Dom Pedro I was the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil. Born on October 12, 1798, in Portugal, he was the son of King John VI of Portugal. In 1822, he declared Brazil's independence from Portugal and became its first emperor, ruling until his abdication in 1831. After abdicating, Dom Pedro I returned to Portugal, where he became King as Pedro IV. He played a significant role in the Liberal Wars, supporting constitutional monarchy. He died on September 24, 1834, leaving a legacy as a key figure in both Brazilian and Portuguese history.