The Second Reign is a period of history within the Empire of Brazil that lasted 49 years, beginning with the end of the regency period on 23 July 1840, upon the declaration of Pedro de Alcântara's majority, and ending on 15 November 1889, when the parliamentary constitutional monarchy in force was removed by the proclamation of the republic.
The Second Reign represented a period of great cultural progress and significance for Brazil, with the growth and consolidation of the Brazilian nation as an independent country and as an important member of the American nations. This era witnessed the consolidation of the country's army and navy, culminating in the Paraguayan War in 1865, and profound changes in the social sphere, such as the gradual abolition of slavery and the encouragement of European immigration to join the Brazilian workforce.