Dom Pedro I

Hello! My name is Pedro, and I was a prince. I was born in a beautiful palace in Portugal on October 12th, 1798. But when I was nine years old, in 1807, a French leader named Napoleon tried to take over our country. My whole family, including my father the king, had to sail across the giant ocean to a new home: Brazil! It was so different from Portugal. It was warm and filled with colorful birds and giant trees. I loved riding my horse through the countryside and exploring this amazing new land.

After many years, in 1821, it was safe for my father to return to Portugal. He asked me to stay and look after Brazil for him. But soon, the leaders in Portugal wanted me to come home too. The people of Brazil were worried. They came to me and asked me to stay and be their leader. On January 9th, 1822, I made a huge decision. I stood before everyone and announced, 'I will stay!' The people cheered so loudly! That day is now remembered in Brazil as 'Fico Day,' which means 'I will stay' day.

Even though I stayed, the government in Portugal still tried to tell Brazil what to do. I knew Brazil was ready to be its own country. On September 7th, 1822, I was riding my horse near the Ipiranga River when I received a message from Portugal. I knew the time was now. I pulled out my sword, held it up high, and shouted, 'Independence or Death!' That moment is called the 'Cry of Ipiranga,' and it was the moment Brazil became a free and independent nation.

After I declared independence, I became Dom Pedro I, the very first Emperor of Brazil. I helped create its flag and its national anthem. After helping Brazil get started, I eventually returned to Portugal. I lived to be 35 years old. Today, people in Brazil remember me as 'the Liberator' because I helped their country become free. My story shows how one person's love for a place and its people can change the world.