
The arrival of Dom João VI in Brazil in 1808, more than marking the transfer of a Royal Court, radically transformed the condition of the Brazilian economy. Released from only doing business with Portugal, the large Brazilian agricultural producers achieved more significant profit levels with the insertion of their products in the free market. In addition, the arrival of British products in Brazil established a new standard of living and consumption in the country.
During the formation of the Cortes in Portugal, the Porto revolutionaries intended to restructure the Portuguese economy. For this, they believed that the maintenance of colonial ties was of paramount importance for the strengthening of Portugal's economy. This meant the interruption of all material benefits offered by the economic freedom brought with Dom João's government. Thus, Brazilian aristocrats formed the Brazilian Party with the aim of mobilizing forces that would preserve their economic interests.
One of the first measures of this new party was to gather a set of signatures that demanded the permanence of Dom Pedro in Brazil. This demonstration demanding support from Dom Pedro, was a response to the formal request of the Portuguese courts that demanded the return of the prince regent to Portugal. Glimpsing political control over Brazilian territory, Dom Pedro I, on January 9, 1822, declared his loyalty to Brazilians in the pronouncement that became known as Dia do Fico.
Soon after, Dom Pedro dismissed all the Portuguese who were part of his council of ministers and formed a new council made up only of Brazilians. In May 1822, Brazilian ministers instituted the so-called “Fulfillment”. According to this measure, any order coming from Portugal could only be carried out with the prior approval of the Prince Regent. Reinforcing support for Dom Pedro I, the ministers declared Dom Pedro as "Brazil's perpetual defender."
In June 1822, Dom Pedro decided to compose a Constituent Assembly that should form a set of basic laws to be applied throughout the national territory. This measure highlighted the difference in interests between Brazil and Portugal. In August, the Portuguese government sent a new decree annulling the decisions taken by the Prince Regent and demanding his immediate return.
Advised by José Bonifácio and his wife, Dona Leopoldina, Dom Pedro saw no alternative but the declaration of independence. That same afternoon of September 7, 1822, on the banks of the Ipiranga stream, Dom Pedro I proclaimed Brazil a country independent of Portugal.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiab/a-regencia-dom-pedro-i.htm