The reign of Miguel I of Portugal, spanning from 1828 to 1834, remains defined by his assertive pursuit of absolute monarchy over constitutional governance. Emerging from the House of Bragança, his tenure as sovereign sparked intense domestic conflict, resulting in the Portuguese Liberal Wars that ultimately terminated his hold on the throne and prompted a permanent departure from his homeland.
Early Development and Exile
Born in 1802 at the Queluz Royal Palace in Lisbon, Miguel was the third son of King John VI and Queen Carlota Joaquina. His childhood was heavily influenced by the political instability of the Napoleonic era, leading him to accompany the royal family to Brazil in 1807. Upon his return to Portugal in 1821, he became a central figure in factional power struggles, often aligning with his mother in opposition to the more liberal leanings of his father and his brother, Pedro IV.
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Miguel sought to dismantle the 1822 Constitution, leading the Vilafrancada counter-revolution in 1823. Despite failing to secure his father’s immediate abdication, his actions resulted in the dissolution of the Cortes. In 1824, he orchestrated the Abrilada, a failed attempt to seize total control under the pretext of uncovering a masonic conspiracy. This move led to his temporary dismissal as generalissimo and his initial exile from Portuguese territory.
Regency and Coronation
Returning to Portugal in 1828 to serve as regent for his niece, Queen Maria II, Miguel quickly moved to claim the throne for himself. Arguing that his brother Pedro had forfeited his rights by becoming sovereign of the Brazilian Empire, Miguel assumed the crown. His reign triggered a period of severe internal conflict characterized by the imprisonment and persecution of political opponents, eventually leading to the Portuguese Liberal Wars.
Final Years
Following his removal from power in 1834, Miguel lived the final 32 years of his life in exile. He remained a figure of historical controversy, identified by various titles including the Grand Master of the Order of the Tower and Sword and the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa. He died in 1866 in Esselbach and was eventually buried at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
Fast facts
- Born: 1802, Lisbon
- Died: 1866, Esselbach
- Reign: 1828-1834
- Military rank: Generalissimo
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Burial place: Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
- Languages: Portuguese
- Notable honor: Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (1804)
Questions readers ask
Why did Miguel I lose the throne?
He was forced out after losing the Portuguese Liberal Wars, a conflict between his absolutist supporters and constitutionalist forces.
What was the Abrilada?
It was a 1824 event where Miguel placed his father, King John VI, under protective custody, claiming he was acting to secure the king's life against a conspiracy.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit
- Knight of the Order of Saint Michael
- Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece — 1804
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary
- Worked as sovereign
