Maria I of Portugal was the queen of Portugal from 1777 until her death in 1816. She was the first woman to hold the title of queen regnant in Portugal and was known for her efforts to modernize the country. Maria I faced numerous challenges during her reign, including political instability and the impact of the Napoleonic Wars. Maria I was also known for her deep religious beliefs and her commitment to the Catholic Church. Her reign saw the establishment of several social and economic reforms, although her mental health declined later in life, leading to her son, Prince John, taking over many of her duties.