Born: 1797 (Vienna, Austria)
Died: 1826
Biography:
Maria Leopoldina of Austria, also known as Dona Maria Leopoldina, was born on January 22, 1797, in Vienna, Austria. She was the first Empress of Brazil as the wife of Emperor Dom Pedro I, reigning from October 12, 1822, until her untimely death on December 11, 1826. Maria Leopoldina was also briefly the Queen of Portugal during her husband’s short reign as King Dom Pedro IV, from March 10 to May 2, 1826.
As the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II and his second wife, Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily, Maria Leopoldina came from a prestigious lineage. Her siblings included Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria and Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma, who famously married Napoleon Bonaparte. The education Maria Leopoldina received during her childhood and adolescence was exceptional, providing her with a broad and eclectic knowledge base. Her cultural and political training were imparted at a higher level than was typical for her time.
The educational philosophy followed by the Habsburg family, which Maria Leopoldina belonged to, was inspired by her grandfather, Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. He believed that children should be instilled with high qualities from an early age, such as compassion, humanity, and the desire to bring happiness to others. Maria Leopoldina’s education, steeped in a deep Christian faith and a solid scientific and cultural background, prepared her to be a suitable royal consort.
In the 21st century, historians have proposed that Maria Leopoldina was one of the primary influencers in the process of Brazil’s Independence in 1822. Her biographer, Paulo Rezzutti, argues that Brazil owes its existence as a nation largely to her. He asserts that Maria Leopoldina wholeheartedly embraced Brazil as her country, its people as her own, and the cause of Independence as her mission. She played a crucial role in advising Dom Pedro on important political decisions that shaped the future of the nation, including the Dia do Fico and the subsequent opposition to the Portuguese courts regarding their return to Portugal.
Maria Leopoldina’s unwavering commitment to governing the country during Dom Pedro’s travels through the Brazilian provinces makes her the first woman to become the head of state in an independent American country. Her influence and dedication to Brazil’s welfare were instrumental in the early years of the young nation’s existence.
Despite her brief life, Maria Leopoldina made a lasting impact on Brazilian society and history. Her intelligence, political acumen, and unwavering dedication to her adopted country set her apart as an influential figure in women’s history. She remains a respected and revered figure in Brazil’s collective memory.