page_title: Consolidation of Pedro II of Brazil
section_title: Establishment of the imperial authority
hierarchical_section_title: Consolidation of Pedro II of Brazil / Under the shadow of the Courtier faction / Establishment of the imperial authority
caption_attribution_description: English: Emperor Pedro II of Brazil, 1846. Português: Imperador Pedro II do Brasil, 1846.
context_page_description: The consolidation of Pedro II of Brazil covers the period from his coronation on 18 July 1841 until 6 September 1853.
context_section_description: Empress Teresa Cristina was accompanied by her brother Prince Louis, Count of Aquila, who married Princess Januária. The relationship between the emperor and the count soon soured. Unlike the young Pedro II, Áquila was an "extrovert with an easy charm, he valued entertainment above study and pleasure above duty." In contrast, the emperor appeared uneasy in social situations, and somewhat insecure and immature. However, the unfavorable comparison soon was eliminated. The Italian prince committed the grave mistake of attempting to acquire a more prominent position in the Brazilian court, an ambition which the "Courtier faction" found threatening to its interests. The steward Paulo Barbosa, ever vigilant against any loss of status at court, aroused Pedro II's fears and insecurities by alleging that Áquila had designs upon the throne. The relationship between the brothers-in-law became unbearable, at which point the count, tired of being mistreated by the emperor, departed with Januária for Europe on 23 October 1844. The suspicions directed towards family members exposed an insecurity and undeveloped sense of judgment which were incompatible with his position as ruler. The emperor's attention was too easily misdirected to gossip, and he too willingly believed baseless allegations of plots directed against himself. This immaturity was exploited by the "Courtier faction" which controlled access to the emperor.
  However, things quickly changed. With adulthood came a flowering of Pedro II's more admirable traits, and a fading of immature vulnerabilities. The emperor became more confident, courteous, and judicious. He no longer allowed others to manipulate his affairs or influence his decisions in governing, and became adroit at handling both personal and official interactions. The shy and suspicious youth became a man who could be sophisticated and charming in social situations. Pedro II "became a highly respected, even beloved, monarch whose dominance of the nation’s affairs was both welcome and unquestioned." Other positive traits flourished, such as his ability to exercise restraint. He learned to be patient and courteous, even under trying circumstances. He no longer allowed his emotions to be drawn out in public. "He was never rude and never lost his temper. He was exceptionally discreet in words and cautious in action."
  Factors other than adulthood contributed to the beneficial changes: the long "Aureliano tutorship" (which allowed him to master the art of politics), the birth of his first son Afonso in 1845 (which gave him, as a father, a new opportunity to bond emotionally with another person, as well as a sense of purpose and self-worth), and finally but no less importantly, an end to domination by the courtiers. Pedro II sent Paulo Barbosa to serve as diplomatic envoy to Saint Petersburg in mid-1846. With Paulo Barbosa's influence in eclipse, Aureliano Coutinho lost much of his power and soon found himself stripped of his remaining political clout, "the result of an implicit, if unspoken, ban imposed by Pedro II." It is unknown whether the fall of the courtiers was engineered by the emperor directly, or whether he simply took advantage of opportunities which presented themselves to distance himself from their influence. There was no break on a personal level, and both men continued to enjoy friendly relationships with the emperor. The highly successful trip that Pedro II made to the southern provinces during this period improved his self-confidence and at the same time enhanced his reputation and authority. The emperor undertook to travel through areas of Rio Grande do Sul impacted during the Ragamuffin War, and his efforts were well received. The visit was met with great popular enthusiasm in Santa Catarina and São Paulo (and what is now Paraná). The populace gave many indications of their goodwill and appreciation to him for this personal involvement and concern. It became apparent during 1847 that Pedro II, at the age of 21, had solidified his authority.
caption: Pedro II at age 20, 1846.
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