John VI of Portugal

John VI of Portugal (1767-1826) was the King of Portugal from 1816 until his death. He became king after his mother, Maria I, became unable to rule due to mental illness. During his reign, he faced significant challenges, including the Peninsular War, which forced the Portuguese royal family to flee to Brazil in 1807. This move transformed Brazil into a de facto kingdom alongside Portugal. After the war, John VI returned to Portugal but struggled with political instability and calls for constitutional reform. His reign marked a crucial period in the transition of Portugal's monarchy and the eventual independence of Brazil.