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Maria II of Portugal

Also known as Maria II the Educator (epithet)

Rio de Janeiro, 4 Apr 1819 – Lisbon, 15 Nov 1853

14 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

  • Born4 Apr 1819, Rio de Janeironot verified1 source
  • MarriedFerdinand II of Portugalnot verified1 source
  • MarriedAuguste de Beauharnaisnot verified1 source
  • TitleGrand Mistress of the Order of Saint Isabel, 1826–1853or Monarch of Portugal, 1826–1828 · Monarch of Portugal, 1834–1853not verified1 source
  • TitleMonarch of Portugal, 1826–1828or Grand Mistress of the Order of Saint Isabel, 1826–1853 · Monarch of Portugal, 1834–1853not verified1 source
  • TitleMonarch of Portugal, 1834–1853or Monarch of Portugal, 1826–1828 · Grand Mistress of the Order of Saint Isabel, 1826–1853not verified1 source
  • Died15 Nov 1853, Lisbonnot verified1 source
  • MotherMaria Leopoldina of Austrianot verified1 source
  • FatherPedro I of Brazilnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 4 Apr 1819

    Born in Rio de Janeiro

  2. 1826–1853

    Grand Mistress of the Order of Saint Isabel

  3. 1826–1828

    Monarch of Portugal

  4. 1834–1853

    Monarch of Portugal

  5. 1837–1853

    11 children are born

  6. 15 Nov 1853

    Dies in Lisbon, aged 34

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partners

Children · 11

During her lifetime

She lived through 5 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Rio de Janeiro.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1810s · Maria II is born in Rio de Janeiro

Who governed

What people wore

Informal home attire for men

Brazilian men often discarded stiff outer layers at home, wearing only a cotton shirt, knee-length breeches, and clogs. Only a few elite men owned nightgowns, which were used to signal worldliness and status.

Daily life

Simple and often dark colonial homes

Houses were typically dark, simple, and constructed from rammed earth, stone, or brick, with narrow layouts that limited airflow and natural light. To repel insects, some residents mixed cow dung with the clay used for walls.

In the news1807–1811

French Invasions Ruin Economy (1807-1811)

The French invasions of 1807, 1809, and 1810-1811 caused widespread devastation, economic ruin, and the temporary departure of the royal family to Brazil.

Music

Informal music making in homes

In the early 19th century, people frequently gathered in homes for informal musical sessions, where they sang sentimental modinhas accompanied by the viola. These intimate gatherings were central to daily life and often featured improvised concerts at night.

At the table

Dining out for 800 réis

By 1816, specialized dining houses in Rio de Janeiro offered public table service for 800 réis per person, including wine or liquor.

In South America1810–1825

Spanish America wins independence

From Mexico to Argentina, led by Bolívar, San Martín and others, Spain’s colonies broke away and became a dozen republics.

Getting around

High cost and time for transport

Transporting one arroba (about 14.7 kg) of sugar from Campinas to the port of Santos cost between 340 and 400 réis and took 12 days of travel.