Imperial Restoration War
The Imperial Restoration War, or the Joinville Resistance, was a brief conflict for the restoration of the monarchy of Brazil. It was a response to the coup d'etat that overthrew the government of Emperor Pedro II.
The Conflict
Prelude
Emperor Pedro II, following the Paraguayan War, signed the Golden Law into effect in 1878, freeing the slaves across the empire. This angered much of the landed elite, who saw slavery as a basic right, though was supported by much of the Brazilian population. The Brazilian military was forced to desegregate during the war due to the massive loss of life, and thus many white Brazilians developed a kinship with their black and mixed race comrades.
Led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, the Brazilian military occupied the capital and Imperial Palace, declaring the formation of the Brazilian Republic. It had long been speculated that the coup was supported by Gran Colombia, though the Colombian government denied any involvement while simultaneously recognized the republican government. Emperor Pedro and his family fled to Buenos Aires on the invitation of King Robert I of Argentina. The republican government protested, but Pedro had fled before he could be stopped.
While in Argentina, Pedro was convinced by many of his officers, as well as the governments of Argentina, Peru, and America, to reassert his claim over his throne. The other nations offered military support in accordance with the Continental Ordinance, stating the provisions offered a casus belli for regional stability. To solidify the arrangement, Robert and Pedro agreed to a royal marriage between Robert's daughter, Maria Louise,and Pedro's grandson, Augusto.
Deployment
The Argentine support landed with little resistance in the town of Florianopolis in Santa Catarina. From there, they met up with the Brazilian resistance in the city of Joinville, led by Pedro's brother-in-law, Francois. Francois had become the face of monarchical resistance to the provisional republican government, utilizing the federalists and monarchists alike for a common cause.
Meanwhile, the provisional republican government had difficulty finding stability. Many of the new ministers argued over the type of government to establish, with many in charge supporting a more centralized government system. This angered many of the regional governors, who desired more autonomy from the federal government,
Battlefield
The Siege of Salvador by the Argentine and Resistance navies opened up a second front in the war. The northern and southern forces attempted to meet at Rio de Janeiro, where they would present terms to the provisional giverment. The popularity of Pedro II among the Brazilian populace saw little effective opposition to the resistance.
Outcome
The provisional government accepted the terms of Pedro's forces. Pedro accepted to take the role of a constitutional monarch, and greater powers to the Prime Minister based on the elections of the popular vote. Despite this, Francois was appointed as the first Prime Minister of the restoration to oversee the reintegration of the republican rebels until elections could be established.
Aftermath
Tensions between the Brazilian monarchy and the government of Gran Colombia over rumors of Colombian intervention rose, despite little evidence to support the rumors.
Many of the military leaders that supported the resistance were given land and titles in the sparsely populated regions. This brought Swiss and German populations to the Brazilian aristocracy.
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