Conservative Party (Empire of Brazil) facts for kids

The Conservative Party was a Brazilian political party that existed during the time of the Empire of Brazil. It was formed around 1836 and stopped existing when Brazil became a republic in 1889. This party grew out of an older group called the Restoration Party. This group was a mix of people from the old Caramurus and some moderate liberals who had left their original group. The Conservative Party was also sometimes called regressist. It was the main rival to the Liberal Party, whose leader was Padre Feijó.

What Was the Conservative Party?

The Conservative Party was an important political group in Brazil during the 19th century. It played a big role in how the country was governed. Political parties are groups of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be run. They work together to get their members elected to government positions.

How Did the Party Start?

The Conservative Party didn't just appear out of nowhere. It formed from different groups of people who came together. One main group was the Restoration Party. This party itself was a mix of two older factions:

• The Caramurus, who supported the return of Emperor Pedro I to power.
• A group of moderate liberals who disagreed with some of the more extreme ideas of other liberals.

These groups joined forces around 1836. They wanted to create a more stable government for Brazil.

Who Were Their Rivals?

The Conservative Party had a strong rival: the Liberal Party. These two parties were the main political forces in Brazil during the Empire. They often disagreed on how the country should be run. The Liberal Party was led by a famous figure named Padre Feijó. He was a priest and a politician. The Conservatives and Liberals would often compete for power.

What Did "Regressist" Mean?

The Conservative Party was sometimes called regressist. This name might sound a bit strange. It meant that they generally favored keeping things more traditional. They wanted to slow down big changes in society and government. They believed in a strong central government. This was different from the Liberals, who often wanted more local power and faster changes.

End of an Era

The Conservative Party existed for over 50 years. It was a major player in Brazilian politics throughout the Empire. However, its time came to an end in 1889. This was the year of the Proclamation of the Brazilian Republic. When Brazil became a republic, the old imperial political system changed completely. New parties formed, and the Conservative Party, along with the Liberal Party, disappeared.