John VI of Portugal was born on October 13, 1767, and became the King of Portugal in 1816. He was known for his efforts to modernize the country and navigate the challenges posed by the Napoleonic Wars. During this tumultuous time, he and his court fled to Brazil, which became a significant part of the Portuguese Empire. His reign saw the transition of Brazil from a colony to a kingdom in 1815, reflecting the growing importance of the region. John VI returned to Portugal in 1821, but his later years were marked by political instability, leading to his death on March 10, 1826.