16 SELLING LATIN AMERICA 
established himself in Rio de Janeiro (in 
1808), and ruled Portugal from this one of 
his possessions. This is the only instance in 
history of any portion of Europe ever being 
ruled from the western continent. When 
peace came to Europe, King John returned, 
leaving Brazil under the regency of his eldest 
son Dom Pedro, who in 1822, proclaimed 
Brazil independent of Portugal, and estab 
lished himself in power as Emperor, the first 
and only instance of such a form of govern 
ment in South America. Dom Pedro was 
forced to abdicate in 1831 in favor of his son 
Dom Pedro II, who after reigning through a 
regency assumed the throne on becoming of 
age in 1840. It is unnecessary to detail the 
causes that led to the bloodless revolution of 
November 15, 1889, which ended his reign 
and by means of which Brazil proclaimed her 
self a republic, adopting a constitution pat 
terned after our own and a government com 
prising a President, with legislative powers 
vested in a Congress composed of two bodies, 
a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.