alternatehistory.com

OK so while reading about Portugal and Brazil, and I was struck by the huge differences between the two after Brazilian independence. Brazil became a true modern nation, with a powerful armed forces, strong industries and a wonderful educational system. Portugal, by contrast, declined heavily during the 19th century, falling behind in industry, economics and power in general. One of the reasons for Brazil's success was its monarch, Pedro II. He was originally second in line to the Portuguese throne, but his father Pedro I & IV abdicated that nation to his daughter Maria. So what if the two were reversed, with Pedro becoming Pedro V of Portugal and Maria eventually becoming Empress of Brazil? Is this possible or no? How would his affect world history?
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