What was the Majority Coup?

O Majority Coup was a way found by the Liberal Party to put an end to the Regency Period (1831–1840).

According to Constitution of 1824, Dom Pedro II could only assume the throne when he turned 18, in 1843. However, the government urgently saw the creation of a strategy that would strengthen the authority of the Empire.

Thus, the liberals proposed advancing D. Pedro II who was only 14 years old. An application was signed by 40 deputies and 18 senators, requesting that he assume the throne.

Choosing to assume the post immediately, Dom Pedro II is proclaimed Emperor of Brazil on July 23, 1840.

Majority Coup – Summary

After the abdication of Dom Pedro I, the country was governed by regencies (1831–1840). So the Majority Coup or Declaration of Majority, was the only way found to allow Dom Pedro II assume the throne.

Since First Reign (1822–1831), the country was experiencing social and political instability that made D. Pedro I to abdicate the throne due to the dissatisfaction of Brazilians with the precarious living conditions.

d. Pedro II was only 5 years old when his father renounced the throne in 1831. From then on, the country is governed by representatives of conservative and liberal political groups, called regents. Both liberals and conservatives represented different principles.

Brazil faced, during the regency period, several revolts:

• sabinada
• Revolt of the Males
• War of the Rags
• Cabanagem
• Balaiada

Thus, many believed that the instability the country was going through was due to the absence of a central figure who concentrated in himself the necessary aptitudes to govern the nation. Therefore, the urgency of centralizing power was defended.

The Clube da Maioridade was then created, aiming to anticipate the project of the majority of D. Pedro II.

In July 1840, D. Pedro II is declared of legal age and capable of governing Brazil. The period of his rule was called second reign, lasting until the time of Proclamation of the Republic, on November 15, 1889.

Learn more at:

• pre-colonial period
• Brazil Empire
• Timeline of Brazil Empire — First and Second Reigns — Chronology