Maria I was the Queen of Portugal from 1777 until her death in 1816. She was the first woman to rule Portugal in her own right and was known for her strong character and dedication to her country. Maria I faced numerous challenges during her reign, including political instability and the effects of the French Revolution. During her rule, Maria I implemented various reforms aimed at modernizing Portugal. However, her reign was also marked by personal struggles, including mental health issues that led to her son, Prince John, acting as regent. Despite these challenges, she is remembered for her contributions to Portuguese history.