July 18: Today is the anniversary of the coronation of Peter II as Emperor of Brazil, in 1841.

Emperor Pedro II at age 12 wearing court dress and the Order of the Golden Fleece, 1838

He was baptized with the name of Peter Leopoldo Salvador João Carlos Bibiano Francisco Xavier de Paula Leocádio Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga. Peter II was son of Peter I of the dynasty of Braganza of Portugal. His reign lasted 58 years, between 1831 and 1889.

Pedro II at age 20 wearing court dress, 1846

Peter II Brazil took advantage of a decadent and politicized society to an orderly and progressive country, thanks to the achievement of political stability and economic growth. The key seems to be having established a constitutional monarchy and proclaiming the British Constitutional model for Brazil.

Pedro II around age 22, c.1848. This is the earliest surviving photograph of the Emperor

The reign of Peter II was victorious in three international wars: against Argentina and Uruguay in the 1850s by which prevented Uruguay to be annexed to Argentina.

Pedro II around age 25, c.1851

The second was from 1864 to 1865 when it invaded Uruguay, to intervene in the Uruguayan civil war.

Pedro II at age 46 delivering the Speech from the Throne wearing the Imperial Regalia , 1872

And the third confrontation, derived from the above, was the Paraguayan War between Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay against Paraguay, very incited by the British Empire, to save British interests.

Pedro II at age 61, 1887: an Emperor weary of his crown and resigned to the monarchy's demise