After a period of political dispute with the Parliament in Lisbon, Prince Peter finally breaks with it and declares the independence of Brazil in 1822, becoming its first Emperor, as Peter I. Peter I is supported by many of the Portuguese naval personnel stationed in Brazil, whose members became citizens of the new country. The new Brazilian Navy is constituted mainly with the Portuguese ships based in Brazil at that time and their respective crews. In the brief War of Independence of Brazil, some small naval engagements occur, between the Brazilian Navy and the Portuguese naval forces in Brazil that kept loyal to the Government of Lisbon.